Movie Review: She's Out of My League

Rick Bentley - Fresno Bee

Boy-meets-girl movies released in recent years have fallen into two diverse categories: the raunchy "American Pie" tales or the bland "I Love You Beth Cooper" films.

"Pie" provided plenty of laughs but little romance. "Cooper" was heavy on romance but lacked humor. "She's Out of My League" is the perfect hybrid that manages to touch both your heart and funny bone.

The story is as old as time: Kirk (Jay Baruchel) is the kind of guy every mother wants her daughter to marry. What he lacks in good looks he makes up with a kind heart and a -- wait for it -- great sense of humor. Ouch.

Molly (Alice Eve) is the kind of gal every man wants. She's a perpetual walking perfume ad with her fan-blown blond hair, perfect smile and flawless form. This is a woman who has never paid for a drink.

Much to the surprise of everyone, Kirk and Molly start dating. Their relationship sets off a string of big laughs, mostly because of Kirk's lack of self esteem. But Baruchel plays Kirk with such pathos, you can't help but root for the guy.

The biggest reason the film works is Eve. Molly has to be wildly attractive, and Eve has that nailed.

Behind that beautiful face is a person who is smart and caring enough that this beauty-and-the geek scenario seems plausible. Had Eve not found the right mix of looks and personality, this movie would have ended up being either too raunchy or too boring.

The supporting cast is fun, although rather routine for this genre. There's the snarky best friend (Krysten Ritter), the dim bulb buddy (T.J. Miller), the geek (Nate Torrence) and hunky ex-boyfriend (Geoff Stults). Director Jim Field Smith doesn't let them drag the film down because he pushes the actors to be more than their stereotypes.

"She's Out of My League" has re-established boy-meets-girl films aimed at younger audience. It proves a movie can be irreverent but still maintain some romantic charm.

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