She’s Out of My League Movie Review

By Anne Brodie Mar 12, 2010, 17:23 GMT

An average Joe meets the perfect girl, but thinks she\'s too good for him. ...more

Nothing new here but She’s Out of Your League is a winner with a capitol W.  It’s a sweet and very funny retread of that old chestnut – beautiful girl digs homely man.  It’s a recurring theme these days as nerdism sweeps the land and people cozy up to their computers for companionship, making it impossible to develop socially or emotionally, let alone go to the gym.  The inept male with arrested development is fodder for funny a lot more often than is probably healthy.  There are lots of lonely people out there who need balm for their exiled souls and this is the ticket.

Its pure fantasy as the impossible happens to luckless airport employee, a ‘5’ of a man named Kirk (Jay Baruchel).  A small favour brings a ‘10’ Molly (Alice Eve) into his world when he finds her phone.  She comes to retrieve it, realises he is just what she wants, and makes several plays for him before he understands that she actually likes him.  His friends don’t believe that a 10 would be interested in him.  He’s had terrible luck with girlfriends in the past plus he’s skinny and odd looking.

Kirk’s former girlfriend Marnie (Lindsay Stone) dumped him but has developed an inappropriately close relationship with his parents and her new boyfriend.  They’re planning a holiday trip without Kirk and with Marnie’s new fella.  She treats Kirk with unmasked disdain – until he brings Molly around.  His family is stunned by his gorgeous new galpal, and throws Marnie for a loop.  She begins to rethink her life plan with Kirk in it.

Baruchel is as charming and disarming as it gets, ramping up his inner loser for cinematic reasons because he is one cool cat in real life.  Eve is as close to Jessica Rabbit as it gets in human form.  But Molly has her problems – her appearance has created difficulties in her life and relationships – potential partners don’t think they’re good enough for her, a source of great pain and loneliness to her.

The supporting cast is outstanding.  Improvisational comedian T.J. Miller cares deeply for his little buddy, hates Marnie and hopes against hope Kirk can make it work with Molly.  His lightning delivery and seemingly off the cuff remarks are priceless and a big part of the film’s appeal.  Mike Vogel who plays their ‘8’ friend, advises him on winning Molly while their sole married buddy and maybe a ‘5’ , played by the hysterical Nate Torrence, offers warmth, support and unquestioning loyalty.  He goes beyond the call of duty in the shaving down there sequence.  I want these friends.

The film is a heart-warming romcom but it’s also a loving depiction of male friendship that entertains and delights.  It’s funny to the core, well directed, and a real joy, especially at this dry time of year.  And the de riguer bodily fluids scene is there and it’s a scream.

35mm comedy
Written by Sean Anders, John Morris
Directed by Jim Field Smith
Opens: March 12
MPAA: Rated R for language and sexual content.
Runtime: 104
Country: USA
Language: English