“The Giant Mechanical Man” was the most refreshingly simple movie I have seen in a while. Starring Jenna Fischer and Chris Messina, “Mechanical Man” is a more realistic take on the modern love story.

Janice (Fischer) is just going through the motions of life and finds a kindred spirit in a street performer, Tim, who hopes to appeal to the lost and confused. When Janice and Tim both get a job at the zoo, a romance ensues that teaches both of them the power that once person can have to improve another’s life.

Fischer is best known for her role as Pam in “The Office” and does a surprisingly good job in “Mechanical Man” at making the viewer forget that fact. A few minutes into the movie, she was frustratingly depressed and passive and not at all like the humorous and sarcastic secretary we all know and love.

Topher Grace plays the absolutely insufferable author in romantic pursuit of Janice. While somewhat exaggerated, Grace depicted that oh-so-obnoxious person who will not stop talking about themselves that everyone knows and avoids.

Messina beautifully portrayed the nearly transcendent character of Tim who is mentally adrift but at the same time understands the world in all its complexities. His mesmerizing robotic movements as the Mechanical Man are enough to get anyone to stop on the street and stare.

As for their romance, there was none of the usual fanfare that typically accompanies romantic comedies. There were no fireworks or hot air balloons or passionate walk-through-the-door love scenes. Janice and Tim in “The Giant Mechanical Man” were just two highly compatible real people who needed a little push in the right direction. The acting and dialogue was so genuine that I found myself almost responding to their conversations thinking I was a part of them.

The chance of this film changing your life is slim to none; the lack of excessive conflict is pleasant but unmemorable. However, it guarantees about 90 minutes of light-hearted and unpretentious romance that everyone could use once in a while.