Hitch Review

 

        Before 2013, Will Smith films had a continuous run of his films being number one in the box office. Hitch was a contributor for his streak. One of the best romcoms that I have seen that closes this shortened month. I have seen it a couple of times variously on cable. For some odd reason I could never wise up and buy a physical copy for myself. Regardless, here’s a gem from the early 2000s. SPOILERS will appear in the review. 

1. Story

        To begin with, we follow Alex Hitchens narrate about the concept of love in New York City. He is known commonly in the city as “The Date Doctor” since his m.o. is to have men be in long lasting relationships. In between that, we follow Albert, played by Kevin James. I think this film is his only good film as far as I’m aware. Anyway, he is a financial helper to Allegra Cole played by Amber Valleta, and he has the hots for her. 

        So throughout the film, Alex coaches Albert to have the guts to ask out Allegra. At the same time, he falls in love with a newspaper columnist. Sara played by Eva Mendes, for who Alex falls in love with. The interesting twist to this is that his methods to flirting don’t work on Sara. This is a unique conflict since his method has worked for the men he helped. 

        This is an enjoyable romance film that anyone can enjoy. Most of the cast has that chemistry that gels. It’s a recurring thing with these films that has to be stressed, the chemistry has to be there. What I really like is that Alex doesn’t see Albert as just a client. He does in the beginning but eventually warms up to him as a friend. It’s enjoyable to see Albert and Allegra dating and actually falling in love. 

2. Idea of Finding Love

        Aside from Hitchens helping out his friend Albert, I give the film this with this nuance idea of finding love. Alex gives the clients a sense that they can date anyone, no matter if the woman is above their league. To have Albert date a rich woman in New York is pretty bonkers since when you look at them separately, they have no shot at being together. 

        I think what this film works best is that, for as much as Alex claims to be a date doctor, his only axiom is to just gain confidence. Not that he has an ego, he does it since he was stood up by a girlfriend in college. The best part is when he declines to help a man who just wants to sleep with a woman. Which in turn getting Hitchens getting a bad rap in the city. 

        While I’m not saying that this movie is deep by any measure. I feel that the way Hitch presents this concept is nuance in a way. It’s relatable since with anyone who lacks the self confidence likes someone who themselves think have absolutely no shot. When the person in question just needs the confidence to just be himself. 

3. Overall 

        As far as Will Smith films goes, this is where his comedic talent comes out. It’s in no way a bore, Smith has that factor where he is charming, and it manages to gel with everyone. It’s one of the best romantic films on the 2000s. Just the fact that it has a concept as someone dating someone that is leagues above them isn’t new but does so in a way where it’s endearing. 

Hitch gets a four out of five.