Even with an affable cast, 'Cyrus' is a bit of a letdown with its slight lack of originality

The new indie film 'Cyrus,' written and directed by Jay and Mark Duplass, tells the tale of John (John C. Reilly), who is still trying to cope with the divorce from his wife Jamie (Catherine Keener) after seven years. In order to get him out of the house, she begs him to come to a party with her and her boyfriend Tim (Matt Walsh). Lonely and desperate, he reluctantly decides to accompany them. At the party, he meets Molly (Marisa Tomei), a woman who John immediately hits it off with. After being together for some time, he finds out that she has a 21 year old son Cyrus (Jonah Hill), who turns out to be a bit of a momma's boy. Not much later, John and Cyrus are locked in a battle of wits, both trying to win the affection of Molly.

John C. Reilly continues his streak as one of today's best funnymen. He plays John with a charming blend of awkwardness and loveability, and shows a talent for drunken karaoke as he belts out The Human League's hit song 'Don't You Want Me.' Marisa Tomei is a class act as Cyrus' sensitive and soft-spoken mother; and although Molly and Cyrus might not have the healthiest of mother-son relationships, she never fails to be there for him. The standout of the movie is Jonah Hill as the titular character. He proves that he has acting range, throwing in some fine dramatic scenes in the midst of his whacky antics.

'Cyrus' is a simple, very human story. But its simplicity is also a weakness. The first half of the film is funny and enjoyable as we're introduced to the quirkiness and realness of these characters. By the time the second half rolls around, however, the film becomes predictable, and we all know what will happen in the end. If the movie was a little longer than ninety minutes, maybe there might have been a chance for the directors to tweak the story a little bit, and bring it in a direction that we wouldn't expect. But the ensemble works well with what they're given, and they make 'Cyrus' more memorable than it should be. Because of its predictability, you just leave the theater wishing for a better emotional impact.

Final grade: B