Cinema Scene: 'She’s Out of My League' is a sweet snooze...

By Cristian Barros

In the first act of the newly released R-rated rom-com She’s Out of My League, Kirk (Jay Baruchel) gets advice from one of his buddies about the type of guy he is: They refer to him as a “moodle,” which is short for “man poodle.” This type of misguided logic is at the forefront of most straight male comedies. The film mirrors the raunchy romantic comedy of Judd Apatow hits—with just a dash of John Hughes—in which a “nerdy guy” somehow ends up with the “hot chick.” Fortunately, the movie has a bit more on its mind than mere “moodles.”

Guy Movie Cliché #1: Main moodle Kirk is your basic loser. Kirk feels stuck working as an airport security agent. He’s been recently dumped by Marnie (Lindsay Sloane) and can’t seem to catch a break from his family and friends. Things start to change when he meets the stunning Molly (Alice Eve). Guy Movie Cliché #2: She takes an interest in him, against all odds, and they begin dating, much to everyone’s slack-jawed surprise in this beauty-and-the-dork love story.

Though the premise is a snooze, thanks to a likable cast and clever dialogue, the film clicks. Baruchel makes an appealing lead and brings an honest charm to Kirk. He may just be the “nerd” character he so often plays, but with his sweet Canuck charm and big brown eyes, you could see yourself falling for him. Eve brings a genuine quality to Molly, and the good-looking straight stars have an easy chemistry that helps register the romance.

Guy Movie Cliché #3: In classic bro-comedy form, many of the humorous scenes spring from Kirk’s quality time with his airport-worker buddies—married and chubby Devon (Nate Torrence), sexy Jack (Mike Vogel), and smartass Stainer (T.J. Miller). Everything that happens to Kirk is a topic for conversation—and, moreover, ridicule. ’Cause, you know, us dudes like to give each other a hard time. On the surface they may behave like your typical “straight” guys, but they actually do manage genuine affection for each other. Guy Movie Cliché #4: Miller shines in particular as Stainer (a nod to American Pie’s icon Stifler?) with his observations about dating and relationships. Guy Movie Cliché #5: Tipping just a toe into light homophobic humor, in one scene Stainer refers to wanting to have sex with Molly’s studly pilot ex-boyfriend.

Guy Movie Cliché #6: The film offers some raunchy humor that helps it earn its R rating, but unlike many of its genre contemporaries, it never falls into the trap of being excessive. Director Jim Field Smith is able sustain the laughs throughout while straddling the balance between lewd and sweet. If you like a nice lil’ rom-com (admit it, you know you do), you’ll find yourself rooting for the likable leads. All in All: An enjoyable time at the movies and an excellent date-night option that speaks to the inner nerd in all of us. Grade: B

 

Cristian Barros was transfixed by the power of film from a young age. On any given weekend you’ll find him at the local cineplex watching the latest releases. Friends know he’s the go-to “movie guy.” The self-professed cine-nerd has a degree in screenwriting but also has strong interests in music, theater, television, and all forms of entertainment, really… He’s pretty much an all-out entertainment junkie. Don’t judge him!