John C. Reilly is the Hollywood version of the ideal mumblecore actor. He looks like a normal guy, but has a memorable face. He has a wide range in his acting; hes funny, but can also play up the tragic aspects of life as well. A perfect example of how well he works in the genre is Terri, where he gives one of his best performances in any movie and just plays a real, honest person. Terri (Jacob Wysocki) is a chubby, quiet, introverted 15-year-old who lives with his uncle who is mentally deteriorating. He comes to the attention of the school principal, Mr. Fitzgerald, played by Reilly, for wearing pajamas to school. Unlike school figures in other movies, Mr. Fitzgerald isn't some caricature of authority; he isn't overly good or trying to suppress the teenage spirit. Hes just a normal person who is trying his best, and says so as he tries to mentor Terri, to whom he has taken a shine. Terri is one of the best of the genre because the movie shows how amazing a movie can be by just being honest. There are no shocking twists or outrageous plot lines; its just about normal people who are doing their best as they struggle with their lives and the people in them.
