On CLIPS In July, 2010
CYRUS  

A downtrodden divorcee (John C. Reilly) clashes with the son (Jonah Hill) of his new girlfriend (Marisa Tomei).

TRIVIA: John C. Reilly made his feature film debut in what 1989 war drama?

With no social life and his ex-wife (Catherine Keener) about to remarry, John (John C. Reilly) unexpectedly meets the charming Molly (Marisa Tomei). The only obstacle to true love is her grown, live-at-home son Cyrus (Jonah Hill). For the two men, it's hate at first sight. "Cyrus" is a refreshing romantic, but twisted, comedy that is lifted above mediocrity on the strength of good performances. It is the kind of slice-of-life cinema that finds its largest audience on the festival circuit. The bigger-budget independent film from directing brothers Jay and Mark Duplass ("Baghead") has its best moments in the interaction between Reilly, Hill and Tomei. Jonah Hill is outstanding as the conniving and manipulative Cyrus, holding his own against the subtle, impeccable comic timing of John C. Reilly. Marisa Tomei is so seductively gorgeous that it's difficult to fathom a relationship between Molly and the plain John, but the attraction actually works. Short on gross-out humor, this dialog and character driven film is a welcome change from the standard sex comedy. Only a rather predictable and forced ending seems out of place. But for Jonah Hill to grow as an actor, "Cyrus" isn't a superbad choice.