Midweek Mention... Hitch

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Welcome back to Bad Dads Film Review, where this week we’re going full rom-com with a film that brings swagger, charm, and a surprisingly heartfelt message to the genre: Hitch (2005).

Directed by Andy Tennant and starring Will Smith in peak smooth-talking form, Hitch follows Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a professional dating consultant known as the “Date Doctor.” His job? Helping awkward men win over the women of their dreams. His golden rule? No tricks, just helping guys be the best version of themselves. But when Hitch meets his match in cynical gossip columnist Sara Melas (played by Eva Mendes), he quickly discovers that love isn’t something you can plan—or dodge.

Alongside the central romance, the film pairs Kevin James and Amber Valletta in a charmingly awkward subplot where Hitch tries to coach James’ character, Albert, into wooing a high-powered heiress. The physical comedy here is excellent, and James’ earnestness offers a perfect counterpoint to Smith’s practiced cool.

What sets Hitch apart from other rom-coms of its era is its big-hearted message: behind every confident exterior, there’s vulnerability, and real connection comes from authenticity. It’s stylish, funny, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—but still manages to land some surprisingly sincere moments.

Will Smith brings effortless charisma, but it's the ensemble that makes the film tick, and its breezy pacing keeps the whole thing light and engaging. Hitch might be formulaic in structure, but it sticks the landing thanks to strong performances and a script that knows when to wink and when to swoon.

Perfect for a date night, guilty pleasure viewing, or just remembering when rom-coms had swagger and sincerity in equal measure. 💘🕶️🕺📓🎬

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