Rated R for language and sexual content, 104 minutes
"She's Out of My League" throws a few funny curve balls
The new comedy "She's Out of My League" isn't a perfect 10, but then few (films and people) are. It's predictable, thin but takes delight in it's perfections. The affable movie is more amusing than it looks and not as raunchy or as stupid as the ads make it seem, which may not be saying much. "She's Out of My League" is essentially a movie version of "Beauty and the Geek" that would be largely unmemorable if not for its inspired cast who seem to have fun together.
Kirk (Jay Baruchel) is your normal, average Joe. Thin, out of shape and uncoordinated, the Pittsburgh native works in airport security and even his friends would rate him about a 5. Then he meets Molly (Alice Eve), or as he and his friends call, a "hard 10." Beautiful, blonde and smart, she's a lawyer who's started her own business and is looking to settle down with the right guy, and wants to give Kirk a chance. The two have a good thing going, though the two must work past their own insecurities, particularly Kirk, who believes he's way out of his league and way over his head.
Simplistic but energetic, "She's Out of My League" is a pleasant comedy that's not near as annoyingly dumb as others in this genre, mainly due to a memorable cast that plays it well. The wiry, gangly Baruchel, seen to good effect in "Knocked Up" and "Tropic Thunder," is perfectly cast as the average dweeb who finds himself in love with the ravishing Molly, played by the very beautiful British actress Alice Eve. If it weren't so his likable Joe Schmo qualities, the film wouldn't be as nearly as enjoyable. The movie often plays out like a revisionist version of "American Pie," with a skinnier protagonist, particularly in one shaving-of-the-privates sequence that's one of the film's better moments.
Of the remainder of the cast, relative unknown T.J. Miller nearly steals the show as one of Kirk's friends named Stainer, who plays in a Hall and Oates cover band and who has his own imperfections. And it's always good seeing "That '70's Show" Mom Debra Jo Rupp as Kirk's Mom, even if she's seen only very briefly. "She's Out of My League" cruises down the stretch through some mildly amusing, memorable moments and a predictable climax that won't surprise anyone.
"She's Out of My League" pulls no surprises but you'll still find yourself laughing more than you might think. It's not a perfect 10, but it's a pleasant enough diversion to rank at least a 6 or 7, give or take depending on your mood.
