Today’s quick review: Hitch. Albert (Kevin James), a dumpy financial advisor, seeks out the help of Hitch (Will Smith), New York’s famous Date Doctor, to win the heart of Allegra (Amber Valletta), a beautiful celebrity. Albert does what Hitch recommends but finds himself making more progress by being himself than by putting up a front. At the same time, Hitch finds himself falling for Sara (Eva Mendes), an industrious gossip columnist, and throwing his own advice out the window.
Hitch is a light romantic comedy that balances both aspects of the genre. Will Smith and Kevin James play well off each other. Will Smith takes a role that could come across as sleazy and makes him good-natured and human. Kevin James plays Albert as a lovable dork who needs a bit of help to come into his own. Their relationship quickly turns into a sort of friendship as the two get to know each other.
As is typical for the genre, the plot revolves around romance and misunderstanding. Both romantic subplots are sweet without being schmaltzy. Allegra is out of Albert’s league, and only a combination of Hitch’s advice and natural compatibility gives him a shot. For her part, Sara manages to get through the barriers Hitch puts up in his own love life, causing him to question his approach to love.
Watch Hitch if you are looking for a romantic comedy with a bit more comedy than romance. The crux of the story is still romance, but the film never gets too bogged down with drama or soul-baring. Skip it if you dislike even the lighter end of the genre.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a nice tonal balance and good characters.