I was sat flicking through the sky channels last night and I found the film Hitch showing. As usual, it is just my luck that weeks after paying top whack for a DVD, the film appears on Sky Movies and I realise that I have wasted yet another tenner. Still, it is always possible that the DVD ... Read review
Will Smith's easygoing charm makesHitchthe kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy ... more
that you could recommend to almost anyone--especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the s...
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Will Smith Stars In The Year's Funniest Comedy.Meet Hitch (Will Smith), New York City's ... more
greatest matchmaker who will get you the girl of your dreams in just three easy dates, guaranteed! And that's exactly what Albert Brennaman (TV's Kevin James, The K...
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Hitch (Dir. Andy Tennant 2005): In Andy Tennant's delightful romantic comedy Hitch Will ... more
Smith stars as Alex Hitchens an urban "date doctor" who helps the common man woo the woman of his dreams. Hitch will use any means necessary--dance lessons back waxing--to instill romantic confidence in his clientele. Why? He was once a lonely wallflower himself who learned about love and heartbreak the hard way. His latest project Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) may be his most difficult. Brennaman a junior accountant prone to clumsiness has fallen head-over-heels for one of his clients Allegra Cole (Amber Valleta) a well-known celebrity. To complicate things further Hitch's dating dogma is shaken when he meets and falls for a beautiful gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes) whose sharp wit easily pierces his cool fa'Ĥade. Conflict arises when Melas uncovers Hitch's true profession and blames him for her best friend being dumped. Sleepless In Seattle (Dir. Nora Ephron 1993): Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin a widowed father who thanks to the wiles of his worried son becomes a reluctant guest on a radio call-in show. He's an instant hit with thousands of female listeners who deluge his Seattle home with letters of comfort. Meanwhile inspired in equal parts by Sam's story and by classic Hollywood romance writer Annie Reed (Ryan) becomes convinced that it's her destiny to meet Sam. There are just two problems: Annie's engaged to someone else and Sam doesn't know - yet- that they're made for each other.
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Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Good film that shows Will Smith in his element. Funny as hell. Disadvantages: Can be a little predictable throughout.
...and I found the film Hitch showing. As usual, it is just my luck that weeks after paying top whack for a DVD, the film appears on Sky Movies and I realise that I have wasted yet another tenner. Still, it is always possible that the DVD extra's will appease my disappointment - but how rare is this? In my case very rare as I am not a big fan of behind the scenes featurettes. But there we go. Having reminded myself of exactly how the story of the film ... ...THE MUSIC:
Hitch uses some good music throughout the film and the music does help to set the mood rather well. Although I wasn't aware of any major tracks used, the songs were all relevant to the moments in the film and were all ones you can bob your head to or stretch for a smile. It has been well composed to run alongside the film and does add to the effects.
I was sat flicking through the sky channels last night and I found the film Hitch showing. As usual, it is just my luck that weeks after paying top whack for a DVD, the film appears on Sky Movies and I realise that I have wasted yet another tenner. Still, it is always possible that the DVD extra's will appease my disappointment - but how rare is this? In my case very rare as I am not a big fan of behind the scenes featurettes. But there we go. Having reminded myself of exactly how the story of the film goes, I have now decided the time is right to impress my opinions on a waiting audience (namely, the poor souls such as your good self).
THE FILM ITSELF:
This film is based upon a 'love doctor'. He charges for his services and is played by the reputable Will Smith. Smith was the perfect person to cast in the role as he oozes the charisma and comedy style that gets viewers to appreciate his stature. Indeed, he is appreciated by many as a 'sex symbol' and even us men can't help but admire his style and flair (my green face does little to belie this fact, the jammy sod!).
Our Love Doctor works by helping helpless guys to get great women. He views himself as the man who creates opportunities for those who would otherwise have none. And so we come to Albert Brenaman. Albert is a standard business guy, overweight but head over heals for a celebrity. His oversize body was in no way indicative of his heart, but he would have no chance. And so the love doctor gets to work.
Through training on etiquette, how to kiss, how to make a move and even how to get noticed in the first place, we see some hilarious moments. As you watch the film you can fully appreciate that this kind of character probably does exist somewhere in America, and that people lacking in confidence and self belief will part with thousands at a time for their advice.
