Romantic comedies by Hollywood standards seems to follow a typical script: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl. So, in a way it is refreshing to see a film that follows a reverse plot line: girl meets boy, girls loses boy, girl gets boy.

The Giant Mechanical Man, 2012, tells the tale of two lost and lonely young adult misfits who are not extroverted, successful, or moving quickly up the corporate ladder. Instead, both are awkward and sensitive people just trying to find their place in the rat-race of life.

Jenna Fischer, from The Office, is a temp who can’t even keep a temp job and has to move back in with her perky and perfect sister and her husband. Chris Messina, (Vicky Christina Barcelona), dresses in silver and stilts and makes a meager living as a street performer.

The two meet when they both get day temp jobs at the local zoo. They strike up a conversation watching the penguins and through some awkward conversations discover that although they may be considered oddballs by the establishment, they share a sense of decency and kindness that is lacking in the real world.

With a few plot twists, Janice loses Tim, but with a touching scene at the end of the movie, they find themselves fated to be together. The movie comes across as a very still and sensitive film set against the backdrop of the gritty Detroit cityscape.

The tagline for the film is simple enough: “What if only one person understands your art?” The concept, cliched and simplistic, takes on greater meaning and urgency in this film. Janice and Tim are quirky characters who are meant for one another and although, they aren’t sparkling conversationalists, risk-takers, or the life of the party, they add much value to a colorless world that views success as a life well-lived.

This gentle and sweet film is not a Hollywood must see movie nor should it be. The film is about the staying power of the underdog who is shy, unsure about themselves, and trying to make sense in a world that often comes across as hostile and greedy. Janice and Tim will make you smile.