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Dome Pondering Movie Review: You People (2023)


What is it about? 

A new couple of modern love deals with family dynamics, historical baggage, and societal expectations en route to their wedding day.

Who is in it? 

Jonah Hill - Ezra

Lauren London - Amira

Eddie Murphy - Akbar

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Shelley

Favorite Scene: 

While driving in the car, Niggas in Paris begins to play and Akbar repeatedly asks Ezra what the name of the song is, to which he replies with multiple nonchalant answers that dance around the question. 

Favorite Quote: 

Akbar: Black folks don't really have a good relationship with boats.

Amira: That's very true. Or water.

Shelley: Kind of like Jews with trains, right?

Arnold: Wow. Bingo.

Review: 

There is a lot that can be said about You People. A lot. 

Going into the film, there has been plenty of hype on the comedy, the star-studded cast, and the topic at hand which is quite timely considering the social climate of our country. All of it is true. 

Yet, after finishing this film and digesting it, I dislike the film the more time moves on from when the credits begin to roll.

Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining and I made it through. However, You People carries the burden of attempting to modernize a plot that has been historically pulled off in many variations - following some classic art. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, anyone? 

This film is funny. Tremendously funny in some moments where those who live the experience of a relationship that can be categorized as "modern love" can relate. Yours truly included. However, the film never gets out of THAT early gear of outlining the differences and the barriers and the rough patches that take place to get two sides to a commonplace. Or even more ambitious, to actually see one another.

The characters, which felt so clearly defined at the beginning of the movie, feel even more dense and shallow as the film progresses. And the ending...ugh. Lazy, and definitely hurts the overall feel of the film. 

I won't say it's not worth the watch as it has some seriously funny moments. The first half is MUCH better than the latter. 

Eddie Murphy is still the man. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus clearly steals this film.

Nia Long is still tremendously beautiful.  

Jonah Hill really was fantastic as well.  

For me, it's just not enough to take on the plot that they did. I needed more. 

Grade: 2.75/5

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