"I'M Michaelangelo and you're my Sistine Chapel," says Dr Alex 'Hitch' Hitchins (Will Smith) to pudgy Albert (Kevin James), insisting he can teach men how to capture the woman of their dreams.

Will Smith and Eva Mendes But, while Albert is smitten by supermodel Allegra Cole (Amber Valetta, who isn't quite the screen bimbo I'd expected), Hitch becomes rather fond of svelte gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), in the course of advising Albert how to woo the sultry beauty.

It's silly and sweet in a check-your-brain-in-at-the-door way. Nobody ever went to see a Will Smith film expecting an oscar-winning performance, or much in the way of surprises (there are the familiar antics concerning mistaken identity and madcape chases through New York's busy streets), or witty dialogue (the long-winded declarations of love are a weak point).

There's not much of a sparkle about Smith's scenes with Mendes, mainly because she's a bit dull.

But he's toothily charming as usual, and some of the - admittedly contrived - developments make for pleasant viewing. If you liked Sweet Home Alabama, which was also directed by Andy Tennant, pop on your coat and mosey along to the cinema.

ANDY GRIFFIN