Does average bring in the crowds?

I saw Must Love Dogs over the weekend (review coming), which stars Diane Lane in a role about a recently divorced 40-year-old woman who attempts to start dating again in today’s world, including through the Internet.

One of the reviews I read after I submitted mine to MBc was from Entertainment Weekly, where the critic’s main problem with the movie was the fact that he/she didn’t “buy” the fact that someone as cute and attractive as Diane Lane would have THAT much difficulty in dating.

But, at the same time, I was wondering if the vast public would ever watch a movie like that, where the main star was an Average Jane? One person that comes to mind (and again, I realize that another reader may find this person to be “hot”) is Toni Collette, pictured here. She’s usually in supporting roles, and most of the ones off the top of my head have nothing to do with dating except Muriel’s Wedding and that didn’t do very well.

I wonder if a movie, particularly a romantic comedy, would do as well with someone like Toni Colette in the romantic lead? I'm even trying to come up with one that may have already come out, and I'm blanking. Keep in mind that my definition of success in this instance is box office revenue, not critic praise or award nominations.

And, this is based upon the modern-day viewing audience with current celebrities (not bringing someone like Bette Davis back). And, I don't want to get bogged down with individual preferences like the fact that YOU might not think Reese Witherspoon or Julia Roberts are attractive when, let's be honest, the majority seems to think so.