Hitch (2005)

Date Expectations

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Hitch on DVD.

If nothing else, this appealing romantic comedy from director Andy Tennant (Ever After) will fuel the feud between the sexes, opening up some fascinating dialogues after leaving the theater. Until then, Will Smith portrays Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, a so-called "date doctor" who teaches males to read women's elusive signals and to make the right moves. Of course, he falls for beautiful gossip columnist, Sara (Eva Mendes), and can't follow any of his own advice. Hitch is sorely in need of tightening; the many subplots and silly slapstick interludes tend to pile up over the long running time (115 minutes). But Smith's knockout comic performance, with its perfect pitches and pauses, ultimately saves the day. Mendes stretches out in her most generous role to date, effectively matching comic jabs with Smith, while Kevin James ("The King of Queens") provides able support as Hitch's current client.

Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Michael Rapaport, Amber Valletta, Kevin Sussman, Julie Ann Emery, Robinne Lee, Nathan Lee Graham, Adam Arkin, Jeffrey Donovan, Paula Patton, Philip Bosco, Navia Nguyen, Matt Malloy, Maria Thayer, Ato Essandoh, Marlyne Afflack, Jack Hartnett, David Wike, Frederick B. Owens, Jenna Stern, Adam LeFevre, Joe Lo Truglio, Ptolemy Slocum, Kahan James, Matt Servitto, Amy Hohn, Mimi Weddell, Maulik Pancholy, Caprice Benedetti, Tony Travis, Mercedes Renard, Austin Lysy, Jose Llana
Written by: Kevin Bisch
Directed by: Andy Tennant
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language and some strong sexual references
Running Time: 115 minutes
Date: February 11, 2005