For the first half hour of “She’s Out of My League I was extremely disappointed. The characters were clichéd, the screenplay was average and the film as a whole was awkward and unfunny.
Yet as it progressed, the characters started to grow on me and the humor picked up. In fact, despite a rough start, She’s Out of My League” is actually a hilarious movie albeit quite crude.
Directed by first-timer Jim Field Smith “She’s Out of My League” follows the story of Kirk (Jay Baruchel) a geeky and somewhat unattractive airport security guard. Kirk is a boring young adult who lives a monotonous life with his vulgar and slightly insane family.
Little does Kirk know he is in for the ride of his life when a gorgeous young lady walks through airport security. When the stunning Molly (Alice Eve) leaves her phone in the checkpoint tray Kirk kindly returns it to her the following week.
Of course his act of goodwill elicits from Molly an invitation to a hockey game. Shortly after sparks start to fly.
Once the movie gets going it is a riot. In the vein of “Knocked Up” and “The 40-Year Old Virgin this film will simultaneously have you in painful stitches and reeling in awkward embarrassment.
Most of the successful comedy comes from the charming portrayal by Baruchel. He captures the awkward, yet amiable character with realism and humor.
In one particular scene, Kirk and Molly are getting affectionate for the first time. Only a few seconds later, Molly’s parents knock at the door. Kirk, of course, finds himself in a compromising dilemma, having to avoid his new love’s parents or face the obvious embarrassment demonstrated by his arousal.
The film also succeeds on a thematic level. Throughout her life, Molly has existed on a pedestal. She intimidates men wherever she goes, and they, in turn, always feel they are unworthy of her; this pattern manifests itself in a constant cycle of Molly getting hurt.
Consequently, she decides to date a safe” man only to find out that he has the same self-esteem problems as most other men.
The film attempts not only to reveal the danger of self-degradation but also the false mindset that one’s physical appearance is the only deciding factor in a relationship. Additionally the movie emphasizes the importance of honesty and a sense of humor in a successful relationship.
But while the film is hilarious and somewhat astute though it fails to reflect realistic circumstances. Besides the two leads the rest of the characters are improbable clichéd and often unfunny. Especially at the beginning at the film Kirk’s family and his ex-girlfriend Marley are just plain disturbing and gauche.
Moreover even despite the sporadic laughs from Kirk’s gang of misfits they do not live up to the level of humor found in similar flicks such as “Knocked Up.”
“She’s Out of My League” is formulaic predictable and often awkward and cheesy.
However the film’s laughs and charms are enough to recommend it as long as you can handle the vulgar moments. If so you will find yourself drawn into a love story that will have your gut pounding much more than your heart.
Score: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
