Hitch (2005)

Will Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a “date doctor” in New York who secretly coaches men to win the women they are too shy to approach. His newest client is Albert (Kevin James), a clumsy accountant in love with a famous heiress. While Hitch turns Albert into a confident man, his own system fails him with Sara (Eva Mendes), a gossip columnist who sees through every move.

A dating coach on the big screen

Hitch is the most famous film about what dating coaches actually do. He works on body language, posture and timing rather than lines, and he knows that most of what a woman notices is not what you say but how you say it. His advice on the first kiss, go most of the way and let her close the rest, is still quoted today.

What you can learn

• Confidence comes from preparation. Albert improves because he practises, not because he becomes someone else.
• Be yourself, but at your best. In the end Albert wins with his own clumsy charm, not with Hitch’s tricks.
• Techniques are not a shield. Hitch’s planned moves fall apart as soon as he really cares, a good lesson about neediness.

Verdict

Light, funny and surprisingly accurate about attraction. Probably the best starting point for anyone new to the topic.