You People

It's been some time that I've been so bewildered and frustrated watching a film.

This very talented cast is absolutely wasted on a terrible script filled with inane and outdated jokes. It's 2023, I think we've moved beyond the ridiculous viewpoints and stereotypes displayed in this film. The characters behave in such ridiculous ways. Eddie Murphy suddenly just decides to stop being a racist piece of crap and Julia Louis-Dreyfus has an awakening about how to speak to black people normally. It's all just so freaking annoying to watch.

Hill and London also have net zero chemistry between them, which funny enough, really tends to tank a romantic comedy.

It's very difficult to try to receive a film that collides not only two cultures, but four if we consider the religions of the characters. It's even more difficult when the viewer doesn't belong to any of the 4 cultures on display. And as if that were not enough, it's even more difficult when the tone of the film is a comedy that tries to speak supposed truths through the comic voice of Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy.

Everyone's speech feels forced, exaggerated and awkward and I think only the latter was intended. I find it one of the most uncomfortable movies to watch, but not only because of the cultural collision, but also because the characters were real idiots, including the leading couple. Everything would have been easier if they were in charge of the wedding themselves to avoid all the chaos generated by decisions that were made by people who were never supposed to have made them. Although without this, we would not have a movie either.

Now, it's not all bad. I like the aesthetics of the film, I like the cultural niche in which it's inserted, I like the directorial work behind the shots. I really hope to see reviews from moviegoers who do have a real sense of belonging in the social circles that are exposed in the film, because this would definitely be a much more valid opinion.

In this film Jonah hill plays a character that is involved in "culture" but has the same interests and personality as a teenager, liking drake and sneakers worn by pretty much every young person everywhere. Eddie Murphy has a change of pace then the usual goofy character, but he has extremist views and in todays world it's plainly fine, if he had different colour skin I doubt it would have the same comedic affect. The film is about two different cultures coming together, however it's so obsessed with race issues it's seems to create more of a divide then a sense of coming together as one, I don't think I've watched a film where they compare black and white people so much, it did have some good laughs however and can be enjoyable for some.

I'd rather listen to crying souls in hell for all eternity than to have to watch such ridiculousness ever again. The storyline was cute and the film could have been FAR more successful if they'd steered clear of Amira's relentless, chip on my shoulder attitude. Like honey, you will treat me with the same respect I am showing. This film seems to comparatively allude that its okay to conclude all drivers must be road ragers based solely on the fact that one driver just side swiped you. What?!? There is ZERO reason for Amira to be so incredibly disrespectful the entire movie. Like your BF is trying to help you by calling a friend and that warranted her tongue lashing in return? Thats not reality. People call in favors for people all the time. Amira is Amira's own worst enemy. Her attitude, her facial expressions, her everything was no no nopety nope for me. Then we have Eddie Murphy's attitude. They were just gross. JLD performance was the most genuine and organic. Ezra, kind of sort of crushed it but my gawd, what an absolute wuss of a "man" character. It was refreshing to see him behave (how I kind of thought most of us already did) by simply liking what he likes and not apologizing for it nor explaining it away. Thats how it should be; but, then he went and lost all pride in himself. I also found it very difficult to believe JLD was his mom. They look maybe ten years apart in age, maybe. (He looked the same age as his dad.) JLD desire to include Amira was palpable. Yet all Amira wanted everyone to know, see, know, see, know some more, and see again...is that shes black. Why? With that attitude I could care less if you black white purple or blue. Character people, character is what carries you or holds you back. The apologies almost made me lose my lunch. Do we want to move forward or not? This movie is definitely NOT bridging any racial disparity gaps.

Let's face it: you can set a comedy in Los Angeles and it'll always achieve nominal success. A multicultural cast, socially relevant humor, cool music, drone shots and boom - that's a movie. There's something about palm trees and attractive people that'll never go out of style.

But this formula is beyond old. You have to have that thing that makes it stand out. Something fresh, something new under the sun. I'm not sure if it's the studios, writers or talent, but a major part of that team is resting on their laurels.

I loved the casting of old school comedic actors that are likely singing their swan song. The plot is tried and true, and it normally works. I just wish the filmmakers of You People did their homework to give us a film worthy of all their unorthodox comedic talents.

Too bad You People wouldn't make it into the 'staff picks' of a Thousand Oaks Blockbuster. How's that for old school and sarcastic?