Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 14+
Heartfelt Irish comedy features some salty language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
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Language
a lot
Multiple uses of "f--k," as well as the Irish pronunciation, "feck." A character refers to another as a "c--ksucker," while other words heard include "shite," "bollocks," and "bulls--t."
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a lot
Characters are seen drinking and smoking throughout the film. There are scenes in a pub, and in one sequence a main character heads back to their hotel room quite drunk, but they remain calm and happy. Lots of drinking at social events such as weddings and funerals. A character is gifted a pipe.
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Violence & Scariness
a little
Violence is seen on the television and a news report references soccer hooliganism and conflict in the Middle East. An elderly character dies—their corpse is seen, but it's a peaceful scene. A character confronts another on a sports field, and a brawl breaks out among a large group of people.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
Two characters kiss at the alter during their wedding ceremony.
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Positive Messages
some
The idea of an "eye for an eye" is not a good one and will only lead to further conflict. Finding closure to a conflict can be rewarding and lead to new and healthy relationships. Be welcoming to strangers. Examples of communication and curiosity.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Ciáran intends to honor his father's dying wish and reconnect with family in the United States, via his cousin Barry, putting to bed and finding closure for a historical conflict within the family. The estranged cousins initially start off as friends, but Ciáran and Barry soon lock horns and play dirty with each other.
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Diverse Representations
a little
The vast majority of characters are White and the two leading roles are men. Supporting roles in the local neighborhood are played by Black actors. One of the main character's daughter is a gay, single mother—she meets and fall in love with another woman and they get married. Religion isn't discussed too greatly, but during a wedding ceremony, a character is revealed to be Jewish and acts in accordance with Jewish customs, such as breaking the glass and saying "Mazeltov." There is a somewhat cliched view of both rural Irish life, and then the haphazard nature of a New York lifestyle, both of which lean into stereotypes, but it's done in an affectionate manner.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Problem with People is an Irish comedy about two estranged cousins—one from Ireland, the other from New York—who reunite in an attempt to put to bed a historical family conflict. Both Ciáran (Colm Meaney) and Barry (Paul Reiser) are inherently good people, the former, in particular, shows great grace in offering such hospitality to a cousin he had never met, purely to honor the dying wish of his father. However, despite the positive aspects to the family being reconnected after a lengthy period of time, they get competitive, and there is much juvenile behavior, born out of petty revenge. The film presents a somewhat cliched, if affectionate, take on rural life in Ireland, but does so for comedic effect—also working in the other direction, with a stereotypical view of your average New York "city slicker." Strong language is frequent with multiple uses of "f--k." There is a fair amount of drinking and smoking, too, with one character seen drunk but in good spirits. The two cousins start a mass brawl on a sports field, an elderly character dies, and violent scenes are seen on a television, as well as references to the conflict in the Middle East. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
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The Problem with People
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What's the Story?
THE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE tells the story of Ciáran (Colm Meaney) and Barry (Paul Reiser); estranged cousins who reconnect, as a last dying wish of Ciáran's father, who wants both sides of the family to find closure to a historical conflict. Barry is a New Yorker, but finds the appeal in taking Ciáran's offer of a trip to Ireland. However, when he arrives, it's quite a change of pace to what he's used to, as the cousins strive to right the wrongs of their forefathers, and find a way to get on. Though that's easier said than done.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
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Thanks to its two likable leading men giving the material a bit of spark, this Irish comedy is an enjoyable watch. The Problem with People's main draw is seeing Meaney and Reiser (who also co-wrote the film) go toe to toe as the competitive Ciáran and Barry. It's reminiscent of the likes of Step Brothers or, going further back, The Odd Couple. However, while arguments and disputes are generally the order of the day—the film pokes fun at people's inclination to always just find something to fight about—there is also a gentle, tender element to the narrative, and an overwhelming sense of the pointlessness of conflict, especially within a family. The tonality is enriched by it's setting, tapping into the endearing storytelling qualities that belong in Irish cinema, giving it a certain charm throughout.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how family was portrayed in The Problem with People. What were the similarities/differences between Ciáran and Barry? What do you think the filmmakers were trying to say about family? Do you have any family you'd like to reconnect with?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it feel appropriate for the type of film it was? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were smoking and drinking depicted in the film? Were they glamorized? Why does that matter?
The film examines the differences between rural village life and the big city experience. What were some of the main differences? What would you find the most appealing and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 3, 2024
- On DVD or streaming: October 3, 2024
- Cast: Paul Reiser, Colm Meaney, Jane Levy
- Director: Chris Cottam
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Quiver Distribution
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, Holidays
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 1, 2024
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The Problem with People
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