 HITCHMPAA Rating:
 for language and some strong sexual referencesReviewed by: Jonathan Rodriguez Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens, Adults
Genre:
Comedy, Romance
Length:
1 hr. 54 min.
Year of Release:
2005
      Relevant Issues
 How can I deal with temptations? Answer Should I save sex for marriage? Answer How far is too far? What are the guidelines for dating relationships? Answer  The cure for the common man. Producer’s Synopsis: “A professional matchmaker’s program is threatened by a female journalist who enrolls as a student and plans on publishing an exposé on his fraudulent methods. In the sophisticated romantic comedy, Will Smith stars as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a true urban myth - a legendary New York City “date doctor” who, for a fee has helped hundreds of men woo the women of their dreams. The ultimate professional bachelor, Hitch discovers that all of his tried and true tricks of the trade are no match for Sara (Eva Mendes), the one woman he truly loves.” Review: Will Smith has taken a break from his normal high-action comedies to deliver a romantic comedy, just in time for Valentines Day with Hitch. Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchins, a legendary “Date Doctor” in New York City. He works on a referral basis only, and his job is to help men get noticed by the women they secretly love, and hopefully, get a date with them. He isn’t out to help men who are only interested in a one night thing, or just want a physical relationship. He believes that any woman could be swept off her feet by any man, no matter the looks, and gives them advice on how to go about it. He meets Albert (Kevin James), a heavyish loser who has his sights set on the most unattainable women in New York City, millionaire socialite Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Hitch knows he has his work cut out for him, comparing himself to Michelangelo and Albert to the Sistine Chapel. Albert is one of Allegra’s many accountants, which at least gives Hitch something to work with. So, he begins his training of Albert, from what to wear, to how to go about the first kiss. At the same time, Hitch has taken notice of a single, if very standoffish, gossip columnist named Sara (Eva Mendes). They trade flirtatious barbs in a night club, where Hitch has “rescued” her from the advances of a forward creep. She has a strong dislike for relationships and thinks men all want the same thing. The movie sheds little light into why Sara feels this way, apparently assuming that it is quite normal for all women to think like that. The two begin “dating,” if you can call it that; more like an arranged meeting of two people who think they like each other. Hitch may have great advice for other guys, but isn’t exactly Senor Suave when it comes to dealing with his own desire for a relationship. The film is carried by it’s two able stars. Smith is all charm and charisma throughout most of the film, and anyone who has liked him in anything else will respond to him here. The only time Smith isn’t all that convincing, oddly enough, is in the serious romantic scenes with Mendes. He is convincing when he is flirting, but when the two of them have their real moments, he looks more like a kid who just had his dog run over then he does like a guy in love. Kevin James (The King of Queens) is more convincing, relying on his more physical humor to carry him through the film. He is like a funnier version of Chris Farley, throwing his body around and contorting it every which way. We end up being more interested in his pursuit of Allegra, and cheer him on the whole time. Having said this, the first two-thirds of the film is a light, enjoyable comedy that knows it is dabbling slightly into conventional romantic material and doesn’t care. But, the last third of the film gets so dreadfully conventional, concocting scenes that never happen in anyone’s reality, except that of bad romantic comedy writers. It doesn’t ruin the fun we have had through the first part of the movie, but does a decent job of trying. The other problem that I had with the film is (as is typical with most romantic comedies nowadays) the two main stars, Smith and Mendes, have jobs and live in apartments that just don’t exist in the real world. The movie never tells us how much Hitch charges for his services, but the remote control to his CD player has to run $4,000, not to mention the rent to his monstrous pad. Sara is a gossip columnist, only because making her a dental assistant or librarian would mean the writers would have had to come up with a more creative ending. The content of the film is rather typical for a romantic comedy. There is some needless language- one F word, one GD word, and then a handful of others. The sexual content is minimal, although a couple Hitch assisted is seen in bed the morning after the third date. Women are seen in some revealing clothes throughout the film, and a picture in one of the tabloids shows a topless woman from behind. The whole aspect of the dating world of twenty-somethings may make parents hesitant to let kids see it, and I can’t blame