Kinda Movie Critics Podcast · On-Ear Network

Ep. 93 - You People

February 6, 2023·56 min·5 clips

Why don't we believe Lauren London would ever have sex with Jonah Hill in this Netflix rom-com?

Corey, Martin the Mailman, and Young Lazy of the Kinda Movie Critics Podcast review the 2023 Netflix comedy "You People," directed by Kenya Barris. The hosts, who regularly critique films, assess this interracial romantic comedy featuring Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. They note this marks Kenya Barris's directorial debut after his work on shows like "Black-ish." The film follows a couple navigating cultural clashes between their families, with Jonah Hill's character being Jewish and Lauren London's character being Black. Martin observes the movie's formula feels similar to "Meet the Parents" but with an interracial dynamic, complete with a scene where a treasured kufi is accidentally burned. Corey points out the numerous Los Angeles references and cameos from actors like Sam Jay, Deon Cole, Andrew Schulz, and a dialogue-less Elliot Gould. Young Lazy highlights the subplot where Hill's character quits his finance job to start a podcast, which quickly finds success on Complex. A surprising claim is that Lauren London significantly influenced the script to include more substantive "message moments" beyond pure comedy. The hosts debate whether Jonah Hill has aged out of his signature awkward-comedic roles, with Corey stating he no longer believes Hill in these parts. They find the romantic chemistry between Hill and London unconvincing, with Young Lazy speculating Jessica Williams or Issa Rae might have been better casting choices. Martin argues Eddie Murphy's character is written as a one-dimensional, confrontational figure without relatable motivation. The most consistent laughs came from David Duchovny's scene referencing the band Exile and a running gag about a friend who is a "coke guy." Sam Jay's performance as a party guest is singled out as a highlight. The hosts contrast the film's approach with Judd Apatow's edgier comedies, feeling "You People" is a watered-down version. They note the film's ending resolves abruptly with a surprise wedding, missing an opportunity to payoff earlier Exile music references. The tone is conversational and informal, with the hosts freely sharing personal anecdotes and tangents related to the cast's careers. Their style is critical but fair, balancing specific critiques with acknowledgment of the film's decent production value for a Netflix original. The discussion often digresses into broader Hollywood topics, like the careers of Zoe Saldana or the cast of "Seinfeld." Fans of Kenya Barris's television work or casual viewers seeking a lightweight, star-studded Netflix comedy might enjoy this episode. Listeners interested in a deep, structured analysis of filmmaking technique or those who strongly enjoyed "You People" might find the critics' lukewarm assessment disappointing.

As heard by us

A loose film discussion turns into a sharper debate about jokes, identity, and the odd way podcasts are staged on screen.

Corey, Martin the Mailman, and Young Lazy spend the hour on You People, and the talk is strongest when it turns to Blackness, Jewish identity, and the discomfort running through the jokes.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If You People made you argue with the screen, this episode keeps the argument going.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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