Hitch Reviews

Movie lotharios who break the fourth wall to deliver tips on winning over women are nothing new; Michael Caine and Jude Law make it look easy in both versions of ALFIE (1966, 2004). But while HITCH's hero shares their commitment problem, Will Smith's playboy Alex "Hitch" Hitchens is less bracingly selfish — he's all about spreading the love and helping his fellow man. Charismatic bachelor Hitch is known as the "date doctor," and his anonymous, by referral only assistance to New York's less-than-suave bachelors has made him something close to an urban legend. Though he only helps men who are truly in love, Hitch uses his own tools to pitch woo a wide variety of sexy singles — he refuses to commit because he once had his own heart brutally broken. But Hitch meets his match in sassy gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), on whom he sets his sights after he meets her at a bar. As it happens, Hitch must tackle his biggest personal dating challenge ever while undertaking the-near impossible task of transforming frumpy, clumsy, overweight, asthmatic, goofball accountant Albert (Kevin James) into a datable specimen capable of winning gorgeous, wealthy celebrity Allegra Cole (Amber Valleta), whose every move is followed by the paparazzi. Luckily, Albert has the tiniest bit of an in by virtue of being part of Allegra's money-management team, and with Hitch's coaching he manages to intrigue the lovely Ms. Cole with his sweetness. They attend a fashion event together and she ends up a little bit smitten with his unconventional ways and offbeat sense of humor. Love is all around as Hitch manages to persuade Sara to go out with him, and while the date is a disaster they seem to enjoy each others company. But trouble begins to brew when gossip-hound Sara discovers that the dorky Albert won Allegra with the help of the elusive "date doctor" and decides that uncovering the shadowy legend's identity would make a juicy story. SWEET HOME ALABAMA (2002) director Andy Tennant's newest foray into modern romance is sometimes unrealistic, overlong and occasionally dips into the melodramatic. But when it's funny, it's truly funny and the featured couples all have an easy and believable chemistry. It doesn't hurt that the immensely enjoyable Smith can handle both romance and comedy moments, but he's at his best indulging in flat-out physical humor with the side-splittingly funny James.