I don't know why they advertised this movie as a comedy. Certainly there were funny scenes and humorous dialogue but that was just part of the story of the slice of life that this movie showed. In fact, it was sort of sad and pathetic with touches of dark satire.John C. Reilly (John) is a depressed and aimless and lonely guy who lacks social graces. John at a party trying to connect with women is one of the movie's funny scenes during which i was simultaneously laughing and squirming with embarrassment at John's ineptness.
But at this party he meets Molly played by Marisa Tomei who really connects with his vulnerability. However, she has her own problems. And John meets that problem in the form of her adult son, Cyrus, who is perfectly played by Jonah Hill. What a great casting job as Cyrus combines babyhood helplessness with suppressed rage and violence. So Cyrus starts his subtle and not so subtle campaign to get rid of John so he can continue with his codependent "is it incestuous?" wierd relationship with his mom, Molly.
The ending is very satisfying as it stays within the entire parameters of the movie; life is not neatly packaged with all problems solved. This film was surprisingly quirky and interesting and both Bill and I liked it equally. It was released in 2010.
You know, I think I would have appreciated the movie a lot more if it had not been billed a comedy. It did sort of stay with me, but the subject was very uncomfortable. I didn't feel entertained, exactly, but pretty creeped out.
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