'The Problem with People' Reviews: "Meaney and Reiser rely on their known personalities to play off each other"

         On October 3, 2024, Quiver Distribution released 'The Problem with People', which has earned a positive reception from critics, currently holding at 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the film, "Two distant cousins who've never met -- one in NYC, the other in the smallest town there is in Ireland -- come together to finally put an end to a generations-long family feud. It doesn't go well. The Problem With People, set in beautifully lush Irish countryside, is a heartwarming comedy about family, world peace... and sheep." The ensemble cast includes Paul Reiser, Colm Meaney, and Jane Levy. Read the full review round-up below.

        Ryan Devir of Film Threat says, The Problem With People shines a spotlight on the problem with Hollywood today. Story is sacrificed for messaging. Laughter is substituted with clapter. Talent is wasted. But, hey, if you’re a fan of enjoying the first two acts of a movie, and you don’t need that pesky resolution, have I got the film for you! Director Chris Cottam’s The Problem With People is a low-stakes comedy about the fragility of family and how a simple apology is sometimes the most difficult act of humility you can make."

       Anne Brodie of What She Said was less impressed, stating, "This isn’t a deep film; it’s amusing, Meany and Reiser have strong comic chemistry, the scenery on the rural coast is wild and beautiful; it’s upbeat and friendly, but don’t expect a memorable experience – a reasonable timewaster."

       Murtada Elfadl of Variety praises the film, stating, "Meaney and Reiser rely on their known personalities to play off each other. As Barry’s daughter, Jane Levy is wasted in a role that has her character mostly responding to her father’s shenanigans with gentle disapproval on the phone. As the plot thickens, the affable camaraderie between the cousins escalates to hostile animosity. Comfortable in front of the camera, the two actors make the ludicrous proceedings jovial enough. What started as an homage to 1983’s masterful comedy “Local Hero,” a film directly referenced here several times, winds up feeling like a nicer, more compassionate remake of “The War of the Roses.” No matter how much Ciaran and Barry try to one-up each other, they remain sweethearts who can’t really do any harm. While this makes for easy watching, it also robs the film of an edge. But there’s comfort in knowing this will end happily for everyone involved." Adding, "Cottam stages the crowd scenes well and manages to wring a few hearty laughs. In collaboration with cinematographers Richard Kendrick and David Odd, he shows Ireland in all its beauty. He even shows a long animated sequence to tell the backstory of the familial conflict, adding a touch of originality.  “The Problem With People” is slight and entertaining. Just like old man Fergus, audiences might be looking for a break from the world being on fire. This might not provide much of a respite. It’s nice enough but only partially engaging, offering a brief distraction from bigger problems."

Photo by Josh Chiodo on Unsplash