Now our love doctor has just one problem, he is great with others but hopeless for himself. Lacking in any form of relationship himself, he ensures that all his clients keep quiet, and he will only help those who need it. Big business guys who abuse women and just want to sleep around are not his bag, guys who are head over heals and have a big heart - thats his domain. So how will things go when he meets a great girl - who just happens to be a newspaper reporter. Declining to tell her his job, she finds the trail anyway.... but will it lead to him and will he help her with a story or stick to his morals? Will our two stars meet under a moolit sky, or will they end up being too opposite in thier professions to ever make it long term?
THE COMEDY:
OK, so this sounds like a luvvy duvvy chick flick, but its not. In fact, despite being billed as a romantic comedy (that always spells chick flick), I found it rather funny. Will Smith never fails to carry off a good joke and this film is fulll of them. Whether you think it is funny watching a fat man try to dance, or you want to watch the love doctor himself get a head like Mr. Potato Head following the consumption of some shellfish, this has laughs throughout.
A lot of the comedy is situational, so hard to explain here, although there are some good one liners in there. I wouldn't say I laughed the whole way through (this is hard to achieve when there is a storyline to keep as well), but it certainly had some great moments.
THE ACTORS:
Will Smith puts in a superb performance and shows that there is nothing he can't turn his hand to. Although in fairness, this role was almost written for him. Oozing charisma and sexual pheromones, this guy is known and respected as a success, so he can pull of the role of a sex doctor with consumate ease. As he spends so little of his energy getting into the character, he is able to focus on his performance instead, and the effect is amazing.
Backing him up, the other actors performed well and kept themselves on the up and up. Kevin James plays the fat no hoper really well. He shows that he has his own individual flair and a great personality but he needs to harness it all to get his woman, the celebrity Allegra Cole. He goes through the film following the advice of the love doctor and starts to get success with his woman. But will it all be good in the end?
Eva Mendes plays the gossip columnist that Will Smith's character falls for - and she plays it well. My only gripe about her acting is the scenes where she is supposed to be emotionally hurt but lashing out instead, her acting becomes somewhat hammy and unbelievable. Still, not enough to ruin the film and overall she does a heck of a lot more good than bad.
There are other actors who pop in and out of the story, although no major cameos that I can comment on. The extras and the characters who flit in and out of the film all hold the story together well. I always said that a good back-up actor is someone who comes into the story and then leaves and you can't remember their name, but you know exactly what they did and it will come back in the film to piece it together at the end. All the other actors achieved this with considerable aplomb.
The Cast List itself reads: Will Smith .... Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens (love doctor) Kevin James .... Albert Brenaman Eva Mendes .... Sara (gossip columnist romance) Amber Valletta .... Allegra Cole (celebrity) Julie Ann Emery .... Casey Robinne Lee .... Cressida Nathan Lee Graham .... Geoff Adam Arkin .... Max
THE MUSIC:
Hitch uses some good music throughout the film and the music does help to set the mood rather well. Although I wasn't aware of any major tracks used, the songs were all relevant to the moments in the film and were all ones you can bob your head to or stretch for a smile. It has been well composed to run alongside the film and does add to the effects.
THE DVD EXTRA'S:
Now, having seen this is now on Sky Movies, I was hoping that a quick insert of the DVD would impress me enough with the extras to appease my self opinion that I had wasted the best part of £12. So what did we get?
Deleted Scenes - This extra includes 2 deleted scenes that were eventually dropped from the final film. The director (Andy Tennant) introduces them and explains where they were and why they were not used - which is an improvement on some DVD's that simply show you them and you are left to wonder what on earth the differences were.... The more interesting of the two was the opening scene, which shows how they were considering a different music track. Although some may not find this that interesting, it does help you realise just how much the opening credits can set the mood of the film.
Blooper Real - This is a view of all the out-takes. I am assuming that the reason for the bleeping out of the swear words was owing to the fact that they wanted to keep the rating a 12 - but it can make it a little annoying to watch. Still, those who like silent films might enjoy it and there are some funy gaffs here.
Dance Steps - In this extra, we see Albert Brenamans dance scene where he is telling Hitch (the love doctor) what each of his dance moves mean. Its an amusing extra that might bring a good smile from the viewer.
Hitch Style - This is the clothing selectors getting a chance to air their views, but it is rather boring to be honest and didn't maintain my interest. I doubt others will find it that great either.
Love in New York - This looks at the locations used for the film and how/why they were chosen. This was interesting to a degree, but isn't really my bag. Some might like it though, and it is well made rather than just being 'tagged on' to fill the DVD.
