• Latest
  • Trending
The Problem with People Review

The Problem with People Review: Revisiting Reconciliation

Slow Horses

Slow Horses Rides Back on 24 September With Season 5

50 minutes ago
A Minecraft Movie

SXSW Panel Reveals How Minecraft Movie Crafted a $948 M Blockbuster

56 minutes ago
Ollie Madden

Netflix Poaches Film4 Chief Ollie Madden to Supercharge U.K. Movie Slate

1 hour ago
Mariska Hargitay

Hargitay’s ‘My Mom Jayne’ Lifts the Curtain on a Hollywood Tragedy

1 hour ago
Aureole – Wings of Hope Review

Aureole – Wings of Hope Review: Precision Platforming with a Divine Twist

Coastal Review

Coastal Review: Intimate Performances, Tepid Momentum

The Dark Money Game

The Dark Money Game Review: How Secret Funds Warped Democracy

Call of the Void Review

Call of the Void Review: Atmospheric Chills and Lingering Questions

Dovey's Promise Review

Dovey’s Promise Review: One Woman’s Stand Against Injustice

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review: A Painter’s Tale in Bohemia

The Balcony Movie Review

The Balcony Movie Review: A Philosophical Perch on Human Transience

What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review

What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review: Before Trans Visibility Had a Name

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Gazettely Review Guidelines
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
GAZETTELY
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Slow Horses

    Slow Horses Rides Back on 24 September With Season 5

    A Minecraft Movie

    SXSW Panel Reveals How Minecraft Movie Crafted a $948 M Blockbuster

    Ollie Madden

    Netflix Poaches Film4 Chief Ollie Madden to Supercharge U.K. Movie Slate

    Mariska Hargitay

    Hargitay’s ‘My Mom Jayne’ Lifts the Curtain on a Hollywood Tragedy

    frankenstein 2025

    Fans Push for Big-Screen Run After Netflix Drops Frankenstein Teaser

    Blake Lively Justin Baldoni

    Judge Faces New Twist as Lively Seeks to Trim Lawsuit Against Baldoni

    Jacob Elordi

    Elordi’s POW Drama Leads to Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights

    Paramount

    Paramount Sets July 2 Shareholder Meeting as Skydance Vote Looms

    Maggie Lawson

    Psych Alum Maggie Lawson to Lead CBS’s Boston Blue

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Coastal Review

    Coastal Review: Intimate Performances, Tepid Momentum

    The Dark Money Game

    The Dark Money Game Review: How Secret Funds Warped Democracy

    Call of the Void Review

    Call of the Void Review: Atmospheric Chills and Lingering Questions

    Dovey's Promise Review

    Dovey’s Promise Review: One Woman’s Stand Against Injustice

    The Balcony Movie Review

    The Balcony Movie Review: A Philosophical Perch on Human Transience

    What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review

    What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review: Before Trans Visibility Had a Name

    Bullet Train Explosion Review

    Bullet Train Explosion Review: Bureaucracy, Bombs, and the Weight of Duty

    Pets Review

    Pets Review: Bryce Dallas Howard’s Ode to Companionship

    The Mortician Season 1 Review

    The Mortician Season 1 Review: Inside a House of Horrors and Profiteering

  • Game Reviews
    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review: Precision Platforming with a Divine Twist

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review: A Painter’s Tale in Bohemia

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review: Guiding Spirits with Style and Sincerity

    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movie and TV News
    Slow Horses

    Slow Horses Rides Back on 24 September With Season 5

    A Minecraft Movie

    SXSW Panel Reveals How Minecraft Movie Crafted a $948 M Blockbuster

    Ollie Madden

    Netflix Poaches Film4 Chief Ollie Madden to Supercharge U.K. Movie Slate

    Mariska Hargitay

    Hargitay’s ‘My Mom Jayne’ Lifts the Curtain on a Hollywood Tragedy

    frankenstein 2025

    Fans Push for Big-Screen Run After Netflix Drops Frankenstein Teaser

    Blake Lively Justin Baldoni

    Judge Faces New Twist as Lively Seeks to Trim Lawsuit Against Baldoni

    Jacob Elordi

    Elordi’s POW Drama Leads to Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights

