Hitch (2005) * * *

 

Directed by:  Andy Tennant

Starring:  Will Smith, Kevin James, Amber Valletta, Eva Mendes, Adam Arkin, Jeffrey Donovan

Alex Hitchens (Smith) must make a damn good living as a "date doctor", someone who, for a hefty fee I assume, guides lonely men into irresistible studs who land the women of their dreams.  He has a huge Manhattan loft which must cost a fortune in monthly rent, and dresses to the nines.  The opening credits show a montage of Hitch's success stories with his mightiest challenge: slovenly, portly accountant Albert Brennaman (James).  Albert is desperately in love with world famous model and entrepreneur Allegra Cole (Valletta) to the point that he hires Hitch to help him win her.  Hitch has his work cut out for him.  Albert is a kind, bumbling soul who knows Allegra is way out of his league, but as Hitch puts it, "You swing for the fences,"

While Hitch works with Albert to improve himself, he finds himself drawn to undercover newspaper columnist Sara (Mendes), who hears urban legends about a date doctor and tries to determine if he's real, not recognizing that Hitch, who takes her out on disastrous date after another, is the one she's after.  How could she believe Hitch would be a specialist in romance?  Their first date ended with Sara being knocked into the river and the second has Hitch going to the ER with a shellfish allergy.  Whatever advice he gives others isn't working for him.  Hitch doesn't advertise his services and works under the radar.  An expose on him would be devastating for his business.

Hitch is a gentle romantic comedy with nice people, except for the movie's quasi-villain Vance Munson (Donovan), an arrogant sleazeball who wants to hire Hitch to land a one-night stand with Sara's friend and is immediately rebuffed.  Unlike Albert, it doesn't swing for the fences.  Smith's charm carries a bulk of Hitch and James is a lovable lug with the capability of surprising Allegra and us.  I also enjoyed Valletta as Allegra, who has her own insecurities and truly takes a liking to Albert, who goes against much of Hitch's advice and succeeds anyway.  It might be time for Hitch to find a real job after this.