Skip to main content

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

Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/13/26

The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week. 25th Anniversary of 9/11 It is sort of hard to imagine that it has been twenty-five years since that awful day. It's been fifteen years since I've shared my experience as a High Schooler in Brooklyn, NY , and everything that came with that day (and the many to follow afterwards).  The world changed, and to this day, it still feels hard to grasp what happened (and what transpired with the health of so many afterwards). The lives lost, and the damage done. My son learned about 9/11, and his questions around it ignite some of that struggle with thought around it.  Daddy, how did they get the planes?  Did the building just, like, fall over?  On this 25th anniversary, it is even more concerning to see how the day is also politicized and sometimes weaponized in culture wars. I remember Americ...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, ALDS vs. Rays

This is easily the most anticipated series (and most expected?) for the New York Yankees. The two best teams during the regular season were expected to clash to determine American League prominence.  And yes, I agree that this upcoming series says a lot about the broken playoff structure in MLB. Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a mere moment... Up we go... I've never been a fan of the expansion to six teams per league. I understand that it keeps more markets in the playoff picture come September, and it is more revenue for all (likely, the biggest reason for the expansion). Still, all it did was create a scenario where division winners were at a disadvantage, and what we're getting here is the two best teams in the league facing off in a five-game series.  Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League, are given the second-best record in their first-round, in a best-of-five?  None of this makes sense.  Stepping off now... Nonetheless, fellow...
Read more