She’s Out of My League could have swerved into the stupid lane – but didn’t

It’s the summer of blockbusters and here I am writing a review of a cute little movie that no one will see unless they rent it because its theatrical run is long since over. At some point, I’ll get around to Shrek and Sex in the City but for this week, it’s the funniest movie I’ve seen since The Hangover.
She’s Out of My League, starring Jay Baruchel and Alice Eve. Respectively they play Kirk and Molly. She’s a hard 10 and he’s a 5 (although he could be a 6 if he got rid of his Neon) If you understand the rules of dating a 5 can never date an 8 let alone a hard 10. In all fairness, this scoring system is provided by Kirks friends who know about as much about women as I do about cold water fusion or effective eating strategies.
I mean his best friend’s name is Stainer and when he isn’t working at the airport as a screener he’s the lead singer in a Hall and Oats cover band. All part of the charm.
Kirk is one of those fellows we think we know. He has that face. He’s a Canadian boy who’s time is coming. He’s the lead in The Trotsky which is getting some serious run and this should put him in the ranks of all the other nerds who have climbed the ranks. If I think of any I’ll name them later.
Our story so far.
Molly has just broken up with her latest cover of GQ dude and she’s travelling through the Pittsburg airport where Kirk works. Apparently the presence of a pretty girl is a code red call to action and for all the secuity staff to try and impose their will on her.
There is some truth to that, or at least it seems to be enshrined in our culture. Looks matter. Who would have thunk it?
Anyway, Kirk rescues Moly from the nasty clutches of his supervisor and then retrieves her i-phone and the next thing you know he’s bringing her home to meet the parents.
Here’s the thing. At the heart of this story we don’t really believe that she likes him. He seems nice, and he certainly goes the distance in terms of putting in time and he does make her laugh and she is a bit tender from the player she just broke up with. I mean why wouldn’t she pick a nemish with a crappy job over a member of the Pittsburg Penguins?
If you can put that issue aside it really is a brilliantly funny film.
His family is dysfunctional to a fault and while they seem to be mostly manufactured by a good writer, they’re close to credible and this is a comedy, so let’s all just lighten up about missing plot points.
Here’s the thing. If I laugh when I’m writing the review, it’s a funny movie by my standadrs. There are at least 3 scenes of comic genius in this and while I don’t want to ruin them I will say this. There’s something very funny about watching guys react to seeing another guys’ junk. The companion scene sets back male grooming in the same way that 40-Year Old Virgin set back chest waxing.
The scene when he confronts his family is equally brilliant and that doesn’t even count the segment when he goes American Pie in anticipation.
It’s an adult comedy that could swerve into the stupid lane but never loses its centre. It also has a lot of heart. Molly seems nice, and doesn’t let her 10-hood get in the way of being a regular girl.
Of course, the path of true love is never smooth and the speedbumps are a bit over the top but who cares.
If you’re looking for a film that’s going to change your life this isn’t it. If you want the riddles of the universe explained to you through film, forget about it. Also consider getting a hobby because you really need to make some changes in your life.
However, if you want  funny, give this little gem a shot. Someone do it soon. I really need to talk about that grooming sequence.
She’s Out of My League is at least 3 stars and I think that translates into a hard 8 which means it could date the girls of Sex and the City except SJP who’s a 4 and I’m being generous. Let’s not worry about what my number is considering that for me driving a Neon would be an upgrade.
I really liked this movie, but then I think comedies should be funny. Go figure. As always, other opinions are welcome, but wrong. That’s it for this week. The cheque’s in the mail and I’m outta here. Paul