This one is a renter, and maybe not even that. Despite a handful of humorous moments, Hitch proves to be a sub-par romance with poor character development and extremely cheesy dialogue. Will Smith does shine as the title character; however, he is a hilarious actor stuck in a film with average directing as well as a predictable and under-developed script.
Director Andy Tennant, whose most recent film was Sweet Home Alabama, brings us the story of Hitch. Smith plays the role of "date doctor" Alex "Hitch" Hitchins, who offers the cure for the common man's failings in love. Hitch clandestinely peruses New York City offering his services to the romantically-challenged.
His love interest, Sara, is played by the beautiful Eva Mendes, a gossip columnist determined to unmask the city's relationship guru. In the process, Hitch helps a new client, Albert, played by Kevin James, most notable from the hit sitcom King of Queens. He shows promise on the big screen as an overweight, clumsy, asthmatic accountant longing to earn the love of celebrity Allegra Cole, played by Amber Valletta. Through the genuine Albert, Hitch begins to learn the true meaning of love.
Surprising chemistry between Smith and James provides for the few funny parts of the movie, such as when Hitch attempts to teach Albert how to dance because "women associate dancing with sex." Albert sticks to his own dance moves regardless of Hitch's instruction, including the "Q-Tip" (you will have to rent it to figure this one out). Essentially, Albert makes us all feel better about our own peculiarities, as his carefree movements supply a generous dose of humor.
Despite this chemistry, Hitch's relationships with Albert and Sara are not fully developed. Tennant leaves such details to the mind of the viewer. Production-wise, Hitch also falls flat. The film uses ordinary camera movements and angles. Simple techniques such as zooming and panning are rarely employed. Tennant attempts to make up for this by using background music to keep the viewer interested, but he fails in his effort. Instead, the viewer is forced to listen to corny dialogue about dating and romance that is even too much for a romantic comedy.
Hitch also lacks significant character development, especially when it comes to Hitch and Sara. Both are guarded and cautious about love, but the reasons for these issues are never fully explained. One cannot expect too much character development in a romantic comedy, but Hitch surely delivers too little even for this genre.
Thus, Hitch is hardly even a mediocre romantic comedy. If Will Smith was not cast as the title character, the script for this movie would most likely be in a trash can at Sony Pictures. A small number of amusing moments exist due to the interaction between Smith and James, but it is just not enough. If you are looking for a good laugh this weekend, you are better off watching Nickelodeon reruns than hitting the theaters to see Hitch.
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