another positive review

[*mimi*]

by Jeffrey K. Lyles

I fully understand that this is supposed to be a movie review and not a relationship column, but ladies, it’s not that your man doesn’t enjoy going to the movies with you or even not checking out the latest action flick when it’s your turn to choose. It’s those accursed romantic comedies that more often than not drive us crazy.

Most have these gorgeous, perfectly in shape male leads that have us guys looking like totally insensitive morons so you have to understand that you’ll really have to work to convince us to check out "Hitch," the latest (shudder) romantic comedy from Will Smith the weekend before Valentine’s Day. Talk about your no-win situation.

But whatever you have to do, make sure you get him to see this "Hitch" as this is the kind of romantic comedy that even the most unromantic lout in your life will enjoy.

Smith is Alex Hitchens, "Hitch" for short, who is a professional matchmaker for decent guys who either can’t work up the nerve or find the right opportunity to talk to the woman of their dreams.

It’s a commendable goal and from the look of Hitch’s posh New York apartment, business is good.

Hitch has perhaps his greatest challenge on his hands when a shy, awkward accountant Albert (Kevin James) hires him to help him woo billionaire heiress Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta, "Raising Helen").

The casting of James is a risky one. Feature him in too many slapstick scenes and the film just ends up being an extension of his sitcom "The King of Queens."

Having been at the helm of a number of romantic films including "Anna and the King," "Ever After" and his most recent, "Sweet Home Alabama" Director Andy Tennant once again realizes the potential he had in the 1997 underrated romantic comedy "Fools Rush In."

Instead of going too overboard with situations that would never happen in real life, Tennant crafts funny moments that are believable with the participants just seeming to have really bad luck.

Tennant uses James perfectly though and lets him play the goofy, uncoordinated klutz just long enough to get the right amount of laughs before Albert becomes a stale one-note joke.

Smith and James have ideal comedic timing and play off one another well.

James isn’t exactly a revelation as his sitcom is entertaining, but the challenge for TV stars is remaining funny beyond their normal 30-minute window. James proves he could be a leading man in his own comedy instead of the sidekick character so his next project, "Grilled" could be worth keeping an eye on.

Instead of playing "Hitch" as a modern interpretation of Cyrano de Bergerac, screenwriter Kevin Bisch has Hitch fall for tabloid writer/romantic cynic Sarah (Eva Mendes, "Stuck on You") who is trying to do an expose on the mysterious Date Doctor.

After an impressive request for a date (this would probably be the appropriate point in the film to take notes, guys), Sarah relents and the two begin a relationship they both feel is too good to be true.

But what’s a romantic comedy without a little "hitch" in the pursuit of true love? Sarah decides she wants to learn more about Hitch and his connection to the Date Doctor and her reporter instincts may jeopardize her burgeoning relationship.

Smith and Mendes make for a convincing on-screen couple and have good chemistry, a requisite in these romantic comedies.

In a comedy with Smith and James, it’s quite the surprise that Mendes is just as funny and gets some great lines.

My major complaint is the lack of screen time for the very talented Michael Rapaport (TV’s "Boston Public") who is underutilized as Hitch’s married best friend, Ben. The contrast between the ladies’ man and his married pal seemed like it had the potential for some funny moments that will likely be used in the eventual DVD’s deleted scene segment.

A lot of the film’s best jokes are in the trailers but for a change the whole thing isn’t spoiled entirely so the scenes still get a laugh even though you’ve seen many of the setups and payoffs to the jokes.

It’s the little things that make a romantic comedy work and all those elements come together including one of those "lean back and mellow out to" soundtracks.

"Hitch" has a great cast, good script and is an actual smart romantic comedy with none of the typical "I can’t believe they thought people would like this" eye-rolling moments. If you’re looking for a great way to kick off your Valentine’s Day weekend, make sure you check out "Hitch."