Hitch (2005)

Don't know much about history, don't know much biology. But I do know that I love you, and I know that if you love me too, what a wonderful world this would be. The lyrics from the famous Sam Cooke song say it all about the newly released Hitch DVD (Sony Pictures, MSRP $29.99). No matter who you are in life, everyone wants to fall in love. Its hard not to fall for this sweet comedic take on the wonderful world of dating, with its ups, downs, and ultimate happy ending. Date doctor Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) operates under the radar of the fast paced New York social scene. He provides guidance and motivation to his single male clients, helping them land the girl of their dreams. Hitch's newest work-in-progress singleton is accountant Albert (Kevin James), who has quite literally fallen head over heels for his beautiful heiress client, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). As Hitch desperately tries to get Albert into proper dating shape, he becomes smitten with feisty gossip columnist and major love cynic Sara (Eva Mendes). Hitch is truly a high-concept film; by definition, a movie designed to appeal to a mass audience by incorporating popular, glamorous features. Starting with the screenplay, this is a cute take on the world of dating, narrated by an engaging, three-dimensional protagonist. Occasionally the story features a few too many coincidences to help move the plot along, but nonetheless consistently remains funny and heart warming. Hitch is a classic case of great collaborators synergizing to make a truly enjoyable flick. Director Andy Tennant, whose filmography includes the other romantic escapades Sweet Home Alabama and Ever After, clearly displays a knack for creating fun romantic comedies buoyed by an undeniably engaging star. Whereas before he helped guide leading ladies Reese Witherspoon and Drew Barrymore to rise to the romantic occasion, this time he fashions the ultimate leading man in the character of Hitch for Smith. Romantic comedies by their nature cannot work without charismatic characters and this film features quite a few. Like the well-manicured clothes he wears in the film, the role of Hitch was tailor made for the affable Smith. With the character of Hitch, Smith mixes his terrific comedic chops with quintessential charm. He's funny, but he's also irresistible. Kevin James as Albert---the man with no game or guile----is a true scene stealer. He's the every man everyone is rooting for to get the pretty girl. He's got a different kind of charm and he plays it to perfection in the film; whether he's playing sidekick to Smith, or acting alongside his gorgeous love interest in the movie, Allegra, played by model-turned-actress Valletta. Debonair Hitch demands a spirited counterpart and that's exactly what the film has with Eva Mendes's Sara. As easily as Hitch can extol the principles of love, Sara can offer a snappy comeback about the downsides of dating and relationships. She's sexy and smart, the perfect match for Hitch; if only the two can work it out. The DVD's extras include a gag reel, deleted scenes, music video of the Amerie hit, "1 Thing," and five short featurettes: 'Dance Steps Made Easy,' 'Hitch Style,' 'Dating Experts,' 'Love in New York,' and 'Will Smith's Red Carpet Race.' The gag reel features cast and crew goofing up. The fun nature onscreen was clearly reflected off-screen as well. The short deleted scenes are titled "Hitch sees Cressina" and "I could use a bathroom." The third scene is simply the opening of the film with the composer's score instead of the music featured in the screen version. When sultry Amerie croons the catchy hip-hop hit "1 Thing" it leaves viewers wondering how the sexy singer didn't snag herself a cameo in the film. The five featurettes are all entertaining and make up for the loss of any commentary track. The first, 'Dance Steps Made Easy,' discusses the infamous scene in the film where Hitch tries to teach the hapless Albert how to dance. A little bit of improvising and a touch of planning resulted in a hilarious, scene stealing performance by James as Albert. 'Hitch Style' spotlights the wardrobe team and how they designed and dressed the contemporary characters of the film. The costume designer states that, "it was all about finding the great look that reflected who the characters were." 'The Dating Experts' featurette is definitely the most interesting DVD addition. An eclectic group of dating gurus including a life coach, psychologists, dating book authors, and various owners of online dating companies, discuss their take on the basic love principles Hitch extols. Each person offers their "expert" opinion on such Hitch-isms as, "Listen and Respond, Importance of the First Kiss, and You cannot use what you don't have." The featurette also discusses how a psychologist was hired as a consultant on the production to fact check the script's male and female interactions and make sure they were correct in the portrayal of how men and women in dating situations would accurately behave. "Where else would you set a movie about dating," proclaims director Tennant on his decision to set Hitch in New York. 'Love in New York' profiles the different New York hotspots hit in the film, such as Tribeca, the Meatpacking District, and Ellis Island, which not only plays a major role in the film, but touched many of the cast and crew members who had never been there. Shot entirely in New York over a period of a few months, this excellent featurette also includes pop-up love tid-bits and facts; for example: New York, at $135 for a dinner and movie, has the highest dating costs. Will Smith's attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for most public appearances by a celebrity in 12 hours is the basis for the 'Will Smith Red Carpet Race' featurette. Not particularly informative, it is just another opportunity for Will Smith to shine, this time playing his own loveable self. For the audience members who wish they could hire Hitch, or for those who just wish they could date him, it doesn't matter what you do or do not know about love or life. What is clear is that the Hitch DVD is a movie anyone can fall in love with.