As She's Out of My League began, I was rooting for it. I really wanted to like it. Lead Jay Baruchel (Knocked Up) is an interesting actor. For starters, if you close your eyes and listen to him speak in this film, you'll swear he's actually Christian Slater in disguise. Beyond that, his geeky awkwardness serves this film well. He's a likable performer to be sure as is his lovely co-star Alice Eve (Crossing Over). She's Out of My League is along the lines of Can't Buy Me Love only its far dirtier. In that respect, the film seems to be going for a Judd Apatow vibe.

Its basically a story about a slightly aloof dweeb whose as unlucky in life as he is in love. His luck changes however when an attractive woman takes a liking to him. Baruchel's Kirk accompanies Eve's Molly on a few dates, but bad advice from Kirk's all knowing buddies and the unshakable thought that this all must be some kind of a sick joke (how could a girl this hot be interested in a loser like me), puts a strain on the relationship before it even has a chance to blossom. Again, Apatow's work seems to be a big influence here as are the films of Farrelly Brothers (think There's Something About Mary and Shallow Hal), but She's Out of My League can't seem to strike up that tricky balance of raunch and charm. While some jokes hit, most of the gags feel labored (watch for a testicle shaving scene--its supposed to be shocking, but mostly, it falls flat), and Baruchel's likable nature can't quite rise above the obvious storyline mechanics.

There's nothing wrong with simplicity, but a movie like this can only work if there's cast chemistry, and chemistry is sorely lacking here. Not just between Baruchel and Eve, but between Baruchel and the three actors who play his buddies (T.J. Miller, Mike Vogel, and Nate Torrence). As overrated as American Pie was, I bought those characters as friends. Here, I wasn't buying it. She's Out of My League isn't bad. It certainly offers up a fair share of laughs, but not quite enough for a recommendation.