    Paramount

    Paramount Sets July 2 Shareholder Meeting as Skydance Vote Looms

    Maggie Lawson

    Psych Alum Maggie Lawson to Lead CBS’s Boston Blue

  • Movie and TV Reviews
    Coastal Review

    Coastal Review: Intimate Performances, Tepid Momentum

    The Dark Money Game

    The Dark Money Game Review: How Secret Funds Warped Democracy

    Call of the Void Review

    Call of the Void Review: Atmospheric Chills and Lingering Questions

    Dovey's Promise Review

    Dovey’s Promise Review: One Woman’s Stand Against Injustice

    The Balcony Movie Review

    The Balcony Movie Review: A Philosophical Perch on Human Transience

    What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review

    What It Feels Like for a Girl Season 1 Review: Before Trans Visibility Had a Name

    Bullet Train Explosion Review

    Bullet Train Explosion Review: Bureaucracy, Bombs, and the Weight of Duty

    Pets Review

    Pets Review: Bryce Dallas Howard’s Ode to Companionship

    The Mortician Season 1 Review

    The Mortician Season 1 Review: Inside a House of Horrors and Profiteering

  • Game Reviews
    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review

    Aureole – Wings of Hope Review: Precision Platforming with a Divine Twist

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Brushes with Death Review: A Painter’s Tale in Bohemia

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review

    Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo Review: Guiding Spirits with Style and Sincerity

    Blacksmith Master Review

    Blacksmith Master Review: The Satisfying Grind of Metal and Management

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review

    Labyrinth Of The Demon King Review: Unforgiving, Unforgettable Horror

    Cubic Odyssey Review

    Cubic Odyssey Review: An Ambitious Architect’s Space Dream

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review

    Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

    To a T Review

    To a T Review: Finding Perfection in an Imperfect Shape

    Spray Paint Simulator Review

    Spray Paint Simulator Review: Coating the Town, One Careful Layer at a Time

  • The Bests
No Result
View All Result
GAZETTELY
No Result
View All Result
The Problem with People Review

Matthew Lillard Reflects on 'Scream' Legacy While Weighing in on Franchise's Future

Until I Kill You Review: A Gripping Portrayal of Survival's Strength

Home Entertainment Movies

The Problem with People Review: Revisiting Reconciliation

A Look at Family, Laughter and Legacy

Arash Nahandian by Arash Nahandian
7 months ago
in Entertainment, Movies, Reviews
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on WhatsAppShare on Telegram

Cousins Barry and Ciáran connect across continents in The Problem with People. The heartwarming family comedy sees American entrepreneur Barry journey to Ireland at his father’s behest, hoping to mend fences with relatives separated for generations.

He finds himself in Ciáran’s small hometown, worlds apart from bustling New York. Though each man carries the old grievances of their families, together Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney fill the screen with humor and humanity.

Their easy rapport draws laughs as their characters butt heads, yet warmth emerges that feels authentic. Director Chris Cottam keeps things light, prioritizing pleasant scenes of reunited kin over preachy resolutions. Reiser brings wit and heart to the brash Barry, finding understanding for locals through Ciáran’s example.

Meanwhile, Meaney imbues the reserved undertaker with layers of depth, passion simmering below his reserved facade. Their chemistry anchors each feel-good scene, from early bonding to later conflicts, keeping viewers invested in outcomes both familial and personal.

A breath of fresh air, The Problem with People offers little in surprises but delivers its healing themes with grace. While brevity leaves some storylines wanting, Cottam navigates Ireland’s beauty and his stars’ talents deftly.

Together, Reiser and Meaney make the most of their rare leading roles, forging a bond of blended heritage that feels genuinely worth fostering, both within the screen and without. By the film’s end, any divisions seem overcome by the power of empathy, forgiveness, and love’s ability to quietly conquer hatred in its home.

Crossing the Divide

The rift began years ago when a squabble split one family between homelands. Now cousins Barry and Ciáran face reconnecting across an ocean’s divide, united by a patriarch’s dying wish for peace. Barry hails from bustling New York, where constant motion fuels his real estate endeavors, though his heart suffers after divorce and health scares encourage reflection.

In simple Ireland, undertaker Ciáran knows the town and trades, yet hides hurt beneath courtesy’s veil. Both men keep old wounds but harbor hope their kinship may heal what time has wounded.

Other souls populate this tale, beginning with Fergus, father and firebrand, fighting fate from his bed while the family’s future hangs unbound. His calls to clan draw Barry overseas, where Emerald fields and faces foreign raise worries of welcome. But Barry’s own daughter Nat offers reason for the risk; through her eyes he glimpses life and love’s fragile beauty, nourished best when souls support each other.