them. If not for the presence of Will Smith, kids would probably steer clear, but if the theater I was in last night is any indication, kids will flock to it. Parents should do their research before letting them see it. Hitch certainly isn’t the best romantic comedy you will ever see, but it is far from being one of the worst. It may be average romantic fare, but it is elevated by the stars enough to make it an enjoyable experience. Maybe next Valentines Day, we can get something a little less conventional from Will Smith, but that’s probably wishful thinking. Violence: None / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Moderate Year of Release — 2005 / USA release date: February 11, 2005 (nationwide)   Positive - This film is about a guy who helps guys who are unsure of themselves develop the courage to try to get dates and meet woman. I feel that the character of Hitch is admirable, as he gives a shy average Joe the confidence to pursue the woman of his dreams. I find his willingness to help others to be commendable. Also, this movie has less offensive material than other, similar movies. Positive - Hitch was a surprisingly enjoyable and funny film. Will Smith plays a date doctor who helps insecure men hook up with the woman of their dreams. He will only work for clients who are genuinely in love (he turns down a man who wants to hook up with a woman only for sex) and he encourages them to be the great guys that they are (minus a few clumsy idiosyncracies.) I was pleasantly surprised that there was no nudity or sex in this movie (although Eva Mendas wore a couple of outfits that could have had a higher neckline.) There is some foul language, and the f word is used once as Hitch describes an invisible sign on Sara’s (Eva Mendas') forehead telling men to “f-- off.” Also there are some loose terms describing sex when the rude man wants Hitch to help him get a girl. But when Hitch turns him down and calls him a pig, it’s definitely a heroic moment. Positive - I thought this movie was much better than the reviews given here.
It was very enjoyable and had a fresh and unique plot for a “chick flick.”
It was much better and funny than I imagined. Positive - I give this movie a thumbs up. It was funny and mild compared to a lot of films out there. Not as offensive is what I mean. One can always find something to object to in a movie… Negative - As a Christian, I found this move very offensive. Within the first 15 minutes alone, there was fornication, lying & deceit, encouraged adulterous behavior, very seductively dressed women and cursing! Playing “mind games” and doing whatever it took to get someone was glorified. But I noticed that the institution of marriage was somewhat made a mockery of. I was hoping to see a cute, fun, harmless romantic comedy. What I saw was something that was unfunny and totally offensive to my sensibilities as a woman and as a Christian. Positive - I have seen this movie twice now. I have enjoyed it both times.
Hitch is charming. If you have overly zealous convictions about movies,
might want to stay away… some naughty words and bar scenes. Positive - I was wonderfully surprised with how good this movie was. The
very first thing that I thought incredible is that “The Date Doctor”
wasn’t fixing up people for one night stands or just flings, but really
trying to get couples together for long meaningful relationships. Towards
the end, you get a glimpse at wedding invitations of the couples he put
together. He refused to hook up a guy who simply wanted sex. The language
was very, very limited and I was surprised by how there was no nudity and
limited revealing clothing. The humor was also clean, with little dirty
humor. I thought it was very encouraging and a good family flick for young
teens to adults. Positive - I thought that the movie was real cute and the acting was real
good, But I thought when Hitch and his friends girlfriend went to this
dinner party where he met two gay men was uncalled for. Also the f-word was
used once, and I thought that was uncalled for, too Positive - This was a funny movie! I took my 15 year old and she enjoyed it as well. There were a few things here and there (PG-13 after all) but it really wasn’t bad considering that rating. Hitch was an honorable man
with good intentions. I would recommend this movie. Negative - [This commenter did not view the film.] When are we going to quit comparing a movie’s validity to other movies? We are so blind as God’s people. Our standard is not Hollywood. Can you imagine Jesus saying, “well compared to the pharisees, we are doing ok.” It is time we start offering HIS opinion. Negative - This movie kept my attention, but as a Christian, the whole theme was irrelevant to my life. The idea that a man is going to help you get a girl you want…What did they know of them? Nothing but the appearance. That’s way off from what we should be thinking as Christians. I think we ought to ask the Lord to bring us to the person we are to be with. Okay, so this is “just a movie, I wouldn’t do what was in the movie in real life.” We have to be careful…Is it a good idea to refuse to do something that violates your conscience from God, but then
