Molly is a “10.” As in a “Perfect 10.”Kirk is a “5.” As in a “So Far From Perfect it’s not Even Funny 5.”
Molly is a sought-after executive party planner who charges big bucks for organizing high-brow social events.
Kirk? Well “ He’s a security guard at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Molly has the looks of a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover model.
Kirk has the looks of a 10-year-old boy.
For all intents and purposes, the two should not be dating.
As the movie’s title would seem to suggest, she’s out of his league.
Against the teachings of his fellow airport buddies’ Tao of Love — which states a person can’t date someone more than 2 levels above them — somehow these two end up a couple. Freshly separated from her Tom Brady-esque ex, Molly (Hollywood newcomer Alice Eve) decides a change of pace might be in order with the “safe” Kirk (Jay Baruchel, best known for being one of Seth Hogen’s loser friends on “Knocked Up”). FYI: Kirk’s ex looks nothing like Gisele Bündchen.
Kirk’s only problem in this unlikely relationship equation? He believes his buddies and his inner voice telling him he’s not good enough for her. It’s a belief based in reality, in my experience. From my somewhat extensive experience being a young man without a girlfriend, we tend to hold all attractive females on the fabled pedestal, perched well beyond our mortal reach.
In its trailers, “She’s Out of My League” comes across as a “Knocked Up” or “40-Year-Old Virgin” ripoff raunchfest, with an emphasis on blows to the crotch, inflated body parts and underwear jokes. In reality, it’s more of a sweet, sentimental tale of how love conquers all — with a sprinkling of four-letter words thrown in just for the “edginess” factor. (The Ohioan in me thinks maybe that’s just an accurate depiction of the way Pittsburghians talk.)
Also seemingly inserted for the “Can you believe they’re doing this?” factor is a hair removal scene that isn’t as funny as the one that prompted Steve Carell’s “Kelly Clarkson!” outburst on “Virgin.” Mostly, this scene is just bizarre. And creepy.
The movie means well enough, but there’s no talent here on par with the likes of Carell or even Seth Hogen. Baruchel is a likable enough guy, but his waif-like screen presence is better reserved for the geeky sidekick role rather than the geeky leading role. Similarly, Kirk’s friends seem to be channeling Sean William Scott’s Stiffler character in “American Pie.” The main problem with this is we’ve already seen Scott do this role better about 13 times in the past 10 years.
Still, there’s nothing wrong with being a romantic comedy, and this one feels fresher than most in the generally formulaic “fall in love, fall out of love, fall back in love” routine.
As it is, “She’s Out of My League” may most appeal to female viewers looking for something a little more risqué than typical romantic comedy fare. For their dates looking for something on par with the type of amateurish debauchery found in “The Hangover,” well “ at least it’s not the typical part-romance/part-comedy song and dance.
Joel Sensenig is the news editor of the Review Times.