In her village pub, smiles and stories flow from Fiona nightly. Yet what feelings lie beneath her friendly façade, as both bereaved men find solace where she serves? And what wrongs from years past lurk in family’s fabric, waiting to be torn or mended when a dear relation passes? As cousins reconnect, will open hands extend to embrace despite distances deep, or fist again to gouge old wounds not wholly healed…

Capturing Country & Kin

Ireland herself takes center stage, her valleys and villages framed with care by Christopher Cottam’s camera. From rolling green hills to hearths warming tight-knit towns, one feels wrapped in the landscape—and it’s little wonder family calls these peoples home. With steady hand, the director guides both crowds and converses, crafting a cozy small-town feel while lending levity to larger family functions.

The Problem with People Review

Memories of times past emerge too through animated maps, tracing family trees and fractures down the decades in a style stylized yet soothing. Such flashes fill in what conversations leave out, rounding characters with context. Throughout Cottam maintains momentum at a pleasant pace, scenes flowing but not rushed into deeper waters; some suggested they could have been plumbed.

Still, his pair of stars so shine that little else demands the spotlight. Where script or subplot feel thinner, their talents thrive—and under his watchful eye, even extras avoid the traps of stereotypes. Beauty in person and place he presents with patience and care, prioritizing over preaching yet hinting at possibilities unexplored just beneath relatable reunions and ribs. In Ireland’s inviting invitation and actors’ gifts, he guides viewers on a charming trip, regardless of any roads less traveled.

A paired performance

On the screen, Reiser and Meaney just click. Their comedic chemistry flows naturally as rhyming verse. Paul brings light and heart to brash Barry, wit always dancing on his tongue yet sadness softening rigid walls. Colm imbues reserved undertaker Ciáran with layers subtly peeled, dry humor hinting at inner hurts only family might heal.

The Problem with People Review

Together, their dance dazzles. Sharp jabs and gentle prods they trade with ease, teasing out each trait yet always leaving room for growth. Where Barry pushes, Ciáran pulls with care; in counterpoint, they sing a song of reconciliation’s hope and family’s appeal. Beyond surface jest lies nuance too, in longing glances, hearts silently ache through.

Adroitly supporting stand Jane Levy and Lucianne McEvoy, breathing life to those who love these lands and men. Yet central remain our leads, masters melding mirth and mourning into movements that audiences mourn to follow, wishing stories for such stars weren’t so infrequent.

Rarely do such veterans receive such vehicles, showcasing souls beneath bravado and brogue. In roles that fit like well-worn gloves, their talents truly shine and lights within us likewise glow, leaving screens with warmth and wanting more from talents tested, proven, and true.

Bonds beyond Borders

Family and forgiveness form the foundation here. A plea for peace rings from beyond, asking kindred divided to mend what years have torn. Reiser and Meaney heed the call, crossing cultures to comprehend what separates and see in each other reflections once obscured by grudges borne in ancestors’ days.

The Problem with People Review

Dysfunction sparks humor as hotheads butt, despite deeper care each conceals. Yet friction erupts when fortune’s hand upturns, stoking rivalries old though love was the stronger force before loss struck its blow. Here the theme shows bonds strongest live beyond borders, in hearts linking those far-flung though blood ties bind.

Lighter touches keep this no solemn Sunday sermon, but subtleties signal issues interwoven. Generational ghosts grip the present still through pains passed parent to child till the cycle is broken. And breaking requires facing fissures formed long before, acknowledging each man’s whole humanity, and opening hands once fisted against family.

Potential lingered for deeper delves within familial psyche and social studies scholars’ spheres. But on balance, the film speaks effectively as is, conveying connection’s power despite division’s force through a pair of performances profoundly moving in their quiet grace. Some soils remain for other cinematic hands to turn, but for now Reiser and Meaney have seeded fertile ground.

Room for Growth

Lightness suits this film well, keeping tensions from mounting too high as familial feuds flare and fade. Yet this quality also means moments pass swiftly, with little space for characters and crises to breathe free and reach full bloom. Tighter editing could rein things in when action wanders, while granting more depth where needed.

The Problem with People Review

Some figures feel merely sketched, lacking shades; their counterparts color richly. Yet potential lingers in such paper dolls for layering nuance might bring them fully to life. More distinctive quirks too could freshen familiar types, shifting repeats to rare gems of wit humanity sees itself reflected in.

Predictability plagues plots reliant on retro tropes without fresh spins to surprise. Though surprises stagger works meant simply to delight, more twists tidily turning expectations on their heads would boost enjoyment higher.

Humor draws the easiest laughs from playing to galleries, but greatest merit stands on jokes that challenge without offense, finding funny where fools see none. Some missions feel half-won here, with family’s fullest healing hinted at but left just out of sight.

