‘A Real Pain’ review: Eisenberg delivers thoughtful study of two hurting men

Hearing the title “A Real Pain,” you can’t help but imagine a multi-camera sitcom or, perhaps, a disposable laugher starring Adam Sandler.

In reality, this second directorial feature from Jesse Eisenberg — who also wrote and co-stars in the film, which is in theaters this week — is a thoughtful study of two characters dealing with sadness and depression in their own ways.

At 90 minutes it is only so ambitious, but Eisenberg accomplishes what he sets out to do with the dramedy, aided by strong work by his co-star, Kieran Culkin.