My Take on the Movies
A Mini-Review of
HITCH
By: A. L. “Toni” Anderson

Hitch (2005) stars Will Smith (formerly The Fresh Prince of Bel Air), all grown up. I had not expected to enjoy this movie, but in fact I liked it quite a bit. It is funny and warm and delightful, and with the exception of one, the characters are all lovable.

Hitch is the story of the smooth “Love Doctor” (Smith), whose “consulting” work is performed incognito. He helps somewhat unattractive or painfully shy gentlemen find love by following his well-researched advice. He applies the same rules to his own love life, with somewhat less successful results.

Hitch’s primary client is Albert (played by Kevin James of The King of Queens), an accountant who is secretly in love with millionaire heiress Allegra Cole (played by Amber Valletta). Unfortunately, the gossip columnists (one of whom is the object of Hitch’s desire) nearly ruin what could be a perfect love affair. The instructional “kissing scene” between Hitch and Albert is a hoot, and the dance scenes are nothing short of hilarious!

Columnist Sara (Eva Mendes) is Hitch’s love interest, whose background he re­searches prior to not trying to pick her up in a bar, and not telephoning her (in accordance with his master plan). In this case, he either does a little too much research or not quite enough, depending on how one views it. Their eventual date begins disastrously, and when he uncovers an unsavory tidbit of her family history, what should be touching nearly turns tragic.

As in all good fairy tales, everything comes right in the end. The frogs (including an allergy-laden Hitch) all turn into princes, and all get their rightfully-deserved (if expensive) princesses.

I had wondered if the names “Allegra” (as in the medication) and [Hitch’s college girlfriend] “Cressida” (as in the Toyota sedan) were part of some sort of gimmick, but if so, the joke stopped just sort of being annoying.

There is no big mystery here, and there are no real surprises, but if what you are looking for is light-hearted entertainment, Hitch might be two hours well-spent.

[© 02/21/2005]