Parents' Guide to The Problem with People

Movie NR 2024 102 minutes
The Problem with People movie poster: Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney both dressed in suits with a crack down the middle

Common Sense Media Review

Stefan Pape 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?

  • The Problem with People Trailer
  • The Problem with People: Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney both dressed in suits
  • The Problem with People: Two men sit in a pub with a pints of beer in front of them
  • The Problem with People: Colm Meaney and Paul Reiser hold a baby

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

 

 

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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:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

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

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The Problem with People movie poster: Paul Reiser and Colm Meaney both dressed in suits with a crack down the middle

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