In Hitch, Will Smith plays New York-based Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, a dating consultant, who helps out guys who have a lot going for them - nice cars, good salaries, jobs and smart houses - but don't know the first thing about how to approach and chat up women. Guys, in short, who are in dire need of a smooth-tongued Cyrano de Bergerac type who can give them the right lines and get them from first base to 20th in a matter of a few weeks. Alex is the man for the task.

While helping out plump, inhibited city accountant Albert (Kevin James) with his love life, he makes a pig's ear of his own. He's got involved with feisty gossip columnist Sara (Eva Mendes) and his moves appear to be working just fine - check out the breakfast date that involves water-skiing! - but the path of true love doesn't always run smooth, as Alex is about to find out.

Andy Tennant (Sweet Home Alabama) directs this slight, but entertaining, romantic comedy with a degree of visual flair, making the most of what is standard fare. Smith wants you to love him from the moment he walks on the screen, in a Cary Grant kind of a way, and is always engaging. Mendes is the perfect foil, since her character doesn't suffer fools gladly.

It should be a big couples' hit, since Hitch is talking a lot about the behaviour of women and guys may learn a thing or two, while women will enjoy seeing what Alex picks on when it comes to the difficult subject of dating.

Hitch is unmemorable - you'll enjoy a few laughs for the two hours it takes, but won't remember much tomorrow - and yet Smith fans will not be disappointed. His talking-to-camera role is a departure from other parts he's played.

If you're just after two hours entertainment, where you don't have to think too hard, this might well be the ticket.