The Dating Experts - Now this was interesting. Hitch's dating knowledge had to come from somewhere and this is the crew explaining how they researched the information and how they managed it all. It carried off very well in the film and this, although not that funy, did maintain my interest throughout. A good addition to the DVD.
Will Smith's Red Carpet Race - When launching the film, Will Smith tried to break a record for making the most public appearaces in a set time. Interesting attempt, although you will only watch it once.
You also get the movie trailers for new films and a music video for one of the songs used in the soundtrack. Nothing amazingly special though.
One thing I do have to praise is that we didnt get the horrible and annoying voice over commentaries by the director. Those things really annoy me and get on my nerves.
THE PRICE:
The price of this DVD varies massively depending on where you purchase it. I paid £11.99 but saw it for £9.99 in HMV the other day and even cheaper online. Ebay always seems to have a copy of it in an auction, but idiots seem willing to pay almost £20 on some of them so you might want to steer clear for a while.
SUMMARY:
OK, so this film is now showing on Sky Movies so is effectively free for me as I pay for that anyway (I got sports for the footy and that gets thrown in as the kids get the kids channels etc...). With this in mind, the DVD was rather disappointing and the Extras, although good, were not enough to warrant the price tag. If you don't have Sky, I would recommend buying the DVD as this is a good film that is worth watching, but there are some things that you need to consider before shelling out your hard earned cash - like how long until it appears on terrestrial TV?
Overall though, if it wasn't on Sky, this DVD would be worth the money and the film is certainly worth watching. Appeals to both men and women and wil have anyone smiling away, even if your sides won't split.
Advantages: The funniest, smartest film you'll see all year Disadvantages: There is none at all!
...tell you how incredibly good Hitch actually is.
Hitch is one of the best Romantic comedies I have ever seen. It has all the clichés you have come to expect but has an added pizzazz to it that raises it above even the best of the genre. It IS predictable, it has to be, but the witty script, the Alfie like asides to the viewer, the charm and personality of Will Smith and the winning performance of Kevin James (King of Queens) overcome that predictability. ... ...get one of his cards. Hitch doesn’t advertise, he get his clients by word of mouth and his business is to help any man get the girl of his dreams. As he says “Any Man has the chance to sweep any woman off her feet”! He is not interested in aiding someone in a conquest but in helping find true love. He teaches the men how to make a woman notice them, how to dress, how to talk and be interesting, in fact all the little tricks to help the woman fall ...
Ailran 30.03.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Hitch (DVD)
Advantages: nice film, good acting, there was chemistry, funny Disadvantages: -
...all about Alex Hitchins a.k.a Hitch (Will Smith), also known as the date doctor. He helps all men get the girl they want by following his rules and within three dates he guarantees they will win the female over. The film begins with Hitch talking to the camera while also helping out some guys and us seeing the kind of plans he sets up for the men to get their women. One I thought was funny was when Hitch takes a woman's dog the taxi is set up, the ... ...to giver her his pen. Hitch teaches him the basics, his lessons with Albert are hilarious from him teaching him how to dance, to the first kiss, waiting at the door. They are not the only other characters, we do also have Hitch's love interest, a challenge for himself, Sara Melas (Eva Mendes) a gossip columnist for the Standard. She is very popular a great writer who even while on holiday found information on Allegra and had to go into work early ...
ms19 10.07.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Hitch (DVD)
Advantages: Will Smith, you will smile at least once Disadvantages: If you take it seriously you will hate it
It is Will Smith as Mr Alex 'Hitch' Hitchen! He is mister love doctor, able to make anybody fall in love with the woman of their dreams. When I saw this movie I had a brief idea of what this movie would be about. I assumed it would be light hearted entertainment. Any film where you are told that the plot involves instigating true love can not be taken seriously. As I expected this movie was going to be a fun film, if you have seen Will Smith in fresh ... ...career in acting, you will have prior understanding of the kind of humour to be expected. If you have not then Will Smith styles is basically his charisma
The film was full of Will Smiths charisma, but the film was always going to suffer, in my mind you may be able to carry a sitcom but a film is a different audience, mainly that there maybe people there that are not familiar with your past performances. Unless the main character is a stand up comedian ...
NEO_TECH 03.08.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Hitch (DVD)
Advantages: funnier than the average. Disadvantages: the sappy ending.
...Mendes plays Sara; the woman Hitch himself is attempting to woo. We see smooth-talking Hitch educate Albert in the ways of love, and then attempt to transfer his skills to real-life when out on a date with the beautiful Allegra Cole, played by Amber Valleta. It is near the start of the film that Hitch meets Sara, and enables us to witness how even the smoothest-talking of men sometimes have some trouble.
