Basic Principles, There Are None (Hitch (DVD))

Member Name: Andy.mack

Product:	Hitch (DVD)
Date:	07/11/05 (528 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Decent script and a good cast, well directed

Disadvantages: a little poor in some characterisation

When Will Smith broke onto the scene back in the early 90’s with Fresh Prince of Bel Air, few people would have imagined him being the huge film star he is today. He has made a number of highly successful films and although he sticks mostly to the comical side of things he does appear in the action blockbusters as well. I feel though that his best work is on the comedy side of things and it was for that reason that I decided to watch Hitch. Normally this type of film wouldn’t appeal to me and the romantic connotations would be too much, but I decided to give it a shot.

Smith stars as Alex ‘Hitch’ Hitchens a consultant working in New York City. He’s not the regular type of consultant though, because Hitch is a Dating consultant. He helps men to get women to notice they are alive and more importantly date them. His latest client is Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), an accountant who has fallen for one of his company’s wealthy clients Allegra Cole (Amber Calletta). Whilst helping Albert to win the woman of his dreams Hitch also falls for a gossip columnist (Eva Mandes). His work relies on him staying anonymous but soon everyone will know that the Date Doctor really exists. Can Hitch succeed and win his Girl and help Albert at the same time? Well you’ll have to watch and find out.

As far as romantic comedies go this is one of the best of the last couple of years. The script is quite good and the combination of Smith and Breenaman work well together and create some rather funny scenes. It is a movie that offers a little something for everyone. There is comedy, a good looking girl and for the ladies I’m sure a few of them will enjoy looking at Smith as well. It is a funny film and compared to the other romantic comedies around, such as How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Hitch certainly comes out on top.

For director Andy Tennant this is probably his most high profile film so far. The man behind Sliders and Sweet Home Alabama certainly scores a hit with his first film for 3 years. The direction is quite fluent and the pace of the film keeps it interesting. Tennant uses standard camera angles and just the right amount of close ups and wide shots. I was very impressed with the way he put the film together and makes debut writer Kevin Bisch script come to life.

The combination of Tennant and Bisch works well and I think there is certainly a lot more in the comedy field to come from Bisch. The script is quite solid and Tennant’s experience and use of locations has made the film into a minor hit of the year. There isn’t anything in this film that really stands out as amazing but everything fits together well and makes a thoroughly enjoyable film. If course the cast certainly helps with that and Tennant has certainly put together a decent cast, with a couple of stars and a few newcomers.

It’s unusual for Will Smith to put in anything but an excellent performance and he certainly doesn’t disappoint as Hitch. In fact it’s almost as if Smith was made for this role or perhaps the role was written with him in mind. His comical timing and ability to work with just about anyone is spot on. He also recommended Kevin James for the role of Albert and the two of them work brilliantly together. James is probably best known for his role in King Of Queens but like Smith does have the gift of perfect comic timing. Both men fit there roles perfectly and it certainly adds to the comic value of the film.

On the female side of the movie Amber Calletta continues her transition from model to movie star with her latest role. At times she does look a little suspect but on the whole she puts in a decent performance and like Smith and James she seems made for the role. Likewise Mendes works well as the gossip columnists. I thought there was a little more character development to be had from Mendes’s character but that is just a minor grumble in comparison to the film overall. All four leads click together well and play off each others strengths. This makes it a better film and helps to enhance the overall impact of the movie.

Overall this I a very enjoyable film and the combination of a good script and some talented actors make it well worth watching. It is probably one of the best romantic comedies I have seen in a while. There are a few minor moans and groans about character development, but on the whole it is a decent film. As a debut script it shows that there is new comedy talent in Hollywood and as long as writers like Bisch keeps writing the scripts actors like Will Smith will bring their work to life and get the best out of it. This is worth watching on a wet Friday night in and would certainly make for a nice night curled up on the sofa with the other half.

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Summary: One of the better Romantic Comedies around