Hitch – Der Date Doktor

Director Andy Tennant (Anna and the King) is able to depict romance unusually moderately, so as not to offend critics and nasty cynics, while still achieving the effect of the most mindlessly simplistic and sugary melodrama reminiscent of a soap opera. Why was he recruited by the producers for a film that abounds with such a breathtakingly stupid script? I really don't know, and I regret that they wasted such a great talent. Tennant tries his best, but he doesn't have enough to lift the film higher than just out of the mud of stereotypes. After a rather unremarkable start, the film picks up pace to the extent that even the filmmaker himself might run out of breath and experience a cramp. The film automatically induces a cramp in the viewer's smile, leaving them unsure about how to categorize the movie. Will Smith approached his first romantic role with a carefree and relaxed attitude, as the easygoing charm within him battled with his self-centeredness for a place in the character. The result is a mischievous expression and the unpredictability of Hitch's next move. Already after I, Robot I stopped doubting his acting abilities, which is only confirmed by this film. Just don't let Bad Boys for Life or Independence Day: Resurgence descend on us, which would bring back the egotistical macho who is eager to rap. Eva Mendes is a typical example of a (non)actress. Plus, I also have strong doubts about her beauty. Many better and prettier actresses could have played her role, but when there's no one else, there's no one else. Hitch may be a cinematic treat, but it will definitely leave you feeling a bit heavy, especially because you'll be digesting it for two hours, which is a bit too much even for the most die-hard romantic within the summer romantic comedy genre. And if you're not one of those people, which I am not, it's even harder. (20.06.2005)

While the Hitch/Sara storyline is really humdrum and therefore uninteresting, the story about Albert and his courting of Allegra works really well. The whole picture relies heavily on Will Smith’s undeniable charisma, while on the other hand it is pulled down by being too long and by the absolutely wooden and unlikeable Eva Mendes. Even so, Hitch worked for me somehow and I quite enjoyed it. (01.10.2006)

Funny I missed this until now. A decent idea for a RomCom, a terrific Will Smith, and a seductively uncompromising Eva Mendes pull the film into the above average range. I also liked Kevin James as an absolute dork. I had a very enjoyable time. 75%. (14.05.2019)

I can't say that I don't have fits of laughter. The scenes where Hitch helps his client Albert charm a wealthy heiress are flawless, as are his occasional mishaps in front of Eva Mendes. But all the gags that excited so much in the trailer work in the film, although Tennant is already exhausted in the first hour and for the rest of the runtime (which deserves to be at least twenty minutes shorter) he just stretches and complicates things and unfortunately it doesn't work. And the two final speeches at that moment ruin the overall impression of ex-dateologist Smith... (04.02.2006)

This is exactly how I imagine a beautiful American romantic comedy. No need for awkward perversions, weird lines, toilet scenes, etc. Will Smith in full effect! Just like he's playing a life drama. Eva Mendes, a pretty and charismatic girl who definitely doesn't leave Will on his own. A good enough Kevin James and the lovely Amber Valletta. Overall, this movie makes sense to me. (12.02.2011)

Hitch brilliantly captures the essence of the modern trend of smart and sophisticated comedies. It is an enjoyable treat for a Saturday evening, with excellent performances by Will Smith and the attractive Eva Mendes, who perfectly complementing each other. Don't expect too much depth or a finely-tuned masterpiece, but there is plenty of entertainment, thanks mainly to several high-quality and seamlessly integrated gags. It's a shame about the clichéd ending, which somewhat undermines the concept of intelligent and “realistic” charm. Nevertheless, it couldn't have ended any other way. (13.11.2008)

Hitch delivered exactly what I expected. I already knew that Will Smith's acting had something going for it, just as I had already noticed that Eva Mendes would not be a bad match, and I was not surprised that they were as good together in front of the camera as if they were a real couple. But the film isn't just about them, it's also about an interesting idea, a fresh and funny execution and also a bit about Kevin James, who was very good as the shy financier. In short, it’s a sure-fire way to get a laugh and some rest, and the slightly weaker second half doesn't change that, nor does the far-fetched ending. 80% (21.01.2013)