"Follows a new couple and their families, who find themselves examining modern love and family dynamics amidst clashing cultures, societal expectations and generational differences." 

OUR MOVIE REVIEW:

Although it’s billed as a romantic comedy, and You People does have both comedy and romance, it’s a lot more serious than that.

You People is a close-up view of race, religion and generational differences in modern America. Sometimes, that view is so close-up that it’s uncomfortable and even cringey – but that’s the point. 

If you are someone who is intolerant of racial issues or dislikes any conversation about race, then you will not like this movie – period. 

Yes, I felt uncomfortable several times – even many times – while watching You People. Sometimes I was chuckling and cringe-ing at the same exact moment.

I can see how that would cause some people to dislike it, but I personally feel that a certain amount of discomfort is valuable. It teaches us that something needs to change – and only by allowing and sitting with that discomfort can we see clearly enough to make those changes.

When Jonah Hill and Lauren London fall in love as an interracial couple, there are things to work through that you simply will not understand unless you’ve been in that situation or have friends or family in that situation. 

The two leads had great chemistry and I wish they’d had more time on screen together as a couple. Once their families enter the mix, it’s pretty much all downhill. 

One thing I really liked is that there were troubling characters and behaviors on both the bride and groom’s side. No one race or religion is seen as having all the answers. 

There are some really great star turns here by Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the goofy but problematic white, Jewish mom and Eddie Murphy in a super-serious role as the difficult black, Muslim dad. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say… just give them time.

I also didn’t know I needed to see David Duchovny behind a piano covering John Legend, but that’s another definite highlight.

Overall, don’t go into this movie expecting a ton of comedy or boatloads of romance. There are far more serious moments – and also lessons to be learned if you are open-minded enough to take a hard look at your own beliefs about race and religion – than there are laughs.

That said, I have a feeling it’s the kind of film that gets funnier with repeat watches. I plan to watch it again today to test my theory.

Kudos to the cast, director and writers for putting together a truly worthwhile film.