I’ve read recently that Hollywood has more or less abandoned making original films, instead opting for more safe bets like remakes, sequels or films based on marketable ideas such as comic books. Last year the only original film to make a splash was INCEPTION and the suits in Hollywood began by saying it wouldn’t do go, then it wouldn’t last and finally it was just a fluke. That’s sad because there are some great stories out there that can be told. CYRUS is one of those.
John C. Reilly stars as John, a depressed ex-husband who’s still dealing with the loss of his wife 7 years after they parted ways. The ex, Jamie (Catherine Keener), shows up at his house one night to let him know she’s going to be getting married and to invite him to a party where she hopes he can meet someone new.
John finally gives in and goes, attempting to charm the women he meets and failing miserably. Until he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei). Molly sees John as something different than most guys, an honest man willing to express his feelings openly. The two end up sharing John’s bed that night and the next with Molly mysteriously leaving before the end of the night. When John follows her the third night, he discovers why.
It seems that Molly failed to mention that she has a son. Cyrus (Jonah Hill) is a 21 year old young man who still lives with his mother. While Molly is out, Cyrus invites John in and they begin to talk to one another. Molly arrives to find the two men in her life getting along and John stays for dinner and over night.
All seems to be going well. With the exception that the next morning John’s shoes are missing. Added to that are subtle signs that he begins to read coming from Cyrus. As the film progresses we realize that Cyrus appears fine with the idea of his mother becoming involved with John, but inside he wants things as they’ve always been, just the two of them alone.
John’s willing to fight for Molly, the woman of his dreams, but eventually he sees that there is little way for him to compete against Cyrus. What mother would take the word of a man she’s just recently met over the word of her only child? Just how John can get back with Molly, discovering if there is a way to get around Cyrus and attempting to make true love work is the focus of the film.
Reilly is a hit or miss actor. In some roles he is amazing and in others he just seems to be playing the same guy over and over again. Here he does a great job as an average guy who wants love so bad and is afraid of being hurt by losing it again. Tomei is gorgeous as ever, playing the role of concerned parent and woman looking for love equally well. Hill turns in another great comedic performance but this time adds to his character by seeming to be a tad psycho at the same time.
The movie is photographed in a documentary style with quick zooms in and out that can be a big unnerving. But if you can get past that, you have a chance to witness a warm romantic comedy that delivers on all levels.
No comments:
Post a Comment