Still, lightweight fare need not be light, and simpler stories skillfully told, carrying wise themes simply wrapped, have value. In the end, perhaps it’s the characters, not complexities, that stay with us longest, resonating softly after the final scenes have fled.

A Memorable Family Portrait

Reiser and Meaney light up the screen with their talents, effortlessly blending humor and heart. Under Cottam’s guidance, their nuanced work anchors this heartening story of reconnection. While not without room for growth, The Problem with People focuses its strengths well—the lingering appeal of its leading men and their moving exploration of reconciliation’s power.

The Problem with People Review

Light comedy need not simplify complexity to find its audience, and so this film succeeds through the charmingly complicated portraits of its characters. Connecting across cultures and generations, they remind that families, like people, rarely fit types but find common ground through compassion. Imperfections and all, their struggles resonate for teaching acceptance is a choice requiring hope.

For those seeking a matinée sure to raise smiles alongside deeper themes, this entrancing family portrait brings laughs as well as lessons, rarely outstaying their welcome. Its leads gift fine performances ample reason alone to give their reunion a view, and touches of truth ensure its messages stay long afterward. In the end, viewers are reminded that life’s too short for holding grudges, and blessings reside in bonds that overcome division for unity’s sake.

The Review

The Problem with People

7 Score

The Problem with People succeeds warmly where it counts most—in its stars' nuanced performances and their exploration of family's power to overcome even the past's deepest wounds. Imperfect but engaging, this matinee provides smiles as well as insights that may linger with some long after the end credits roll.

PROS

  • Outstanding comedic chemistry between leads Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney
  • Beautiful cinematography showcase of the Irish countryside
  • Heartwarming exploration of family reconciliation and cultural understanding
  • A light, entertaining tone balances laughs with meaningful emotional depth.

CONS

  • Plot shifts into predictable romantic comedy territory at times.
  • Some supporting characters and subplots feel thinly drawn.
  • Pacing could be tighter in parts with less reliance on cliches.
  • Humor mostly plays it safe rather than more daring original jokes.
  • Themes of healing family divisions not fully realized by end

Review Breakdown

  • Overall 0
Tags: Chris CottamColm MeaneyComedyFeaturedJane LevyLucianne McEvoyPaul ReiserQuiver DistributionSteven ArgilaThe Problem with People
Previous Post

Matthew Lillard Reflects on ‘Scream’ Legacy While Weighing in on Franchise’s Future

Next Post

Until I Kill You Review: A Gripping Portrayal of Survival’s Strength

Try AI Movie Recommender

Gazettely AI Movie Recommender

This Week's Top Reads

  • Mountainhead Review

    Mountainhead Review: Deepfakes and Deep Trouble

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boglands Review: Shadows and Whispers in the Irish Mist

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Death Valley Review: A Witty Welsh Wander into Cosy Crime

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Review – Bridging Eras with Spellbinding Charm

    25 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Better Sister Season 1 Review: Not Quite a Killer Thriller

    16 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Nine Puzzles Season 1 Review: Puzzle Pieces, Pain, and Police Procedurals

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • MobLand Season 1 Review: Family Ties and Underworld Intrigues

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Must Read Articles

Bullet Train Explosion Review
Movies

Bullet Train Explosion Review: Bureaucracy, Bombs, and the Weight of Duty

16 hours ago
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review
Reviews Games

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Review: A Song of Systems and Sorrows

3 days ago
Stick Season 1 Review
TV Shows

Stick Season 1 Review: Owen Wilson Drives a Heartfelt, Flawed Dramedy

3 days ago
Destination X Review
Entertainment

Destination X Review: A Game of Veiled Realities

4 days ago
Earnhardt Review
Entertainment

Earnhardt Review: The Anatomy of a NASCAR Titan

4 days ago
Loading poll ...
Coming Soon
Who is the best director in the horror thriller genre?

Gazettely is your go-to destination for all things gaming, movies, and TV. With fresh reviews, trending articles, and editor picks, we help you stay informed and entertained.

© 2021-2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

What’s Inside

  • Movie & TV Reviews
  • Game Reviews
  • Featured Articles
  • Latest News
  • Editorial Picks

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About US
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Review Guidelines

Follow Us

Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Movies
  • Entertainment News
  • Movie and TV Reviews
  • TV Shows
  • Game News
  • Game Reviews
  • Contact Us

© 2024 All Rights Reserved for Gazettely

Go to mobile version