This picture was a long time coming, in my opinion. I think a story saying how a man's short comings can win over the right woman, no matter how popular or attractive, is VERY much needing to be told today.

"Hitch" offers such a message, as Will Smith (I, Robot) plays the title character, a "date doctor" who helps male clients clean up their game when it comes to wooing a specific woman. Eventually, his business leads him to Albert, played by Kevin James (TV's The King of Queens), a CPA who has fallen for his client, celebrity Allegra Cole, played by Amber Valleta (Raising Helen), but is completely helpless expressing himself to women.

As Alex "Hitch" Hitchins schools Albert, gossip journalist Sara, played by Eva Mendez (Training Day), meets and dates him, eventually falling for him. However, she needs Alex to get closer to stories on Allegra, thus conflict begins. There's more to the storyline, but I'll keep it in reserve for the sake of time.

Smith was his usual comedic self in this picture, while James portrayed Albert with so much more subtlety than his character on "The King of Queens," his range as a comedic actor is truly defined in this work.

Mendez and Smith made a great on screen couple. She also showed promise in the light hearted comedy genre.

Kevin Bisch wrote a unique screenplay with "Hitch," marking his first screen credit. His situational comedy was very substantial and not too outlandish, until the end of the picture, when the staging of the story was simply too much. This may be more in the fault of director Andy Tennant (Sweet Home Alabama, Ever After). The style of the picture, a docudrama of sorts with Smith giving asides and voice-overs to the audience was probably the only way to truly present this picture. As a team, Bisch and Tennant were dead on with their choices.

My only complaint is, if you could call it that, I feel the material could have been pushed a bit further for more laughs. However, the picture is subtle. Performances are subtle, fully fleshed out and speak to almost anyone who's fallen for someone else.

I loved how the picture attempted to say the misery involved in loving someone is part of the best reasons to fall in love in the first place. It's a different message than we usually get in romantic comedies these days.

Overall, I thought the picture was exceptional, and I would think men and women would dig it equally. It's good for a giggle, has substance, but doesn't get too heavy. Simply, it's a good time.

Benn - Where's the Humanity?