‘The Problem With People’ Review – An American And His Irish Cousin Walk Into A Bar…

The fighting Irish are having a brawl and ball in Ireland. Two distant cousins on either side of the pond reunite, hoping to patch together a longstanding family feud. The Problem with People is a charming buddy comedy that works as a fish-out-of-water story and a sentimental tale about how blood is thicker than water. It is not just hilarious, but it delivers its humor in a unique, charming, and dry-witted manner. Family feuds and comical pairings are at the heart of this film. The crossing of worlds of an American and an Irishman makes this one memorable family reunion.

American businessman Barry Gorman (Paul Reiser) receives a phone call from his distant cousin Ciáran (Colm Meaney). Ciáran’s father is ill, and his dying wish is to heal the family rift that has gone on for generations. Barry takes him up on the offer and flies to Ireland with the plan to make amends. Once in Ireland, the two cousins connect but live up to their Irish heritage by feuding. 

These opposites, Barry and Ciáran continue what has become the family tradition of feuding with relatives. The challenge stems when Ciáran’s father, Fergus (Des Keogh), leaves half of his estate to Barry, seemingly igniting family tensions again. Barry and Ciáran go to ‘war’ with each other in a hilarious game of spite, with one trying to get the better of the other. 

One particular exchange occurs when Barry steals a herd of sheep and stores the animals in the funeral parlor business owned by Ciáran. Part of what makes the dynamic work is the chemistry between Reiser and Meaney. Each plays off the other in a clever fashion. While never a gut-busting affair, much of the comedy arises from the clashing of worlds. Barry, a tough-as-nails New Yorker, and Ciáran, a rogue from the Irish countryside, make quite a duo. 

The film is a tender romance, a fish-out-of-water tale, and a ballad of peace. Ultimately, it is the story of family and the unshakable bond, even when the bond is tested through the rigors of family squabbles. While there are moments where the film takes on an almost absurdist quality to the humor, it constantly grounds itself in charming but relatable family drama. 

Being Irish, the characters in the film never feel quite like characters. These players feel like snapshots from my own extended family. Though exaggerated, of course, a familiarity in this picture resonates whether or not someone is Irish. The petty squabbles that become bitter feuds are part and parcel of many family circles. Generally speaking, the feud in this film is like how many start: about something small and become something unnecessarily big. 

Reiser writes the film, along with co-writer Wally Marzano-Lesnevich, and he imbues an every-man approach that is relatable in many of his appearances across movies and TV shows. Despite its short runtime, The Problem with People makes the most of its pacing with a story guaranteed to make you crack a smile and marvel at the amount of heart. And nothing feels forced. Even when the story is predictable, the characters keep things interesting, be it through one-liners or observations brought on by the situation’s absurdity. 

Irish eyes are smiling in this film. The setting is beautiful and sprawling, and the comedy is witty. The film unearths little of the new narrative and relies on familiar story beats and even some cliches. Barry’s character arises from the tale of someone out of their element, but fortunately, Reiser is equipped to make things interesting. He brings a natural charm and warmth that is only matched by Meaney. Their witty observations and natural charisma elevate this film over its predictable plot and formula. 

The Problem with People is a witty portrait of family and the ability to settle petty differences and become whole. A few problems in the story are surface-level and never enough to cause a ruckus. The sentimentality is genuine and sure to leave you warm and toasty, like a good glass of Guinness! 

The Problem With People is currently playing in select theaters and is available on Digital platforms courtesy of Quiver Distribution.