In this dark comedy Cyrus, John (John C. Reilly) is at a low point in his life. Afraid of being alone, he is forced by his ex-wife to meet someone else.

While acting a drunken fool at a party, John meets Molly (Marisa Tomei) and for some reason his awkwardness is attractive to her. Their relationship blossoms, until John later meets Molly’s 22 year old son Cyrus (Jonah Hill) who has some serious mommy attachments.

What results is an all-on war between Cyrus and John for the possession of Molly. The passive aggressive tension between the pair is palpable and brilliant. Both men realize they can’t own her, but in a very child-like fashion, they also refuse to submit to each other.

It’s hard to resist the likeability of this movie. Like a pro-athlete can make their game look easy, Reilly and Tomei are instantly believable in their roles. Hill is also starting to prove he has more depth than just being the “fat guy” comic.

The realistic nature of this trio’s relationship to each other is also what makes this an adorable story. Both John and Molly crave with a passion, a real relationship. Both have relatable hang-ups and luggage that they have to deal with.There’s a lot of honesty and realism in it.

The viewer gets to sit back and watch the train wreck develop, and the payoff is plentiful.