Hitch

In Hitch, Will plays New York-based Alex ‘Hitch’ Hitchens, a dating consultant, who helps out guys who have a lot going for them – nice cars, good salaries, jobs and nice houses but who don’t know the first thing about how to approach and chat up women. Guys in short, who are in dire need of a smooth-tongued Cyrano de Bergerac type who can give them the right lines and get from first base to 20th in a matter of a few weeks. Hitch is the man for the task.

Hitch, whilst helping out plump inhibited city accountant Albert (Kevin James) with his lovelife, makes a pig’s ear of his own. He’s got involved with feisty gossip-columnist Sara (Eva Mendes) and his moves appear to be working just fine (check out the breakfast date that involves water-skiing !) but the path of true love doesn’t always run smooth as Hitch is about to find out ..

Andy Tennant (Sweet Home Alabama) directs this slight but entertaining romantic comedy with a degree of visual flair making the most of what is fairly standard fare. Smith of course is never short of engaging and wants you to love him from the moment he walks on the screen, in a Cary Grant kind of a way. Eva Mendes is a nice foil since her character doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Its going to be a big couples’ hit, since Hitch is talking a lot about the behaviour of women – guys may learn a thing or two, women will enjoy seeing what Smith’s character picks on when it comes to the difficult subject of dating.

Hitch is not memorable – you’ll enjoy a few laughs for the two hours its on but you won’t remember much of this ‘rom-com’ next day for instance. It should go down well though and Will Smith fans are sure not to be disappointed. His talking-to-camera role is a departure from other parts he’s played. Certainly go if you’re just after two hours entertainment where you don’t have to think too hard.

Matt Arnoldi