Cyrus *** (2010, John C Reilly, Marisa Tomei, Jonah Hill, Catherine Keener) – Classic Movie Review 4615

When the long-divorced, luck-challenged and spectacularly non-lovely John (John C Reilly) meets the bright and gorgeous middle-aged single mom Molly (Marisa Tomei) at a party, they instantly click and she seems to be exactly the woman of his wildest fantasies.

There’s just one problem – her creepy, wildly aggressive and totally inappropriate son, 21-year-old New Age musician Cyrus (Jonah Hill), who enjoys a much too close relationship with his mom. And Cyrus doesn’t fancy any intruders into their life like John.

Sibling writer-directors Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass’s highly intriguing 2010 black comedy would have made a much better psycho thriller. But it does have its funny moments, some even inspired. And the three stars prove ideal, giving the kind of energised, full-throttle performances that do bring on the laughs.

The film may be admirable but it is hard to like, though, and it leaves you vaguely depressed rather than cheered up or exhilarated, like you expect from a good comedy. Hill really does push it, but then that is the part. Catherine Keener is wasted as Reilly’s ex-wife and best friend Jamie, and so is Matt Walsh at her fiancé Tim.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4615

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