The Date Doctor is In

Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) is a legendary but anonymous “date doctor” in New York City, who helps shy, awkward male clients make good first impressions on the women whom they want to date. Hitch guarantees success for his clients up until the third date, after which they are on their own. In the process of helping his newest client, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James), Hitch meets and begins falling for Sarah Melas (Eva Mendes). Sarah, a gossip reporter for a local tabloid, is the type of woman who is always on the defense when approached by men, but she begins to fall for Hitch until she learns of his occupation, and soon conflict ensues.

Will Smith is ideal as Hitch, with his ability to be a smooth talker with the addition of subtle sarcasm and humor. He has all the right moves, knows just what to say, but manages not to go over the top. Kevin James is also perfect as Albert, a man who is in love with celebrity, Allegra Cole, who doesn’t know that he exists. His character is likeable and his expressions and mannerisms throughout the film are flawless and hilarious. This is a well-written romantic comedy that is fit for both men and women. There is plenty of romance, but this film employs “guy humor” as well. Kevin James’ well-timed, not overly done slapstick scenes are funny and I even found myself laughing out loud a few times. Hitch is a great date movie that is genuine, entertaining, and memorable.

"A Perfect Verse Over a Tight Beat"

Revealing a softer side to the culture, Brown Sugar introduces Hip Hop and love. The storyline is about the love of Hip Hop, with an underlying story of love and romance. Hip Hop is used interchangeably as a metaphor between the love of two friends and Hip Hop as a culture. It’s not what this generation tries to label as Hip Hop. There is no Soldier Boy or no Hurricane Chris. As two friends go through the challenges of life, maintaining a coquettish relationship, they deny their romantic feelings for one another. They share a common ground in their love for Hip Hop, but we later realize that Hip Hop is also being used to express the love that they have for each other. It’s more than a best friend type of love, it’s the kind of love that puts butterflies in the pit of your stomach and leaves your soul on a natural high.

Dre and Sidney are best friends, played by Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan. Dre was a music producer and Sidney was an editor-in-chief for one of the hottest urban magazines, XXL. The chemistry between the two is explosive as the story unravels. Their attraction is evident as it interferes with their love lives. Dre marries Reese, played by Nicole Ari Parker, and Sydney marries Kelby, played by the ever so lovely, Boris Kodjoe. As relationships quickly form, they shatter even faster. The undying love that they share for Hip Hop is evident. However, the saying is true, “love always conquers”, and in the end they acknowledged what was undeniable. As the story started out about tight beats and the love for Hip Hop, it later turned into Hip Hop being used as an expression of their love for each other.

Sidney’s friend Francine, played by Queen Latifah and Dre’s friend Chris (Cav), played by Mos Def both had outstanding parts that really added a comical twist to the movie. Romance runs rampant as the two get sweet on each other. The movie was absolutely hilarious and very entertaining. With a mixture of love and Hip Hop, it has something for everybody. Although it has plenty of romance, it’s not a chick flick; the Hip Hop gives the guys something to vibe to. The movie is real and it’s genuine. It demonstrates a romantic love and the love of Hip Hop, as Dre describes Sidney as “a perfect verse over a tight beat.”