Rated R for language and some sexual material.
91 Minutes
Directed by: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
Written by: Mark Duplass, Jay Duplass
Staring: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa Tomei, Catherine Keener, Matt Walsh
Review:
Have you ever been in a dark place emotionally and all of a sudden a ray of hope seems to crash into your life by chance and save you from your measly existence? Well that can be said for John played by John C. Reilly in the movie Cyrus when he meets Molly, played by Marissa Tomei. John has had a rough few years since his ex-wife, played by Catherine Keener, left him and recently announced her upcoming marriage. John’s life turns around in an instant and as a result of a chance meeting at a party. Their relationship starts like many with a one night stand and then an actual date. Everything is looking up for John, his life is on the mend and there is a bounce in his step. John and Molly’s relationship is soon takes an interesting turn when John meets Molly’s son Cyrus, played by Jonah Hill. Cyrus has had Molly’s full attention for 21 years and now has to compete with John for her attention. You will have to watch the movie to see who will win or if there is a real winner in this situation.
This film is a interesting mix of comedy and drama even though it has been marketed as a comedy. Do not get me wrong John C. Reilly is hilarious as usual because of the fact that he is such a real person that you can relate to and his line delivery is spot on. Jonah Hill definitely shows his ability to not just play a silly and raunchy character with Cyrus which is a nice change of pace. Cyrus has a very unique relationship with his mother Molly. Marisa Tomei and Hill really were believable as a mother and son in this film.
Catherine Keener has become a staple character actor for films that are offbeat comedies. Her role as John’s ex-wife is not her best work as of late but it is a decent showing. I felt uncomfortable not only for the relationship that Cyrus and Molly have but the relationship that John and Keener’s character have. John is so dependent on her that it bothers me and I can understand why their relationship may not have worked.
John and Cyrus are at odds throughout the film which result in some very humorous and heartwarming scenes. I think that in reality they are so much at odds with each other because they are both dependent on the women in their lives for their happiness. Cyrus is dependent on Molly and John on his ex-wife. Usually when I think of people that rub me the wrong way, deep down we are truly alike in many ways. For this reason this film is too real to me which detracted from the comedic value of the story.
The Bottom Line:
There are some good laughs in this film making it a unique movie. I can relate the way Cyrus made me feel to the way I felt after seeing Dan In Real Life. Both films have a great mix of comedy and drama. Cyrus to me is a decent movie with great character actors and a unique story line but overall fell a little flat. I think there was a dash too much of reality and drama for my taste and would have loved a bit more comedy.
I’ve been contemplating seeing this film or just waiting for it to go on DVD. I heard it has a lot of talking, though it does seem a bit like a drama type of movie with a bit of comedy. I enjoyed the review, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, it is a decent movie but if I had to do over again I would wait for DVD.
I’d recommend waiting for the DVD as well. It’s not a film that demands a theater experience and definitely isn’t a must see.
James Ewing recently posted..Despicable Me 2010
I didn’t find the comedy elements all that funny. Instead, I saw the film as more of an engaging drama. However, that opening party sequence was painfully wrong and I wasn’t sure what tone it was going for.
I still prefer Dan in Real Life over this, but Cyrus was still a solid drama that had its share of powerful and poignant moments.
James Ewing recently posted..Despicable Me 2010
As a drama Cyrus is actually good. I went into this expecting a lot more comedy.
Awww Dan in Real Life? Seriously? I was hoping that movie would fade in obscurity.
Jonathan Sullivan recently posted..Mob Thoughts- Kevin Smith Needs to Get Over It Seriously
I liked Dan in Real Life. Juliette Binoche was in that no? She’s always good.
Encore Entertainment recently posted..Encore’s Greatest Voices- 20-11
I’m so tired of Marisa Tomei supporting (albeit excellently). I just want her to get the spotlight in a film for once.
I think it was certainly a good role for both Reiley and Hill. And I love Marisa Tomei. Not the best movie, had some slow parts, but it mixed drama and comedy really well IMO
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