Before I even start, I just have to wonder: why hasn't this movie been given a wider release or more publicity? Look at the cast: John C. Reilly (Step Brothers), Jonah Hill (Superbad), Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler), and Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich). These aren't 'no name' actors here, obviously. We all know how successful Hill is and Reilly as well since he's gone with comedies now like Talladega Nights and Step Brothers. You'd think everyone would be interested in this movie.
Star-power aside, I wish this movie could get more attention because it is funny but remains realistic. Reilly plays John, a depressed, lonely guy who just learns his ex-wife (Keener) is getting married so he's even more depressed. His ex-wife then invites him to a party in the hopes that he meets someone. And what do yah know, he does, in the form of Molly (Tomei). Things are great right off the bat for the two until John meets Cyrus, Molly's 22 year old son.
It's really a simple plot with simple characters and it works. Unlike Judd Apatow's movies where the dialogue (although hilarious) is not what normal people would say (neither are normal people as funny), the comedy relief here is still hilarious but it seems real. These are just normal, awkward people and it comes off funny. Of course, there are a few scenes that are just trying to make you crack up, and they do. Especially when Cyrus shows John his music he makes with an assortment of keyboards and synths.
Not only are the characters solid and like-able, the actors do a fine job. I think this is Hill's best performance yet. All we ever see him do is reprise his character from Superbad, and this is definitely different and he does a good job. Reilly is great as the awkward but sweet John and seeing him and Hill go head to head is entertaining as well.
As I said before, it's not a complicated movie and it's not a full blown comedy. The drama gets just as much as attention but it's not all that serious and doesn't overwhelm the rest. So people may have trouble with this storyline as it may seem cliche and not a rip roaring, vulgar comedy like Apatow's films. I would argue it's good to have a comedy like this one every now and then that (even though rated R for language and sexual material) gives us a break from stuff like Superbad and presents normal people caught in realistic circumstances but still manages to find comedy. It's an enjoyable movie and hopefully you can find it in a theater somewhere near you (it's at Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue for people who live in Renton/Bellevue/Issaquah).
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