Will Smith and Latina actress Eva Mendes talked up Hitch as a signpost to improving race relations after the film broke box office records in the States. Mostly though, it was Smith's "easy wit and charisma" and his chemistry with fellow comedian Kevin James that put bums on seats and won over the critics. Andy Tennant directs Smith in the role of a date doctor who still has a lot to learn about love.
Making The Move
One of the film's most memorable scenes finds James showing Smith how he likes to bust a move on the dance floor. Thankfully behind-the-scenes cameras were there to capture that day of filming and provide the wonderfully funny featurette Dance Steps Made Easy. Among many moves, James show us how to do the "Slow Thriller", "The Q-Tip" and, perhaps best of all, "Makin 'Da Pizza". "You like what I'm doing with the cheese?" he asks an appalled-looking Smith.
Tennant insisted on shooting on location and Love In New York follows him all over the downtown area as fans and passers-by gather to sneak a peek at Smith. They also venture to the beautiful Ellis Island, which, surprisingly for many of the local crewmembers, marks their first visit to this former immigrant checkpoint. In essence it's a light-hearted travelogue of New York's coolest locations. Meanwhile Will Smith's Red Carpet Race offers a whirlwind tour of England's major cities. The star entered The Guinness Book Of World Records after visiting three premieres (in Manchester, Birmingham and London) in just 12 hours.
High Style finds costume designer Marlene Stewart rifling through Smith's wardrobe, including the early 90s "Fresh from Philly" look that's played for laughs in a flashback. And there are more tips on looking presentable in The Dating Experts featurette. Single men should take notes as the experts (who were also consultants on the film) dispense pearls of dating wisdom like, "Men who stand with shoulders back, feet 12 inches apart and toes pointed out project a more manly image." If that sounds a little specific, Smith boils it down when he says that, "Competence is the thing that's most attractive."
A Technical Hitch
Tennant provides an introduction to three deleted scenes, admitting that, "Oftentimes filmmakers don't know exactly where they are going, but hopefully end up in the right place nonetheless." Perhaps the most obvious example of this creative meandering is a scene that finds Hitch running into ex-girlfriend Cressida (Robinne Lee). There's also added embarrassment for Mendes' character in the disastrous Ellis Island date sequence.
In the aforementioned Dance Steps featurette Smith and Tennant agree that James "steals the film" and he does the same again in a three-minute gag reel. Amerie's 1 Thing music video wraps up the package along with a gallery of trailers. Sadly there are no audio commentaries, but overall this selection of extras has a bright and breezy feel that's in keeping with the film. If you don't have a hot date lined up, this DVD makes for a fun night in.
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