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MOVIE REVIEW

Hitch

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for language and some strong sexual references.

Reviewed by: Jonathan Rodriguez
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Offensive
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Teens Adults
Genre: Romance Comedy
Length: 1 hr. 54 min.
Year of Release: 2005
USA Release: February 11, 2005 (nationwide)
Copyright, Columbia Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures Copyright, Columbia Pictures
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Featuring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Amber Valletta, Julie Ann Emery, Robinne Lee, Michael Rapaport, Kevin James, Jeffrey Donovan
Director Andy Tennant
Producer James Lassiter
Teddy Zee
Distributor Distributor: Columbia Pictures. Trademark logo.Columbia Pictures

“The cure for the common man.”

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “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.”

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


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
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.
My Ratings: Better than Average/5
Fred, age 24
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.

This movie encourages long term relationships that lead to marriage as oppose to one night stands! There are a lot of hilarious and cute moments, butI recommend it to those who are not easily offended by bad language.
My Ratings: Better than Average/3
Sonia O’Connor, age 24
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.

There was one instance of a man and woman in bed together, on “the morning after” but it was brief and did not involve the main characters. There were several words that could have been left out that would have made the movie much cleaner, but unfortunately they were left in.

All in all I thought it was a very good movie, uplifting and taught a good moral lesson about having courage and believing in yourself. I would say it is fine for teens and adults.
My Ratings: Better than Average/4
Jon, age 30
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…
My Ratings: Better than Average/3
Alex, age 53
Negative—As a Christian, I found this move very offensive. Within the first 15 minutes alone, there was fornication, lying and 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.

Nowadays, PG-13 means that you can get away with some pretty crude, ungodly material, and Hitch is filled to the rim with immorality and trash. So, if you are looking for a “clean” nice family film, save your money!
My Ratings: Very Offensive/4
Rena, age 39
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.
My Ratings: Average/4
Jodi, age 35
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.
My Ratings: Better than Average/4
Elizabeth, age 19
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
My Ratings: Average/5
twftm
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.
My Ratings: Better than Average/4
Jennifer, age 36
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 okay.” It is time we start offering HIS opinion.
Pat, age 46
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?
My Ratings: Very Offensive/3½
J.A. Kors, age 30
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.
My Ratings: Very Offensive/3
Phil Reed, age 23
Comments from young people
Positive—Hitch was a good movie. I think that it would even be okay for kids under the age of 13.
My Ratings: Better than Average/5
Scotty Machon, age 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!
My Ratings: Better than Average/4½
Jessica, age 12
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.
My Ratings: Average/4
Anna R, age 15
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!
My Ratings: Average/4
Brittney, age 14
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.
My Ratings: Better than Average/3½
Jesse, age 17
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!
My Ratings: Average/4½
Colbeigh Harris, age 17
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!

While it did have some bad language, as well as some sexual references/content. The only offensive things I saw were—one scene when a couple wakes up together in bed implying that they had sex (without being married) the night before, one “F” word (along with other cuss words, but hearing them a lot in media and just about anywhere now days—I don’t think that it’s a big deal to teens about 13 and up) and one man talking about wanting to “bang” a woman and that’s all he wanted. BUT when he was talking about this he was trying to get Will Smith (the date doctor) to help him hook up with her. Will Smith inflicted pain on him for thinking such a thing and obviously turned him down. After watching this scene I said “You go Will.” it made me very happy that the movie was pointing out that that was NOT what Will’s job was for. It was to help men that normally wouldn’t get a second “look” ask the love of their life on a date. After the first date he had them take it from there.

I thought that this movie showed some pretty good morals you don’t usually see in movies now. Plus—I cried I laughed so hard!!! If you like hysterical, romantic movies… this is definitely a have-to-see! I absolutely loved it! I’d recommend it for mature 13 year olds and up.
My Ratings: Better than Average/5
Sarah, age 15
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.
My Ratings: Average/4
Mariette, age 15
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…
Bill Muller, The Arizona Republic
…a pleasant and undemanding romantic comedy…
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
…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…
Ty Burr, Boston Globe
…Bits of it are charming, much of it is awkward…
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
…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…
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
…Smith charms, but “Hitch” doesn’t… so formulaic and mediocre that you might suspect that was the unambitious goal all along…
Paul Doro, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
…tries to be cool, funny and sweet but falls on its face without generating any real sympathy, smarts or humor…
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
…definitely adult humor, but unlike many films, it manages to bridge the gap between men and women and will make both laugh…
Annabelle Robertson, Crosswalk