Cyrus

Directors Jay and Mark Duplass have no problem presenting movie audiences with awkward, uncomfortable situations in their little film about a social outcast John (John C. Reilly) who meets Molly (Marisa Tomei) and falls in love. The sticking point in their budding relationship is Cyrus (Jonah Hill), Molly’s full-grown and extremely dependent son. The movie is often very funny, yet painful at the same time. Reilly is expert at playing awkward situations, even calling himself Shrek when a good-looking woman apparently flirts with him. His showdowns with Hill are often scary stuff. Cyrus will go to great lengths to keep his mom to himself, and John will do anything to smoke him out. A big revelation here is Hill, who is required to be something other than his normal wisecracking self. Cyrus is a complicated, screwed up human being, and Hill runs with the character. Not recommended for those looking for light, airy comedy. This one has some dark, evil heft.