Hitch review

What man couldn't honestly admit that at various times in his romantic life he could have used a bit of expert advice. Women have magazines devoted to the subject of luring a partner, but by and large men are left to figure it out for themselves. It's why a consultant who coaches men on how to navigate their way through the treacherous minefield of seduction, could do a roaring trade. Especially if it comes in the suave, handsome shape of Will Smith.

Smith plays Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a successful New York relationship consultant, or "date doctor" as he's been dubbed in the tabloids. "Any man has a chance to sweep any woman off her feet. He just needs the right broom," declares Hitch, who sees his business as providing the right broom.

It's the first time Smith has turned his considerably gifted hand to romantic comedy and, like everything else he's tried, he pulls it off effortlessly. Hitch is smooth and fake in that Hollywood way, but despite being resistibly contrived, it's irresistibly enjoyable.

Most of the credit should go to Smith who exudes an easy charm that transcends the often formulaic material he works with. Kevin Bisch's script possesses some nice moments, but it's Smiths' impeccable delivery and comic asides that elevate the film above its unexceptional source. Director Andy Tennant does a good job of keeping the pace and energy up and exploiting the wit and warmth of Smith to its fullest.

Hitch, who keeps his identity secret and works by referral only, takes on his biggest challenge when he's asked by the shy, bumbling tax consultant Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) to woo the beautiful heiress Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). At the same time, Hitch finds his womanizing wiles challenged by the guarded gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes).

There's plenty of humour of the broad variety, best exemplified in a scene in which Hitch gives the rhythmically challenged Albert a dancing lesson and when Hitch's food allergy takes effect. James, in his first leading big screen role following his TV success with The King Of Queens, proves a fine comic foil for Smith while providing plenty of his own slapstick moments.

One jarring aspect of Hitch is the barrage of platitudes. Hitch is the greatest perpetrator as he constantly fires off from his arsenal of trite metaphors, but nearly everyone's guilty. "There is more to life than watching people live it," spouts Sara's editor Max (Adam Arkin). It's a constant reminder that what we're dealing with here aren't real, fully evolved characters, but merely conduits in a manipulative plot. Still, as conduits go, Smith is one of the most watchable.

Kevin Murphy