Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Andy Tennant, Columbia Pictures, PG 118 Minutes.
This delightful romantic comedy from the renowned ‘romantic’ director Andy Tennant (‘Fool’s Gold’) centres on the smooth-talking date-doctor, Alex ‘Hitch’ Hitchens (Will Smith – ‘Focus’) who guarantees that any man can get the girl of his dreams if they follow his advice.
To contact Hitch one must have a referral from a previous client before he agrees to coach you for the first three dates only, this is the case with Albert Brennaman (Kevin James – ‘Pall Blart: Mall Cop’).
Assenting to coach the clumsy but overweight accountant, Albert, Hitch learns that he is head over heels in love with rich heiress Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta – ‘Premonition’) who doesn’t even know he exists.
As he prepares to take on the difficult challenge of connecting Albert with Allegra, Hitch also meets and is instantly attracted to gossip reporter Sara Melas (Eva Mendes – ‘Ghost Rider’) who’s involved in doing a story on Allegra for her column.
When Hitch learns that Albert is one of Allegra’s financial advisers, he proceeds to having her mind changed by accepting Albert’s advice in investing funds in her friend’s new fashion business.
While Hitch attempts to get a second date with Sara, he discovers his relationship has dramatically soured due to dating advice he gave her friend which results in Sara’s article on him damaging his reputation.
This is exacerbated following a disagreement with Albert on his coaching approach, until the date-doctor manages to fix the delicate situation by informing Allegra that Albert is actually in love with her.
At the same time, Sara agrees to restart her relationship with Hitch once he makes amends for his prior mistakes before becoming hitched, with Albert and Allegra attending as their guests.
Tennant has made an enjoyable romantic comedy on love and romance by focussing on four main characters, Hitch, Albert, Sara and Allegra, with each playing their part in many amusing scenes, most notably between Hitch and Albert.
Besides some of the entertainment derived from a pleasing storyline and concluding with the happy ending, the major highlight is the personal chemistry exhibited from Smith and James and supplemented by their likeable performances.
So, anyone wanting to meet the person of their dreams should call their State or Territory date-doctor!
Vic’s Verdict: 3 Stars
HITCH is to be televised on Channel 7 FLIX at 8.30pm on Saturday 25 September.
