Critic's Grade: C+

Frank's film tip: Dating doctor Will Smith has the cure for the common lonely man in the offbeat romantic comedy HITCH

Director Andy Tennant ("Never Been Kissed") helms a charming and bright-witted romantic comedy in the similar tradition of the light-hearted screwball farces of yesteryear. In the wake of St. Valentine's Day, Hitch would probably make for an ideal date movie. Its offbeat and spunky theme is enough to energize giddy lovers from all walks of life. Although somewhat predictable, labored and gimmicky, Tennant's narrative is given a boisterous boost by its charismatic leading rogue in Will Smith.

Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Smith) is a paid New York-based "date doctor" who comes to the aid of countless men looking to capture the fancy for the elusive women of their dreams. Hitch is as smooth as silk and he must carry over his trick of the trade to coach the hapless male clientele he services. One customer in particular is Albert Brennaman (Kevin James from TV's "King of Queens"), a klutzy roly-poly CPA who's madly infatuated with Allegra Cole (played by supermodel Amber Valletta). Allegra is an heiress that is represented by Albert's firm. Hitch has the impossible task of spinning some serious magic for this gorgeous gal to notice the oafish pair-shaped Albert.

As Hitch simultaneously deals with Albert's romantic struggles, he finds himself surprisingly vulnerable in the presence of courting acerbic gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). Usually self-assured around the ladies, Hitch somehow looses his focus around Sara as his couple of dates with her are awkwardly received. Strangely, the so-called date doctor cannot cure his own illness in reference to the inquisitive Sara who matches him in slick wit and style.

Actually, Hitch is two movies in one. It's a hybrid of a loose-minded buddy-buddy laugher (Smith and James) and that of a cheeky romantic romp (Smith and Mendes). At times, Tennant and screenwriter Kevin Bisch run into a creative conflict when trying to juggle these two premises as an even cohesive comedy. Thankfully, Smith and James keep these proceedings afloat as the off-kilter tandem that amuses us with their riotous antics in pursuing the rigors of lost love. As for Smith and Mendes, they make for an attractive pair but their union feels taped together without any real conviction.

Oddly enough, the affectionate angle works effectively when Smith and James are the bonding clueless cads in search of the special woman that will complete them emotionally.

Frank rates this film: ** and a half stars (out of 4 stars)

All Reviews by Frank Ochieng
If you are the author of this review, you may edit it by signing in.