Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

What do you get when you mix the affable charm and boundless energy of Will Smith with the distinctive beauty and undeniable sexiness of Eve Mendes? A thoroughly watchable movie no matter what the subject matter; in this case the movie is Hitch, which takes place in the beautiful city of New York.

Directed by Andy Tennant (Ever After, Anna and the King, Sweet Home Alabama) Hitch is the engaging story of suave Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, portrayed by Will Smith (Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black). Hitch plows his trade as a Manhattan-based dating consultant, the Date Doctor, who helps his male clientele win the hearts, hands, and mind of the women of their dreams. He doesn’t advertise, has no office; his clients come to him by word of mouth, and a black plastic chip; his calling card if you will. Hitch is charming, sincere, and really admires and respects women. Women interest him! More importantly he has unlocked the secret passage into the heart of any woman, and he passes those secrets along to his clients. If a man is looking for a one-night stand Hitch is not your man. Hitch has integrity and a moral code he adheres to.

Smith sheds his more violent veneer (re: Bad Boys, Bad Boys II, Men In Black, and Independence Day), and plays up the more sophisticated and sexy side of his well established screen persona as he mentors his current principle client Albert Brennaman a portly CPA portrayed by comedian Kevin James (King of Queens, 50 First Dates), who wants to woe the hand of one Allegra Cole a rich, seemingly inaccessible socialite portrayed by Amber Valletta (What Lies Beneath, The Transporter II).

The cute irony we come to learn is that Hitch's own romantic existence lacks definition and purpose; he moves from one meaningless relationship to the next, never letting himself feel for his conquests for fear of getting hurt, again. That is until a lovely Latina gossip columnist named Sara, who is also relationship adverse, portrayed by Eva Mendes (Training Day, Out of Time, Once Upon a Time in Mexico) comes into his life and the two circle each other on a glide path to love.

According to the gospel of Hitch any man can win the hand of any woman; it’s all just a matter of finding the right formulation, the right roadway to her heart. Director Andy Tennant set out to prove this by bring the same light touch to the film that made Drew Barrymore's Ever After (1998) and Reese Witherspoon’s Sweet Home Alabama (2002) so effortlessly engaging, heartfelt, and fun to watch. As a genre; i.e. a romantic comedy, Hitch brings nothing new to the cinematic table; there are no big surprises here, but the movie makes a great date movie; its lighthearted nature is very hard to dislike.

In Hitch Will Smith shows us that he is not just a cocky action hero; indeed within the folds of Hitch Smith is within his element; there is a natural aura of charm that surrounds Smith that is most engaging, and it flows naturally on the screen. Smith carries of the role of the Love Doctor with effortless charm and confidence, with just a hint of bravado.

Kevin James brings the zaniness that make him so appealing in The Queen of Kings to Hitch, but I never knew he so short! And he carries his roundness with an air of dignity that would do any weight challenged individual proud.

The chemistry between Will Smith and his gorgeous co-star Eva Mendes is undeniable, though Ms Mendes was not on-screen enough for my taste. Speaking of which, Ms. Mendes turns in a fine performance as a driven women hiding behind her job; once bitten, twice shy. Bit actresses Amber Valletta, and Julie Ann Emery, especially the latter with her charming southern drawl.

Final Read: though I am not overly fond of romantic comedies, Hitch is a winner in my book. Though there are some plot holes over all the movie is smartly written, and well acted. And both the actors and the New York skyline are beautiful to behold. Need a date movie for a nice Friday night on the couch? Hitch just might be the movie for you.

Principle Actors: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta, Julie Ann Emery.
Director: Andy Tennant
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.
Number of Discs: (1)
Rating: Rated PG-13
Studio: Sony Pictures
DVD Release Date: June 14, 2005
Run Time: 120 Minutes
DVD Features:
o Available Subtitles: English, French
o Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
o 3 deleted scenes
o Blooper reel
o "Dance Steps Made Easy" featurette
o "Hitch Style" featurette
o "The Dating Experts" featurette
o "Love in New York" featurette
o "Will Smith's Red Carpet Ride" featurette
o "1 Thing" music video by Amerie


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12