Hitch (2005)

3 out of 4

Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valetta, Julie Ann Emery, Adam Arkin

Director: Andy Tennant

Time: 118 mins

Viewed: in home theatre

Smith is the title character, a "date" doctor who advises men on how to develop a relationship with the woman of their dreams. While helping the nice but klutzy Albert (James) attract the attention of rich, beautiful Allegra Cole (Valetta), he employs his own moves on hard-to-get gossip columnist Sara (Mendes). Winning romantic comedy shows Smith at his smoothest and most charming, but it's stand-up and TV comedian James who steals every scene he's in (witness his dance moves while Smith tries to refrain from laughing). A little long, but stars' charisma carry it through. Perfect fodder for Valentine's Day.

(c) Joe Wong (7 August 2005)