sit down and watch others do it? Negative - There is a homosexual couple at a party Hitch visited. A homosexual doorman who asked Hitch to help him with his relationship. Hitch’s girlfriend has a homosexual assistant, who posed as someone wanting Hitch’s service. And, there are several homosexual allusions involving several other characters. After you get acclimated to this, expect heavier doses in the future. Comments from young people
Positive - Hitch was a good movie. I think that it would even be ok for kids under the age of 13. Positive - I loved this movie! It was very funny and really not that
objectional. They’re was some cursing but you can get that anywhere all
the time. Will Smith’s goal was to give men a real relationship, to show
women that the inside is what matters not the outside. He also turned
down a man who just wanted to have sex instead of love. I would recommend
this movie for anybody! Positive - I’ve seen this movie twice. Both times I found it teetering on
the edge of offensive and not. There are parts where I thought “That
word/event was so unnecessary.” The movie was not as offensive as
some of the other trash I’ve unfortunately had to sit through. If you want
to see this movie, be forwarned that it’s not so crude that you can’t
watch it but it’s not all that morally clean either. Positive - …I thought it was really, really cute. There were a lot of funny
things throughout the whole movie, and the cast was very good for their
roles. There was some not-very-nice stuff, but as far as romantic comedies
go, it was very clean. I liked how the story didn’t make love out to be
all about sex. The characters consider a relationship successful if the
two get married, not if they end up in bed. The whole theater was laughing
during this movie, and I was laughing too. I think you will really enjoy
this movie! Positive - …I saw that Hitch
had many great points to look beyond just the outward appearance of the
“average Joe” and to find out who he really is. Sure there were uses of
language that far out of line, but nothing compared the other trash that
Hollywood puts out daily. I was very pleased when I walked out of the
movie theatre after the movie was done because Hitch stood up for the
things that really matter in this world. The one night stands that this
movie frowned upon made me happy and the relationships that grew to
marriage because of this one man’s investment. It was not a Christian
movie, but it did have some very important views that are true, that our
world has become numb to. Positive - I loved this movie! It has been a long time since I have seen a
movie I really laughed and had a good time at. There was not as many bad
words as I thought there would be. They used the “d” word and maybe the
“s” word but I never felt offended. It had a sweet story about being your
self and not trying to make someone like you because you have all the
”moves.” It doesn’t matter how you dance or talk or dress, the one person
who is truly for you will fall in love with all the funny things you do. I
took my little brother and normally when we go to the movies I worry that
he is learning something wrong but not in this movie. We had a lot of fun! Positive - I went to this movie expecting a cute comedy, but at the same time very aware that it being PG-13 could easily mean that it would have bad language and adult humor, as well as sexual content.
I walked away from the movie loving it! I thought it was adorable, romantic, and hysterical. I was very surprised because it was not near as offensive as I expected it to be… which was awesome! Positive - This is a great movie. As one can tell from its PG-13 rating, there are some offensive jokes and language. I was only uncomfortable in the theater one or two times because of it. Otherwise, it is very funny
and a great date/chick flick. There were several kids under 13 in the theater I viewed it in, and it was not suitable for them. But for 13/14 or older, its a great romantic comedy. Movie Critics
“…on-screen relationships are all about deception. ..Hitch is not so much movie as antidote - to the cynicism that’s rampant in most Hollywood romantic comedies… it’s an amusing way to spend two hours…” “…a pleasant and undemanding romantic comedy…” “…predictable, shallow chick-flick fluff. …a painless romantic comedy that provides Will Smith with an opportunity to do what he does best, which is be Will Smith…” “…Bits of it are charming, much of it is awkward…” “…The movie’s last two minutes, in which they all do goofy dances and have no dialogue or script to get in their way, is easily the highlight. It’s the previous 113 minutes of plot that cause problems…” “…Smith charms, but 'Hitch' doesn’t… so formulaic and mediocre that you might suspect that was the unambitious goal all along…” “…tries to be cool, funny and sweet but falls on its face without generating any real sympathy, smarts or humor…” “…definitely adult humor, but unlike many films, it manages to bridge the gap between men and women and will make both laugh…” |
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