Hitch

HITCH

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG-13 (for language and some strong sexual references). 119 minutes. Directed by Andy Tennant.

“Hitch” tells the story of Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith), a.k.a. the Date Doctor, a master at hooking up geeks with the women of their dreams. He’ll do whatever it takes – from Googling the prospective sweetheart to engineering a heroic feat wherein a girl’s beloved pet dog is seemingly saved from instant death by a guy who wants to get to know her. Hitch understands women. He knows how to get their attention, what to tell them, and what not to tell them. Ladies, I suggest you take your men to this movie, so they can pick up some good tips!

But Hitch only takes on decent clients – men who respect women and are in it for the long haul. Like Albert Brenneman (Kevin James of “King of Queens”), a meek, tubby accountant smitten by a beautiful heiress, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). James has a wonderful ability to do broad physical comedy while at the same time instilling depth into a character that could easily be a one-dimensional loser. Likewise, Valletta makes Allegra’s passion for this pudgy nobody believable. In fact, this unlikely duo is adorable together.

Although Hitch’s match-making skills are legendary, his own love life is a mess, thanks to a painful relationship that ended badly many years ago. Then he meets Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a gossip columnist who turns out to be just as cynical about romance as he. Their calamitous “dates,” if you can call them that, are refreshing and unpredictable. Mendes’ character is strong and independent, and she can dish the snappy dialogue right back at Smith.

This movie is also a love letter to New York, using Woody Allen-eque settings like Ellis Island, lower Manhattan, and the Hudson River waterfront. And how nice to see Adam Arkin (playing Sara’s boss), who I’ve been missing since his stint as Adam on “Northern Exposure.” (Yeah, I know he’s been in “Chicago Hope” and other things, but I’d like to see MORE of him!).

THE WRAP-UP: What a pleasure to see a movie that held my attention, didn't have me looking at my watch, was funny and sensitive, and took a fresh approach to the romantic comedy. Will Smith is charming and suave, and I’m glad to see him do something besides battle aliens and save the world. Eva Mendez is gorgeous and witty; I predict she’ll be the next Julia Roberts. A great date movie!