In the wake of winter blahs, comes a sweet little gem just in time for Valentine's.  With a title that could have multiple innuendos, Hitch comes off as a great romantic comedy that's not just another 'chick-flick.'

Meet Alex Hitchens, code-named Hitch.  His business: consulting.  His client-base: complete referrals.  After being a geek and getting the shaft from the only woman he loved in college, Hitch has made a career of knowing what women want and how to pass on his knowledge to men who love a woman but are to shy to know how to take the first step.  His goal: to get all his clients to the first kiss within three dates.

Enter Hitch's next client Albert Brennaman.  Albert is an awkward and over-weight accountant whose firm manages the fortune of the heiress Allegra Cole.  Albert loves Allegra, but alas, Allegra has no idea Albert even exists.  After comparing himself to Michelangelo and Albert to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Hitch tells Albert he help him.

Meanwhile, lurking in the background is gossip columnist Sara Melas.  Sara is perfectly content to remain a bachelorette, as she sees her job as her life.  That is until Hitch makes a pass at her using the same initial tactics on her that he teaches to his clients.  But is Hitch ready to commit to a woman himself, especially the woman who is trying to get the scoop on and exploit him in her column.

Rookie screenwriter Kevin Bisch has pulled out a winner with an excellent script with only a couple of negligible plot holes.  Let's hope his upcoming projects will be as successful.

Chicago native Andy Tennant (Sweet Home Alabama) has done an excellent job at introducing us to each of the characters and weaving them into the story.  While leaving a few dull, 'check your watch' moments, on the whole, Tennant keeps your attention, particularly with scenes such as the "Musical Date Dinner."

Will Smith (MIB; I, Robot; Shark Tale) has done an extremely good job in his first romantic comedy.  In fact it's probably Smith's performance alone that keeps this film from being a 'chick flick.'   His sharp looks and fast wit contribute well.

Kevin James (King of Queens) was perfectly awkward and bumbling yet with the ability to seem a little refined at the same time.  A difficult character to be sure but pulled off quite well.

Amber Valletta (Raising Helen) had an equally difficult role; that of a rich heiress was not quite sure of herself or of how to spend her money.   While it would have been nice to see a little bit more of her character in the film to get a better sense of where she was coming from, I think that either Bisch or Tennant was afraid that any more on her character outside the presence of Albert might have tipped her hat as to how she really felt about him.

Finally Eva Mendes (Once Upon A Time In Mexico) also did quite well with another difficult character.  While she came off as a little bubbly, it was clear at certain points that there was also quite a bit more depth to her character.

My final take on the film:  if you have a date to see this film with, or if you don't, this film is definitely worth your money at the box office.