Ah, the 2000s. The heyday of the rom-com: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Wedding Crashers,” “The Devil Wears Prada.” The tropes were dependable, if questionable, and the endings delivered a satisfying boost of endorphins. And some even featured iconic Lower Manhattan views! For instance, “Hitch” (2005).
Smooth-talking dating coach Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) makes a living helping lovelorn men find romance — until his own love story gets in the way. When Hitch takes on Albert (Kevin James), a well-meaning but awkward client determined to win over glamorous socialite Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), he works his magic. But Hitch’s confidence is shaken when his tried-and-true methods fall flat with Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), a sharp tabloid reporter investigating Allegra’s love life. When Sara uncovers Hitch’s role in Albert and Allegra’s relationship, both romances are suddenly on shaky ground.
On February 10, LM Live will be hosting a pre-Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day screening of “Hitch” at Alamo Drafthouse Lower Manhattan (28 Liberty St.) followed by a conversation with Gina Cherelus, journalist and author of The New York Times’ “Third Wheel” column and A Little Nudge dating coach Erika Ettin. Together, they’ll unpack the film’s themes and explore how dating and its portrayal in media has evolved over the past two decades. From rom-com ideals to real-life realities, they’ll dig into what’s changed, what hasn’t and what today’s singles in NYC are navigating now.
Grab a friend and join us for a night of laughs, nostalgia and real talk about love in the city. Because whether you’re happily coupled, gleefully single or somewhere in between, we could all use a little Hitch-style confidence — minus some of that questionable advice.
The screening starts at 6 p.m.; tickets are $5 and include a drink and popcorn. Proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization of our speakers’ choice. Reserve your spot here.
photo: Barry Wetcher – © 2005 Columbia Pictures Industries
