Except for one dreadful plot contrivance, Will Smith's romantic comedy Hitch is virtually hitch-free, making it a true cinema valentine.
Smith is Alex Hitchens, New York's most sought-after date doctor.
Men who fear they can never win the heart of a woman they secretly adore pop over to Hitch, who guides them through a few important dates, and presto, they're in the heart and bed of the woman they desire.
This is a madcap romantic comedy, so there has to be a hitch or two to Alex's seemingly perfect setup.
Alex accepts an almost impossible assignment.
Albert (Kevin James), a chubby, slobbish, timid accountant, is smitten with his millionaire boss Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), who routinely dates the most dashing, wealthy, sexy cads on the planet.
In just three non-dates, Alex has to teach Albert how to woo and win Allegra.
The dates are fraught with slapstick mayhem that naturally makes Allegra think Albert is the sweetest man she's ever met.
So much for the comic subplot, and back to Alex.
It will come as no surprise that this handsome bachelor, who can guide others into their would-be lovers' arms and hearts, is commitment-phobic.
So, of course, he falls for Sarah (Eva Mendes), a hard-nosed gossip columnist who is also single and supposedly not looking for love.
She thinks if men are not dogs, they're rats, but agrees to go out with Alex.
He is such a klutz on their three dates that she falls madly in love with him.
Smith gets to exercise his comic chops in some wildly inventive slapstick moments.
Just when things seem to be going swimmingly, up pops that dreadful contrivance that haunts far too many romantic comedies.
Sarah finds out that Alex is the famous but anonymous Manhattan date doctor, feels betrayed and, as she thinks he actually helps men break women's hearts, exposes him and poor old Albert, who has just won Allegra's favour.
Because the audience knows Alex and Albert's intentions are as pure as the proverbial driven snow, Sarah looks downright nasty and vile.
This wicked woman is ruining everyone's life for her own selfish ends.
She has to be taught a lesson. She has to be humbled. She has to come crawling back to beg forgiveness.
Don't fret, because, as William Shakespeare said, all's well that ends well.
Hitch ends well, with everyone getting what they deserve, including audiences hungry for some great laughs and sweet sentiment.
(This film is rated PG)
More Movie Reviews