Naturally, things start off well for Hitch ... ...we can really believe in Hitch and Sara's relationship.
'Hitch' should be seen as one of those films that is helping to reinvigorate the romantic comedy genre. It pokes fun at other overly sappy movies such as Jerry Maguire, and injects a much-needed dose of humour into these types of films. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and this is the key; this is what makes it so watchable. ...
heatherrr13 20.07.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Hitch (DVD)
Advantages: All round funny film, Will Smith and Kevin James Disadvantages: Mixed bag of DVD extras
...and unlucky in love accountant. Hitch has to call upon all his ability to mould him into the perfect date material, as the object of his affection is the beautiful, society heiress Allegra Cole, a woman completely out of his league. Under Hitch's guidance, he turns Albert into a general contender and through some clever manipulation manages to set Albert up on a date with Allegra.
As the mismatched pairing of Albert and Allegra becomes hot news, ... ...but this is exactly what Hitch manages to do. As with the majority of romantic comedies, the basis of the plot follows the traditional formula of man meets woman, they fall in love, something goes wrong, but get it together by the end. Where Hitch succeeds in a genre where many fail, is the situation where the plot is worked. The concept of the 'date doctor' is a refreshing change and the fact that the basis of the plot not only affects his relationship ...
christianfilmcritic 27.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Hitch (DVD)
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Advantages: 3 great films in one Disadvantages: If you only wanted 2 of the films the third can be a pain to pay for
These three films are all great in themselves- a mixture of the funny and light hearted- hitch- to the deeply heartfelt Closer, a portrayal of everyday relationships and betrayals.
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of those films which you can watch again and again and again !!!
*The Plot*
The films follows a woman, Julia Jones, and her quest to find happiness and love...Julia is obese and believes this is the reason why she cant find love...the film opens with her dancing in the middle of a new york street to "milkshake" by kelis *my milk shake brings all the boys to the yard, damn right, its better than yours, i can teach you, but i have to charge...*if this scene doesn't have you cluching your stomach and gasping for breathe, i advice you to go to a therapist, where has your humor gone...?
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*Dvd ...
and Hitch by Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding and Rich Fuller. There are also 2 great features on the DVD, Inside the Zooniverse and History of the Boosh, as well as Boosh Music, out-takes and a picture gallery.
With up to 4 hours worth of brilliant screen-time, The Mighty Boosh Season One is a DVD that I would highly recommend, and with Amazon.co.uk now selling it at a bargain priced £8.98, it would be a crime not to own it! ...
Desperately trying to win the affections of a society girl, Albert Brennaman calls in the services of Hitch, New York's premier dating doctor. Meanwhile, gossip columnist Sara Melas begins work to uncover more about the mysterious love doctor, only to discover that he is in fact the man she has been dating...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Blooper Reel, Deleted Scenes, Behind The Scenes Featurettes, Music Video 1 Thing By Amerie, Bonus Digital Copy
Aspect Ratio
2.40 Anamorphic Wide Screen, 1.78 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1, Stereo
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Stereo English French German
DVD Description
In Andy Tennant's (SWEET HOME ALABAMA, ANNA AND THE KING) delightful romantic comedy HITCH, Will Smith stars as Alex Hitchens, an urban 'date doctor' who helps the common man woo the woman of his dreams. Hitch will use any means necessary--dance lessons, back waxing--to instil romantic confidence in his clientele. Hitch was once a lonely wallflower himself, who learned about love and heartbreak the hard way. His latest project, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), may be his most difficult. Brennaman, a junior accountant prone to clumsiness, has fallen head-over-heels for one of his clients, Allegra Cole (Amber Valleta), a well-known celebrity. To complicate things further, Hitch's dating dogma is shaken when he meets and falls for a beautiful gossip columnist, Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), whose sharp wit easily pierces his cool facade. Conflict arises when Melas uncovers Hitch's true profession and blames him for her best friend being dumped. HITCH is set in affluent hot spots around New York City, making for some splendid visuals. Tennant gets charming performances from all of his leads, especially James, who makes an amazing transition from television's KING OF QUEENS and nearly steals the spotlight from Smith with his talent for physical comedy. Nevertheless, James and Smith have excellent onscreen chemistry. Kevin Bisch's first script is full of clever, contemporary dialogue, alternately pointing out the silliness and the poignancy of love and dating.
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