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Cyrus (15)
Directed by Mark and Jay Duplass
On general release from 10/9/2010
Reviewed by
An all too obvious and predictable arc of emotion in deceptively angsty
‘comedy’
This film is most certainly one which can only be loved or hated –
there is no inbetween. As such, there were the good elements of a promising
storyline, with titular character Cyrus, played by Jonah Hill (Superbad,
Get Him to the Greek), remaining a troubled and mysterious agent
of subtle chaos in a seemingly perfect relationship between his mother
Molly, played by Marisa Tomei (What Women
Want, The Wrestler), and a new “father figure”.
There is not a bad word to be said about the acting, in which the performances
mirror realism of interaction and reaction, succeeding in blurring the
lines between screen and reality, with the viewer sympathising in turn
towards each character, maintaining the suspense. John C. Reilly (Cirque
du Freak: The Vampire’s assistant, The Aviator) plays the
romantic no hoper John with great aplomb in an emotional journey ranging
from modest happiness to the visible nadir of despair.
Unfortunately, this film is ruined by an overly simple plot and storyline,
which (once the audience begin to notice cracks in Cyrus’ otherwise
placid personality) becomes predictable and comparable with that of soap
operas, which is a pity, because this film is a great deal more than just
a soap opera. Specifically the romance begins, mistrust as Cyrus begins
to find ways of confusing John, then a brief separation after the two
men fight at John’s ex-wife’s wedding, followed by a resolution
which happens all too easily.
Furthermore, the tag of this film as a “comedy” is somewhat
deceptive, with some light-hearted moments failing to compensate for the
angst created by Cyrus’ destructive schemes.
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