Hitch

Why is this movie on my blog you ask? Good question! It was not a huge box office hit. It was not a critical favorite. It was not an artistic masterpiece. Still is was a good story well told. And, every woman I know says every man they know should watch this movie at least once, and some may need to see it additional times to get the message.

Director Andy Tennant (Ever After, Anna and the King, and Sweet Home Alabama) does a great job showing all American men in the form of either Will Smith (Independence Day, Men in Black series, and I Am Legend) or Kevin James (King of Queens series). While these 2 guys are not the extremes of American men, the do cover the vast majority of us. The message? Somewhere in the middle it what most women want.

Smith's character is a dating consultant who is super suave and a total winner. James' character is his client who has the nots for a super model type, way out of his league. But, "Hitch" takes on the challenge. Along the way, they both get what they want in a very amusing, and educational manner. Yes, it's totally predictable, but the journey is plenty fun for both genders.

This was billed as a great data movie, and I heartily endorse that concept.

Watch this movie with someone who can laugh at themself without spraying popcorn all over.

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

If you have a daughter, watch this movie with her. Not only is this a great spin on the Cinderella tale, it is a fun story. Never mind Drew Barrymore's (E.T., Wedding Singe, and 50 First Dates) funky accent, she does a great job with this role. Angelica Houston (Prizzi's Honor, The Adam's Family series, and Lonesome Dove series) is perfect as usual. Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible II and Desperate Housewives series) is the ideal Prince Charming, once he learns how to behave.

The sets, costumes, and locations for this Andy Tennant (Fool's Rush In, Anna and the King, and Sweet Home Alabama) classic are worthy of several watches and should be a part of your personal collection if you have children of any age. There are plenty of familiar storybook names in here to keep their attention. Tennant does a fantastic job reeling his audience in with authentic everything. Like his other movies, this romantic comedy is truly fun to watch, multiple times.

Like most children's stories, this has a moral and it is a good one to make with young and old alike. The ending is very satisfying and well-played out. I especially recommend this movie if you have daughters. Mine loved this movie when they were young, and still do as far as I know. It is a very positive "girl power" story without being overly anti-male. Barrymore's Cinderella is smart and industrious and sticks to her principals. It are these characteristics that get her the Prince in the end, rather than magic.

This movie is certainly worth a watch again if you have not seen it in awhile. And if you have not seen it yet, please do so soon. Watch it with someone you hold dear.