IvanF's Cut and Paste, No-Name Theatrical Review of
Hitch 2005

- IvanFian written March 3rd, 2005 -

Film Design - 7.0
Enjoyment Factor - 7.0

Overall (not an average) - 7.0
(1.5 out of 4 stars)

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- Commentary from a friend -

"Well, I know that this is long in coming...but on February 11, 2005...I saw Will Smith's new movie "Hitch"...and to say the least...this film was quite an entertaining lark of a film...a perfect Valentine's comedy-romance (as Smith and Kevin James were promoting it as on various talk shows)...

...in all...this film really didn't have anything new in the genre of comedy-romance or romance-comedy, but the film did provide plenty of humor and romantic chemistry...

First off, the film is about a date doctor, Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Smith), who believes he can turn any wannabe, nerd, or both, into something the opposite sex would want to consider dating. Among one of the better moments of the film, shows the beginnings of Hitch's matchmaking ways. This is because Hitch himself was once considered a nerd in college, where he found a gorgeous girl that he believed a relationship was a possibility. However, on a rainy day, Hitch's heart was broken when the girl of his dreams was more fondly in love with a hip guy who had a car. Just the way that this interlude played out was shear brilliant pacing.

As the film progresses, Hitch's latest assignment is Albert (Kevin James), who is a geeky ad salesman for a prestigious corporation. However, it seems that Albert has an unrealistic intention/goal in that he has fallen for the founder/heir of the company, Allegra (Amber Valletta). Now, perhaps a guy like Albert couldn't really date a woman like Allegra, but the relationship between James and Valletta in the film works. This is because the two actors share a giddy in love look to themselves. While Allegra may seem to be the wealthy, beautiful heir, she is essentially as insecure with her emotions and actions as Albert is. In the end, they really are the perfect match for each other. Through it all, Hitch provides Albert the confidence to ask Allegra out, and to progress their meeting each other into a loving relationship.

However, pardon the pun, Hitch runs into a hitch/snag when he crosses paths with a rabid tongued gossip journalist, Sara (Eva Mendes). Probably one of the best scenes in the film, is Hitch's elaborate set up first date with Sara. You see, Hitch decides to take Sara on a tour of New York Harbor via skidoos, and then end their tour with a private tour of Ellis Island...the famous historical location where immigrants would check in as they came to America. The way that Hitch pulled off this "first date"...and the way that Sara shocked Hitch near the end of the date was perfect timing all around (comedy, romance, action, etc.).

...but the first date...is only the beginning of Hitch's problems...as the movie progresses, Sara and Hitch begin to connect in quite a believable evolution of communication...

...as well, I must say that Sara's boss, Max (Adam Arkin), was a decent sideline character in the film...he added decent comic relief to Sara's sometimes serious nature...

Overall, I would have to say that this was a decent little film. Therefore, it deserves a 7.5/10 and a 2.5/4 stars."

Film Design - 7.5
Enjoyment Factor - 8.0
Overall (not an average) - 7.5
(2.5 out of 4 stars)
- Risen Phoenix -