Kaimin Arts Reviews (March 19)

by Kaimin Arts | March 19, 2010 | Montana Kaimin

‘She’s Out of My League’ is a perfect 10

It’s your typical average-Joe-meets-the-bombshell-and-no-one-but-them-expects-the-relationship-to-work movie, but however cliché it sounds, “She’s Out of My League” is far from trite.

One aspect that makes this movie so enjoyable is its believable characters. Instead of being “Steven Stiflers” (a.k.a people so over-the-top that I am not sure anyone like them exists), they are people who could actually be your friends or family. At one point, my boyfriend leaned over and whispered that he was reminded of my dad when a father character asked his son’s girlfriend why she was dating him since she was so much better looking then he — something that could very possibly come out of my dad’s mouth.

To add more to the film’s credit, it has enough raunchy comedy to put it in league with the “American Pie” movies, but is enough of a romantic comedy that women will enjoy it as well. For example, the film includes a scene dealing with premature ejaculation, as well as a guy shaving another guy’s testicles. But there’s enough sentimentality and romance to balance things out.

I suggest asking out that hottie from across the office and putting “She’s Out of My League” on the agenda, because it is a perfect first-date movie.

-Jessica Stugelmayer
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Greensky Bluegrass is an unexpected gem

Greensky Bluegrass is a little-known bluegrass group from Ohio that recently played at the Top Hat.

I know this because they sent a CD for us to review prior to their show, but sadly (and I actually mean that) it got lost under a pile of newspaper. Only now has it seen the light of day, and that is unfortunate, because after listening to their album — a live double-disc titled “All Access Vol. 1,” recorded in November at the Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, Mich. — I think it could have been a good show.

Now I know what some of you are thinking: either “Yeah, it was a good show” or “If I want to listen to jam band bluegrass, I’ll walk around the Oval on a random afternoon and take in at least two out-of-control drum circles. I don’t need to pay for it.”

And that is absolutely correct. Bluegrass and jam band music should be available for free in most places in Missoula. One time, an entire jam band/drum circle/bluegrass combo assembled in my living room and brought along their untalented friends, who happened to have painted hula hoops they planned on selling at a craft fair.

But unlike the folks who set up shop in my living room, Greensky Bluegrass is a talented five-person group that provides music similar to that of traditional folk/bluegrass, but with contemporary appeal. The album provides a mix of fast, cross-your-arms-and-dance-like-an-idiot music, and sway-like-a-stoner-on-the-Oval songs that really make it worth a listen if you are into bluegrass music. And that mix is the biggest appeal of the album. If you’re on a road trip (and don’t have an iPod, like me) you can pop in this CD and just skip ahead if the song doesn’t fit your mood.

There is bound to be something to suit your fancy.

So if you like bluegrass or want to give it another try (you know, if those drum circle folks turned you off to it), Greensky Bluegrass’ newest live effort is worth a look.

Oh, and if a random hippy jam band/craft fair assembles in your living room, there are places you can call. Like the Missoula Police.

-Justin Franz
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