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The episode covers the 2005 rom-com Hitch with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Mina Kimes, and Van Lathan. They discuss why the film became the most successful rom-com to that point ($370 million, 10th biggest movie of 2005), the racial casting dynamics that led to Eva Mendes being chosen to "split the difference" between a Black and white lead, and Will Smith's likability as the engine of the film. Van Lathan argues that the movie's central premise—teaching men how to talk to women—has aged well in the era of incel culture, while the group debates whether Will Smith's post-Oscar slap has permanently damaged his ability to carry a rom-com.
They also dig into specific scenes: the dance lesson where Kevin James outshines Will Smith, the walkie-talkie moment, the Ellis Island butcher reveal, and the Knicks game date. The group identifies the "Tom Arnold category" (when the second lead almost steals the movie) and debates whether Kevin James or Will Smith wins the film. They also discuss the state of rom-coms from 2005 to now, noting that the genre has been professionalized by streamers and that the "com" in rom-com has been lost in many modern entries.
Racial Casting Strategy for Global Box Officeinsight
The group explains that in 2005, studios deliberately chose Eva Mendes to "split the difference" because an all-Black cast rom-com was seen as not viable overseas. This was a calculated business decision, not a creative one.
Likability as the Movie's Engineinsight
Mina Kimes argues Will Smith's universal likability is what makes Hitch work, and the group debates whether the 2022 Oscar slap permanently removed that quality. Van Lathan compares it to Tom Cruise's decline, noting likability is "impossible to maintain."
The Tom Arnold Category Inventedinsight
Van Lathan invents a category for when the second lead almost steals the movie, named after Tom Arnold in True Lies. He argues Kevin James wins every scene he shares with Will Smith in Hitch, though Will still takes the overall win.
Kevin James Outdances Will Smithstory
Mina Kimes identifies the dance lesson as the most rewatchable scene, where Will Smith is the straight man to Kevin James's comedic dancing. Will can be seen holding his hand over his mouth multiple times trying not to laugh.
Director Says He Ruined His Careerstory
Director Andy Tennant revealed he called his wife after wrapping saying he'd ruined both his and Will Smith's careers. Will Smith tried to delay production three days before it started, and walked off set without saying goodbye.
The Knicks Game Date Scenedata
Bill Simmons researches the specific game shown in the film: March 2004, Marbury's first home game against the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies won 111-97, with Marbury having 23 points and 10 assists. The group discusses whether a basketball game is a good first date setting.
Why We Need Hitch 2.0 Nowinsight
The group argues the movie's premise of teaching men how to talk to women has aged well in the era of incel and red-pill culture. Van Lathan imagines a modern Hitch would charge $150 a month for his "S tier" advice with two women in bathing suits behind him.
Bill, Van, and Mina call up the date doctor for some dancing tips after revisiting the 2005 romantic comedy classic ‘Hitch,’ starring Will Smith, Kevin James, Eva Mendes, and Amber Valletta. Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocampo, and Matt Pevic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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