Cyrus is a deceptively simple film, combining uncomfortable laughs and sincerity into an oddly appealing mixture. Despite the presence of actors sometimes known for more ribald work, Cyrus is never anything but low-key. The characters are all refreshingly human; they talk and act like real people, and Jay and Mark Duplass' directing style makes the film seem more like a documentary than anything else at points. This also has the curious effect of neutering any genre trappings the film might seem like it belongs to: it's partly a romantic comedy and partly a "wacky rivalry" film, but it never feels like either of those because of the way the film unfolds. John C. Reilly is wonderful as the schlubby John, perfectly drawing on his character's desperation without making it seem too pathetic. He also shares an unforced romantic chemistry with the effervescent Marisa Tomei, who is as delightful as ever. Catherine Keener makes the most out of her relatively brief screen time with a nicely underplayed performance as the world's most patient ex-wife. As the title character, Jonah Hill moves away a bit from the Superbad model; he plays the manipulative Cyrus with an eerie sense of calm that makes the character impossible to get a read on throughout most of the film. The film's plot of a son who doesn't like his mom's new boyfriend is wholly unoriginal, to be sure. But Cyrus operates in a way that doesn't make it about the plot; it's about the characters, and that's what makes it a success. A-

Very good film. Unique, funny and heartfelt. Tomei and Reilly are solid, but Jonah Hill steals the show. I had no idea he had a performance like this in him.

Cyrus is a film unlike many others where it relies more on character development throughout than cliches that can be thrown around throughout a romance or during a rivalry. There is a sense of connection between John (John C. Reilly), Molly (Marisa Tomei), and Cyrus (Jonah Hill). While Cyrus' actions may seem a bit desperate and really obnoxious at times, the message of not wanting to let go and move on to another chapter of life is clear. Jonah Hill shows much potential as a serious actor in this role as he can perfectly stay in character throughout the film and not be reminded of some of his other works such as Superbad or Get Him to the Greek. The same can be said for Reilly and Tomei as while both do fine with their comedies, they both show true acting chops here. Catherine Keener is also good enough in her supporting role as Jamie. The film leaves with hope at the end and lets us wrap up our own conclusion. Mix in some great camera work and editing along with the fantastic cast and Cyrus is just a fantastic piece. ***1/2

Really enjoyed this one. It's funny and sweet with great performances across the board. John C. Reilly in particular was wonderful. B+

Saw a screening of this tonight.

I thought it was a funny, real type of movie. It didn't feel fake and so when it ended I guess I can understand how the audience seemed to dislike it, but how else are they going to bring that film to a conclusion I thought to myself. I thought Reilly and Tomei were great. Hill is getting way to big but he played his role fine. Overall, it was a decent film that felt very real in how it presented the relationship, but it also was nothing special.

Grade - B

"Good," but disappointing. It has a few funny moments but not many, and the dramatic side of the story didn't do much for me. I wouldn't watch it again, but I would still recommend it.

7/10 (B-)

I highly enjoyed this. Reilly, Tomei, and Hill give very convincing, heartfelt performances. It didn't move me as deeply as, say, Greenberg or The Kids Are All Right, but it's very nicely done nonetheless.

B+

I thought it was a pretty unconvincing piece of film, honestly. It boasts some great performances from Reilly, Tomei and even Hill but I didn't feel anything for any of the characters and while it started out promising, it quickly became dull.

6/10