Cyrus

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Jay and Mark Duplass is a comedy about a man and his mom with “Cyrus”.

This film tells the story of John (John C. Reilly), a man who after seven years still hasn’t moved on from his divorce. Always relying emotionally on his ex Jamie (Katherine Keener), she decides to get him out into the world. Inviting him to a party with her fiancé Tim (Matt Walsh), John flubs his way along.

After several attempts to introduce himself to a woman or two, Molly (Marisa Tomei) steps forward and introduces herself. In no time these two find an instant connection that is amazing to John. But Molly seems distant talking about her day-to-day life.

John decides to follow her home is surprised by meeting her son Cyrus (Jonah Hill), a 21 year old musician who still lives with Mom. What John soon discovers is that Cyrus and Molly have a slightly unusual relationship. Molly keeps Cyrus to herself and John is the first man to be involved in their lives.

It doesn’t take long for Cyrus to begin to show his colors and try to stop John from continuing a relationship with Molly. The games begin as both men fight for one woman.

FINAL WORD: Reilly is brilliant as John. This is a character he can totally immerse himself into and pull of beautifully. There were more times than not that he had me laughing as he struggles to finally have someone in his life.

Tomei does well as Molly and although I enjoyed her character I was disturbed at the same time. The relationship with Cyrus just had me shaking my head a few times. It is nice to see her again on screen, as the last time was her role as Cassidy in the 2008 film “The Wrestler”.

Now, about Jonah Hill, I know I’m going to get total flack for this but, once again he plays the role of a doofus. Granted my feelings regarding the character of Cyrus is one that I know ALL too well and therefore pushes my YUCKY feeling factor up into the danger zone. If this is the case then he did his job well, however, it could also be the fact that Hill’s character, demeanor and facial expressions never change!

Other cast members include: Kathy Wittes as Ashley, Jamie Donnelly as the Pastor, Tim Guinee as Roger, and Steve Zissis as Rusty.

This film has garnered a lot of attention from such festivals as South-by-South West, the Nashville Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “Cyrus” three tubs of popcorn out of five. There will be an audience for this film as it does have many redeeming qualities. The story is funny in itself, the characters do their job well and it is definitely a twisted comedy.

In the end – John recently met the woman of his dreams, then he met her son!