Iffy for 15+
Indie romcom swaps raunchiness for quirkiness.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this indie comedy about a romance that’s hampered by an adult child’s fixation with his mother stars Jonah Hill of teen favorites like Superbad and Knocked Up. While this movie isn't as raunchy or over-the-top as those comedies, the subject matter may still be too mature for young teens, and the Oedipus complex references confusing. Expect some swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") and drinking and a few awkward sexual situations (including a scene that implies masturbation), though little nudity.
- Families can talk about Molly’s relationship with Cyrus. Does it seem realistic? How do you think it got to the point it is in the movie?
- Who do you think this movie is intended to appeal to? Hill's teenage fans? People who enjoy indie comedies?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie suggests that it's possible to over-coddle a child to the point where his fixation with his mother can go into overdrive, complicating his parents’ life. But it also promotes the idea that building trust can help overcome problems.
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Role models: Conscientious and kind, Molly loves her son, but she begins to worry that she may have been too overprotective and indulgent; she starts thinking about parent-child boundaries late in the game. John doesn't like game-playing in romantic relationships, and he and his ex-wife have what may be the most amicable post-divorce friendship in cinema.
What to watch for
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Violence: Two guys tussle at a wedding and yell threats, insults, and painful things at each other.
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Sex: The movie begins with a woman barging in on a man who, from the looks of it, is pleasuring himself to Internet porn. Viewers don’t see what he’s watching, but his behind is visible from the back and his underwear low on his hips as he reclines in bed with a laptop in front of him. Also, a couple kisses and rolls around on a sofa and in bed.
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Language: Many uses of “f--k," plus "s--t," "hell," “a--hole," and "oh my God."
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Consumerism: Mentions of Red Bull and Shrek; logos for Trojan condoms, Chevrolet, Apple, and Adidas.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A man fills up on “liquid courage” -- beer, Red Bull and vodka -- at a party. Some social drinking at restaurants.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Honest and very Well-Acted by selassiejt
Let's be honest, movies these days are horrible. Seeing Cyrus was such a relief from big-budget, predictable Hollywood films. Both the acting as well as the cinematography were very honest. Though definitely "out there," it isn't "over the top." I have seen the reviews about exploring the Oedipal aspect of the movie more, but that would have been a huge mistake. We got it; they didn't need to go any further. Jonah Hill finally gets to show his chops as an actor; Marissa Tomei is lovely as usual; and Reilly is always a pleasure to watch. I can't say this was the greatest film I have ever seen, but it is 10x better than what is out there and definitely a must-see this summer. By the way, the fact the Hill has put on a lot of weight served this character very, very well, but I hope he doesn't go the way of Candy, Farely, Belushi, etc..
1
Cyrus is creepy, not funny. by MomSquad1
Comedic Jonah Hill enters new territory here, and it's too painful to watch. Is his character Cyrus an overgrown spoiled Mama's boy? Or a mentally ill sociopath? A more skilled actor might have pulled it off. Then again, I don't think the director knew if he wanted to make a comedy or a social commentary. In a word, it's creepy. What a waste of talent like John C. O'Reilly and Marisa Tomei and, yes, Jonah Hill. If you still feel that you must see this movie, save your money and wait until it airs on cable.
5
offbeat beauty by wademovienut
Funny, thought provoking, well acted and one of the most unusual movies out this year. If you like movies that have realistic dialogue and great timing by the actors you'll love this one. Jonah Hill shows he has a range not seen before and Reilly and Tomei are very good. Keeps you thinking about the scenes after you leave the theatre.Many LOL moments.
1
I'd rather have been forced to look through a strangers vacation photos by nyccheeto
You couldn't have made this movie more dull if the characters just stood there motionless staring blankly at the screen. I cared nothing at all about any of the characters. Their issues were boring and simple. My 16 year old niece's life is more interesting and complicated than any of these duds. Seriously, what ever budget they had to make this film, however small, would have been better used on something humanitarian. They could have filmed how the money was spent and it would have been more interesting. The critics who tried to make this anything more than the crap that it is are simply caught up in the grind of their "work" reviewing movies. It stunk people. Plain and simple.
4
Different than the reviews by jknapp1005
The trailers would have you believing this is a comedic revenge flick. While there are elements of both, I found this to be more of a dramedy than comedy. It was very thoughtful. If you can get past the ridiculous premise (that Marisa Tomei would date John C. Reilly), then you can probably enjoy the rest of the movie. Jonah Hill will surprise you with some decent acting, and a better character than the trailers have you believing. Also, a couple of reviews I read said that Marisa Tomei's part was kind of a waste. I have to totally disagree. She's pivotal and delivers yet another fine performance. I recommend this movie, highly.
1
Cyrus by stapes
Cyrus. If it were possible to make a more boring movie I would be surprised. If there was a SCRIPT to this steaming pile of monkey droppings, I'd also be surprised. The camera work is unbelievable, if a person speaks...the camera zooms up so that every pore and hair follicle is plastered across the screen like a billboard....then the camera zooms out and then zooms back in on whoever else is speaking. Although, the WAITING for anyone to SAY ANYTHING in this tedious, meandering, non-funny, unclever, ponderous, lifeless, unbelievable failure is unbearable. Don't even think about attending or renting this, unless you are an insomniac.
2
Disapointed by vmlong
Usually I enjoy pretty much anything John C. Reilly and Marisa Tomei do, but the writing in this was just bad. It seemed that most of Reilly's lines started with "Oh, Oh, well...."
There were a few interesting spots though, 1) the 60's style montage with the unsynchronized dialogue. 2) the "It's not going to be alright" scene with Reilly and Tomei, I thought that was very unexpected.
I feel it moved too slow and for the most part was very predictable. Beyond a few small bright spots, it is not a movie I would recommend.