Hitch

US (c) 2005 Columbia Pictures. D: Andy Tennant. SC: Kevin Bisch. DP: Andrew Dunn. Starring Will Smith (Alex "Hitch" Hitchens), Eva Mendes (Sara Melas), Kevin James (Albert Brennaman), Amber Valletta (Allegra Cole). 113 min. A Sony release with German subtitles. Viewed at Urania, Berlin Film Festival (Main Series Outside Competition) 19 Feb 2005. Following the publicity text: Hitch is New York's master dating counselor, who pairs off ordinary men with extraordinary women. The hard-boiled gossip columnist Sara goes undercover to reveal him. Sara, like Hitch, no longer believes in true love and has nothing but sober cynicism for romantic relationships. Ironically, it's precisely this attitude that makes them perfect for each other. Hopelessly in love, Hitch finds himself behaving in exactly the same awkward manner as his clients. - A great entry in the tradition of the matchmaker comedy. Sharp dialogue, sharp observations. Will Smith at his best. Eva Mendes has fast advanced to a role where she can display her talent as a brilliant comedienne. Probably Andy Tennant's best film. The audience, especially the women, laughed out loud all through the picture. ***½