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'Hitch': Uneven comedy gets by thanks to Manhattan, Will Smith
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

You'll be more seduced by the Manhattan setting than by the movie, but Will Smith in love is hard to resist. He stars as a "date doctor," who can whip any man into shape romantically. (Long-term relationships only; no "hits and quits" please.) Ironically, he can't follow his own advice when it comes to his romance with hot gossip columnist Eva Mendes. Like a blind date, bits of the movie are charming, but much of it is awkward, thanks to a script that strains credulity. Still, Smith is as charming as ever, and Kevin James scores points as a hapless, possibly hopeless client. Read the full Review

TO SUM UP
While helping his latest client woo the fine lady of his dreams, a professional "date doctor" finds game doesn't quite work on the gossip columnist with whom he's smitten.

FILM FACTS ...

Columbia Pictures

'Hitch'

Director: Andy Tennant
Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Michael Rapaport, Ato Essandoh
Run time: 115 minutes
Release date: Feb. 11, 2005
Rating: PG-13 for language and some strong sexual references
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
-- Trailers require Quicktime

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READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: C+
"Bits of it are charming, much of it is awkward and several sequences plod along with the self-consciousness of a first-date stop-and-start conversation. "