Review of Hitch (2005) by Ola G — 16 Aug 2016

Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) is a professional "date doctor" who coaches other men in the art of wooing women, with a focus on long-term relationships. While coaching one of his clients, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), who is smitten with a client of his investment firm, celebrity Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), Hitch finds himself falling for Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). Sara is a gossip columnist and a major workaholic. While Albert and Allegra's relationship continues to progress, Hitch finds it difficult to initiate a dialog with Sara, finding that none of his methods are working for catching her, while likewise being impressed with her ability to see through people's attempts to make advances. Throughout the entire process, he keeps his career secret, claiming to be a generic "consultant." Hitch meets with Vance Munson (Jeffrey Donovan), a shallow chauvinist attempting to enlist Hitch to help him land a one-night stand with Casey Sedgewick (Julie Ann Emery), Sara's coworker and best friend. Although Hitch refused to help, Vance misled Sara into believing that he used Hitch's services. After finding out Hitch's true identity, Sara publishes an exposé, causing Allegra and Albert to break up and Hitch's reputation to suffer. Hitch needs to come clean and show his love for Sara to mend their relationship...

"Hitch" carries classic romcom signs, but yet has its own entity within the genre in my eyes. The fact is that this sort of role fits Will Smith like the hand in a glove. His character Alex "Hitch" Hitchens has that balance between being self assure and suave but yet within there´s that unsure and real person he battles with. Smith handles that in a great manner and his cool facade breaks down the more he becomes in love with Sara. The same goes for the lovely Eva Mendes character Sara and she handles it equally well as Smith. Even if Smith´s character helps his clients to make memorable impressions with women they like and want to start a relationship with, he does not help out guys who want to "Hit it and quit it". Meaning there´s a love code and moral to it. I like that. Kevin James is maybe a bit like Will Smith, in a way one dimensional in his acting, however the character Albert is perfect for him. There´s funny moments, sad moments, ok dialogue, chemistry between the main actors, solid soundtrack and a beautiful homage to New York City through the camera lens. "Hitch" is ok in my eyes.