Movie Review: Hitch (7/10)

Here’s a great idea, take a well known, portly, yet loveable comic and add an extra dash of awkwardness (Kevin James), and throw him into the mix with A-list celeb, who is known for his quick wit, style, and smoothness (Will Smith), and let the hilarity ensue. Hitch, like so many films before it, decides to take an unlikely pair, unite them in an interesting plot twist, and then set the audience off on a hilarious (yet predictable) 115 minute trip.

Smith plays “date doctor” Christopher 'Hitch' Hitchins who has taken it upon himself to help those less fortunate in the field of “game”, and for all you un-hip folk out there, that’s slang us kids use today for getting attention from a special lady friend. The dark secret is that ::gasp:: Hitch himself was once a floundering connoisseur in the art of wooing, but has reformed his ways and now wishes to spread it, and is rewarded by earning quite the poche living style, to those truly suffering from love sickness. That’s right, Smith plays a love doctor with morals, so those wishing for a simple “thanks for the sex, but I’m late for my meeting” need not apply.

This is where James enters the picture, looking heavier than ever and committing the faux-pas of donning white socks with his suit, is in love with Allegra Cole, hot, young starlet played by Amber Valletta (wow which name is hotter?). Albert Brennaman (James) is an undistinguished accountant whose firm represents Allegra and controls her budget. So he and Hitch clearly pair up and join forced to get the big guy some lovin’ from one of the most coveted women on the planet – seems reasonable enough.

Ah, but here comes the catch, (bet you didn’t see that one coming now did ya?)Smith falls for hot gossip reporter, and infamous cold-hearted bitch Sara Meles (Eva Mendes). And if you can’t see where this one is going well, then more power to you cause then you probably got surprised by the ending of Titanic (the boat sinks, sorry for ruining it).

But here’s the thing, shockingly this played out theme is actually quite endearing. James and Smith have nice chemistry as Smith allows Hitch to be likeable despite every male in the audience not-so-secretly hating him for his easy life, and James gives Albert the “fat is cool” splash needed to make the concept of he and Allegra even the most remote of a realistic possibility.

All the predictability aside, Hitch touches upon quite a positive social critique not typically seen in Hollywood. Yes kids, this joyous romp has a moral. Emphasized throughout, the film radiates with the message: be yourself, and be a good person, than and only then, can you find true love. The notion of finding someone who will love you not solely on your positive qualities, but embraces your insecurities, quirks, and faults certainly does seem like a more healthy image to be giving out to our society than the typical – you must look like “THIS” or you look “WRONG” mode we see all too often.

Moviegoers across the nation seem to be taking this message to heart as Hitch has currently found itself holding firm to the Number 1 spot at the Box Office having brought in over $31.8 million in its debut week. So if you are looking for a quality date movie, a fun time out with the kids, or go ahead guys – just an easy night away from the vigor of life and work, go ahead and enjoy an easy two hours where you won’t have to think too much, just let yourself laugh a little.