Cyrus (15)

Directed by Mark and Jay Duplass
On general release from 10/9/2010

Reviewed by Tamhas Woods

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.

Printer friendly page

Sorry Comments Closed