A comedic clash of cultures: ‘The Problem With People’ review

A world in turmoil sets the stage

“The Problem With People” opens with⁢ a montage of global conflicts, setting a somber tone that contrasts sharply with the comedic narrative that ⁤follows. Fergus, an elderly Irish man ⁣played by Des Keough, laments the pervasive⁣ violence as he watches the news. This broad introduction sets the stage for a film ⁢that leans heavily on stereotypes and cultural clichés. The screenplay, penned by Paul Reiser and Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, opts for familiar comedic tropes, while director Chris Cottam maintains a brisk ‍pace throughout the film’s 100-minute runtime.

A family feud across the Atlantic

Fergus’s dying​ wish is to resolve a ‌long-standing family feud. ⁣Years ago, his grandfather had ⁤a‍ falling out with his brother, who​ then moved to America. Fergus tasks his ⁣son, Ciaran (Colm Meaney), with reaching out to their estranged American cousin, Barry (Paul Reiser), to mend the rift. Barry, a brash real estate ​tycoon from New York, soon finds himself ⁢in a quaint Irish village, clashing with the modest, salt-of-the-earth Ciaran. The ensuing culture clash⁤ is ⁣predictable, with the script relying on​ well-worn comedic setups.

Quirky villagers and familiar⁤ humor

The village is populated with a host of quirky​ characters, each ready with a witty ​remark. These background characters serve as a Greek chorus with Irish accents, providing commentary on the main action. However, their lack of depth and originality means they often fall flat. The humor is heavily dependent on the audience’s familiarity with cultural stereotypes and references, offering little in the way of fresh comedy.

The dynamic ‌duo: Meaney and Reiser

Colm Meaney and Paul Reiser bring their well-known personas to their ⁢roles, ‌playing off each other with ease. Jane Levy, as ‍Barry’s daughter, is underutilized, her character ⁣mostly reacting to her⁣ father’s antics⁤ with mild disapproval over the phone. As the plot progresses, the initially friendly banter between Ciaran and Barry escalates into more heated exchanges. Despite the escalating tension, the two actors maintain a jovial rapport, making ‍the film’s conflicts feel more like playful sparring ⁣than genuine animosity.

A nod to classic comedies

“The Problem With People” ⁤pays‌ homage to the 1983 ​comedy‍ “Local Hero,” even referencing it directly several times. However, the film ultimately ‌feels more like a gentler version of “The War of the ⁢Roses.” ⁤Despite their differences,⁢ Ciaran ⁤and Barry remain fundamentally good-hearted, unable to cause any real harm. This lack ⁤of edge makes for easy viewing but also⁤ robs the film of any real dramatic tension. The predictable happy ending offers comfort but little in the way of surprise.

Visuals and originality

Director Chris Cottam stages crowd scenes effectively and manages‌ to elicit‍ a few hearty laughs. Working with cinematographers Richard‌ Kendrick ​and David Odd, he captures the beauty of Ireland, adding visual appeal to the film. An animated sequence that explains the backstory of ‌the family feud‍ adds a touch of originality, though it⁣ does little to ⁤elevate the overall narrative.

A brief distraction from reality

“The Problem With People” is a light, entertaining film that offers a brief respite ‍from ⁤the world’s troubles. While ‌it ⁤may not provide a significant escape, its familiar humor ​and charming performances make it a pleasant diversion. ⁤For those looking for a simple, feel-good movie, it delivers just that.

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