Cyrus Dance Party

Any movie that includes a dance and sing-a-long to "Don't You Want Me" by the Human League has to take a warm place in my heart.  So I was delighted to see John C. Reilly and Maris Tomei having a dance party in new film Cyrus also starring Jonah Hill as the titular character.  Reilly plays John, who's been in a funk for the seven years since his divorce.  When he  meets Molly (Tomei) at the party, the two immediately commence a romance.  The only problem is that Molly and her 21 year-old son Cyrus are so oddly attached that it seems that there is no room for John.  In fact, Cyrus has it in for John, but John doesn't go down without a fight. 

I don't know if it's appropriate to call this a dark comedy, although Cyrus has serious issues.  Hill infuses Cyrus with a kind a creepy knowing-ness that is at once endearing and eerie.  John responds as anyone in that position might and tries to head off Cyrus at his own game.  Meanwhile Molly is so blinded by a mother's love that she is hard pressed to see what's going on.  I liked this film for it melancholy and quirkiness.  It reminds you that new relationships, while exciting and hopeful, are never easy.  Everyone has baggage--just hope yours is not named Cyrus.