Romantic comedy progresses without a ‘Hitch’
Reel Reflections
For all of its comical insights into a distinctly 21ST century dating
world, "Hitch" might have been made in 1945. The flinty gossip
columnist played by Eva Mendes might have been played by Katharine Hepburn,
and Will Smith’s suave date doctor would have been a part tailor-made
for Cary Grant. These performances, as well as that of Kevin James, enliven
a film that is both expectedly predictable and surprisingly fresh.
Alex Hitchens, or Hitch (played by Smith, "I Robot") singed
by a fickle flame in his youth, is a thriving romantic guru who wants
other men to avoid his early mistakes. Enter Albert (Kevin James, "The
King of Queens") — a bumbling everyman who has fallen in love
with Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta, "What Lies Beneath"), an
heiress whose cheekbones are as impressive as her name. Hitch likens Albert
to the Sistine Chapel, and he serves as Michelangelo in the creation of
a new man. Soon, Hitch himself is enamored with a gossip columnist ice
queen named Sara (Eva Mendes, "Stuck On You"), who previously
has dismissed love as merely tabloid fodder. The traditional complications
ensue when Sara learns Hitch’s identity, and also questions his role
in the heartache of her best friend.
Will love conquer all for Sara and Hitch — and for Allegra and Albert?
You probably already know the answer. "Hitch" is formulaic,
and not without its gaps in logic — why doesn’t Sara ever think
to ask Hitch what kind of "consulting" he does? Yet, the film
contains equal doses of witty repartèe and genuine emotion. If
"Hitch" doesn’t avert the potholes of romantic comedy convention,
its wit and charm often allows the film to find a pleasing cruise control
after it drives out of them. The subplot of Albert’s and Allegra’s
frog-to-prince romance verges on male wish fulfillment, but the film avoids
sexism. In fact, it condemns the sleazeballs who prey on Manhattan hotties,
and Hitch is not friendly to one who has tried to enlist his help.
The direction of Andy Tennant ("Sweet Home Alabama") is uninspired
but solid — Tennant didn’t go above and beyond the normal romantic
comedy conventions, and he replaced verbal wit with slapstick comedy.
Kevin Bisch’s screenplay is varied — there are some clever and
funny gems mixed in with sentimental clichés, and if his characters
are never fully three-dimensional, they still possess inner lives.
"Hitch" owes a good deal of its success to its performances.
Smith finds the right balance of assured charisma and vulnerability; his
battering down of Sara’s emotional defenses is completely viable.
James is a hilarious physical comedian; his cringe-inducing white boy
dance has been seen before, but he makes it seem fresh. As Sara, Mendes
is appealing (and gorgeous). If she doesn’t always channel the underlying
pain and fear of her character, she nails the brittleness and anger.
The film makes it clear that romantic formulas are not fail safe. If "Hitch" is overly reliant on formula, it is nevertheless an engaging romantic comedy that would have done Grant and Hepburn proud.
"Hitch"
Starring: Will Smith, Kevin James, Eva Mendes
Running time: 115 mins
Rated: PG-13
Three and a half paws
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