You People - A Movie Review

From the mind behind the hit series "Black-ish" and co-written by Jonah Hill, comes "You People," a modern take on "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" that fails to impress. Despite assembling a cast of talented actors, the movie falls short of being an actual movie and is one step away from being a "Naked Gun"-esque parody of comedies that traffic in racial stereotypes.

The film follows Ezra Cohen, played by Jonah Hill, who co-hosts a podcast with his Black friend Mo (Sam Jay) about racial differences. However, the script sounds forced and awkward, lacking the casual and off-the-cuff nature that characterizes such podcasts. This poor start sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which struggles to find its footing, often feeling tonally disconnected from scene to scene.

After accidentally getting into the wrong car, Ezra meets Amira Mohammed, played by Lauren London, and the two begin dating. Six months later, Ezra decides to marry Amira and seeks permission from her parents, Akbar (Eddie Murphy) and Fatima (Nia Long). However, Akbar doesn't approve of Ezra and tries to sabotage the relationship by setting up situations designed to make Ezra fail. Murphy's straight-faced portrayal of Akbar clashes with the rest of the cast's more comedic performances, creating an additional tonal issue for the film.

On the other side of the coin, Ezra's parents, Shelley (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Arnold (David Duchovny), represent the problematic views of white parents of mixed-race couples. However, the film only touches on this issue superficially, failing to explore the complexities of these types of relationships.

Throughout the movie, Hill and Barris introduce interesting ideas but fail to fully develop them, instead opting for cheap jokes and heavy-handed conversations. The forced dialogue and awkward editing drain the film of its comedic rhythm, making it an uncomfortable viewing experience.

Despite the talented cast, "You People" fails to deliver a comedy about culture clashes and diverse relationships. It is a good idea with a great cast, but the script is so off-key that it fails to showcase the actors' genuine talent and likability. Overall, "You People" is just two hours of bad jokes in search of actual characters.

The failure of "You People" is not just limited to its comedic shortcomings. The film also falls flat in its portrayal of the relationships between characters. The romance between Ezra and Amira lacks any real chemistry, and their relationship feels forced and contrived. There's no sense of passion or connection between them, and the stakes of their relationship never feel high enough to make us care about what happens to them.

Similarly, the conflicts between the parents and the couple never reach a satisfying resolution. Akbar and Fatima are portrayed as overbearing and unsupportive, but their objections to Ezra and Amira's relationship are never fully explored or resolved. Shelley's fascination with Black culture is an interesting angle, but it's never developed beyond a few superficial conversations. The film doesn't seem to know what it wants to say about these relationships, and as a result, the emotional core of the story feels hollow and unsatisfying.

Despite its many flaws, "You People" does have a few bright spots. Sam Jay is a standout as Mo, bringing a natural charisma and wit to the role that makes her one of the few truly likable characters in the film. Eddie Murphy, too, is a compelling presence on screen, even if his performance sometimes feels out of place in a comedy. And while the script is often heavy-handed and clumsy, there are a few moments of genuine humor that manage to land.

Overall, though, "You People" is a disappointment. It's a film with a good idea and a talented cast, but it's let down by a weak script and uninspired direction. There are a few laughs to be had, but they're too few and far between to make up for the film's many shortcomings. If you're looking for a smart, funny, and insightful film about culture clashes and relationships, "You People" is not the movie for you.

It's evident that the cast is capable of delivering comedic gold, but the script lets them down at every turn. Even when the film tries to make a poignant commentary on cultural appropriation, it falls flat. The scene where Amira confronts Shelley about her fascination with black culture is a prime example. It's a moment that could have been thought-provoking and meaningful, but it quickly devolves into a shouting match with no resolution. It's almost as if the filmmakers were afraid to tackle the issue head-on, and instead, they opted for the easy way out.

One of the biggest problems with "You People" is that it tries to tackle too many issues at once. It's a film about race, cultural appropriation, family dynamics, and love, but it never manages to find a cohesive narrative. The film jumps from one issue to the next, leaving the audience confused and disoriented. The script tries to pack too much into the story, resulting in a film that feels rushed and incomplete.

Another issue with the film is its tonal inconsistency. At times, the film veers into the realm of absurdity, reminiscent of films like "Naked Gun," and at other times, it takes a dramatic turn. The problem is that the film never manages to strike a balance between the two. The dramatic moments feel forced, and the comedic moments fall flat. As a result, the film never finds its footing, leaving the audience unsure of how to feel.

In conclusion, "You People" is a stunning misfire, an assemblage of talent in search of an actual movie. While the film has a great cast and some interesting ideas, the script fails to deliver on all fronts. The film tries to tackle too many issues at once, resulting in a rushed and incomplete narrative. The tonal inconsistency further adds to the confusion, leaving the audience unsure of how to feel. It's a shame that a film with so much potential fell so short of expectations.