Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Previously, Jesse Eisenberg made "When You Finish Saving the World" which was interesting but unfortunately a bit annoying. Here, Eisenberg's direction and writing for this movie shows he has massively improved as many of the characters are interesting and engaging, good dialogue conversations, and great performances, especially from Kieran Culkin who steals the show in the entire movie.

The narrative explores family history and complicated bondings as each of the themes and explorations on the subjects were handled well and it was funny, emotional, and compelling to observe. Including beautiful camerawork, good soundtrack, and conversations that felt real, genuine, and engaging to observe.

Eisenberg's approach on the chemistry, structure and pacing was good as he has created a really good compelling and personal story about family history and the true meanings of bondings and relationships. There were some soundtrack choices that felt a little out of place. But overall, Eisenberg improved himself and I look forward to see what else he could bring to the today.

A Real Pain is a wonderful movie. Jessie Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin both give some of the best performances of their careers. I definitely believe Culkin will be a front runner for the Oscars this year. Eisenberg also wrote the script for this movie and directed it. He knocked it out of the park with both of these tasks as well. This movie has a constantly intriguing, emotional, and funny screenplay. The movie deals with some heavy themes and handles all of them so tastefully. This is a movie that clearly meant something to everyone making it and I believe you can see that in the final product.

I saw this film at the AFI film festival in Hollywood last week. By the time I got to this film, I was suffering from a bit of filmgoing overload, and chatting with someone in the audience before the film began, I almost forgot what I was I going to see! But I was so glad I got to see this one! As you know from the synopsis, Jesse Eisenberg wrote, directed and stars in this great film about 2 cousins' journey to Poland to see the land of their beloved grandmother. Eisenberg perfectly plays a role that he seems made for - an uptight, nervous and dedicated family man who always wants to do the right thing. Joining Eisenberg is Kieran Culkin who plays the polar opposite of Eisenberg - he is garrulous, open, and willing to break the rules, much to Eisenberg's chagrin. Culkin's character easily makes friends with his fellow travelers and guide - again much to Eisenberg's amazement (and sometimes annoyance). The story itself is very involving, and you will find yourself wanting to join them on their tour. Culkin may be in the running for an Oscar on this one and Eisenberg may get a nomination for screenwriting and/or direction. So, I highly recommend you check this one out as soon as you can.

(Watched at a preview in Bristol as part of the London Film Festival)

I had high hopes for "A Real Pain" but despite a handful of funny moments and emotional speeches there are simply far too many areas where it misses the mark.

The biggest positive is Jesse Eisenberg himself. The writer/director anchors the film as awkward-yet-successful New Yorker David, who invites his cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin) on a trip to Poland to pay respect to their grandmother and reflect on their personal struggles. Eisenberg is believable and sympathetic, and is at the heart of the best scenes.

But Culkin is simply annoying. It is an energetic performance, no doubt about it, but his volatility and inability to read a situation means that he is the kind of person you would try to get away from within minutes of meeting them. It's hard to believe that he becomes the star attraction of the tour group.

Will Sharpe is also very weak as the tour guide, putting on an effete Yorkshire accent for comedy effect - perhaps American ears may not be so bothered by it but these British ears were very disappointed. The role would have been far stronger if played straight.

The other cast members have small roles but Jennifer Grey (yes, THE Jennifer Grey) and Kurt Egyiawan stand out, adding authenticity to their characters.

Aside from the variable performances, there is a general sense that the scenes were improvised and workshopped as they went along. Situations develop, or are implied to have developed, without any obvious cause or resolution. For a drama to succeed - and at heart, this is a drama - there needs to be a tautness to the script and story development that "A Real Pain" lacks. Any momentum that builds up slips away easily - I was looking at my watch after half an hour, and the film feels long even though it runs for less than 90 minutes.

Oh, and there are times when it feels like a promotion for the Polish tourist board - don't get me wrong, it made me want to visit, I just don't think that is the role of a feature film.

"A Real Pain" hints at having something important to say about grief, but it never finds the right words. A missed opportunity.