"Hitch" is actually two movies — a buddy comedy of sorts starring Will Smith and Kevin James, and a romantic comedy starring Smith and Eva Mendes.
But unfortunately, only one of these two mini-movies really works as it should — and it's probably not the one you're probably thinking. The stuff with Smith and James is surprisingly funny and winning, and makes up for the predictable romantic story line, which is clunky and labored.
Also, director Andy Tennant ("Never Been Kissed," "Ever After") stretches out this material a good 15 or 20 minutes longer than it really needs to be. Even a silly dancing routine at the end goes on longer than it should, wearing out its welcome.
Smith stars as the title character, Alex Hitchens, the so-called "date doctor" of New York City. Hitch makes his living by coaching hapless guys who need help in winning over the girls of their respective dreams.
Hitch's latest client may be his most hopeless, however. He's Albert Brennaman (James), a CPA who's in love with Allegra Cole (played by supermodel Amber Valletta), an heiress his firm represents. First, Hitch has to find a way for her to even notice him — especially since the big schlub has a meltdown every time he's in her presence.
At the same time, Hitch is straying into some unfamiliar territory of his own. He's recently started seeing acid-tongued gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), and he finds all his self-confidence deserting him when he's with her. Their first two dates go disastrously awry, due to some uncharacteristic clumsiness on his par, and then a food allergy.
In the end, the two halves of the movie feel as if they are forced together, leaving messes that Tennant and screenwriter Kevin Bisch never really clean up.
Despite some sparks between Smith and Mendes, their characters' romance feels a bit contrived. But the scenes in which Smith's character coaches James are pretty amusing.
Actually, the film could have used a lot more James and less of Mendes, especially since the film lets her natural comic talents go to waste.
"Hitch" is rated PG-13 for scattered use of strong profanity (including one usage of the so-called "R-rated" curse word), slapstick violence, some innuendo and use of crude slang terms, and some brief drug content (an allergy medicine "high"). Running time: 115 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com