Release Date: 3 March 2005

Synopsis :

Will Smith stars as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens. As a tactical adviser who specializes in first impressions – he customizes and orchestrates a client’s first three dates –Hitch has been secretly responsible for hundreds of New York City weddings. Eva Mendes co-stars as Sara, a gossip reporter for a daily tabloid who, after a chance meeting with Hitch, finds her professional life and personal life on a collision course. She makes Hitch re-evaluate his game and teaches him that love is not a feeling, it’s an action.

Movie Review:

Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) is an unsung hero responsible for countless marriage in New York City. Sophistically declaring himself as “Dates Doctor”, he teaches the socially awkward man on how to set up dates thus leading to tying the knot with their dream girl. In return, he received hefty fees for his guidance.

Called that shameless and unscrupulous ways of money making at the expense of woman running into sex maniacs, Hitch, however, does have his own “business ethics” to ensure a win-win: He would only help those deeply in love with the girl of their dream. Well-versed in human psychology and a vivid interpreter of bodily movements, there’s no way the all-perfect Hitch would failed in getting any man an happily ever after. Probably due to a heartbreaking experience in relationship during his college days, Hitch is determined to help men get the girl of their dream instead of suffering his fate.

Strangely, the master whose ability to turn any unfortunate men into a smooth socialite with the desirable moves would totally botched when faced with the beautiful tabloid reporter, Sara Melas (Eva Mendes).

Following the success of "I, Robot" and "Sharktales" (as the voice of Oscar), Will Smith returned in this unique romance comedy with what he always did best: the one-liner humour complete with the usual stern-look. Although statements like: ”Don’t you ever… do that again!” sound so familiar, it still works well in earning some good laughs.

Alongside with Smith is the “The King of Queens” Kevin James. Starring as the clumsily overweight but extremely loveable accountant Albert Brennaman, who is hopelessly in love with a drop-dead gorgeous celebrity, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), James, though making his feature film debut, had created most of the movie unstoppable bursting moments. Watch out for the exhilarating and heart-warming “90/10” kissing scene between Albert and Allegra Cole. The rehearsal between Albert and Hitch in preparation for the “magical” kiss is equally wicked. Yes, the outcome is predictable. But still you can’t help but worrying and praying for Albert!

Besides the main theme of romance, Hitch’s profession also worth evaluating. For the case of Albert, Hitch created opportunity for Allegra to notice him. However, such “set-up” seems misleading and non-genuine. One could have urged that Allegra is actually falling in love with Hitch in the shell of Albert. Others may have retaliated that Hitch merely guided Albert on the first three dates and the rest would be up to the couple. No matter which camp you are from, nobody would dispute that Hitch’s intention is noble and sincere.

The tactics employed to woo a girl may seem far-stretched. And the trailers may seem as lame. Nevertheless, this movie is a pleasant surprise with great comedic elements and also nice pointers on “What’s women wants” so as to correctly create the ever-lasting “First impression”.

This movie is a suitable outing for those singles who are dying for workable ideas as well as for couples who like to refresh those fond courtship memories.

Movie Rating: B+

Review by Leosen Teo