capone666

(2013-05-20 10:20:50)

The Vidiot Reviews...

People Like UsNot knowing you have a sister until you're a man means you don't havemuch time to crash her slumber parties.And while this drama isn't about raiding a grown woman's bedroom atnight, it is about earth-shattering revelations.It is not until his father dies that Sam (Chris Pine) learns he has asister Frankie (Elizabeth Banks).Bequeathed with $150,000 and tasked with presenting the windfall to hissibling's son Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario), Sam leaves his girlfriend(Olivia Wilde) to stalk his sister.Overtime he's welcomed into their lives as a friend, but when Frankielearns he is her brother, she implodes.Making the story all about the secret and dragging out its declarationuntil the obligatory separation/reconciliation, People Like Us isinsubstantial.Besides, the only way to tell if a stranger is your brother is to havea baby with them and see if it looks weird. (Red Light)vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

Hellmant

(2013-05-19 19:08:44)

Krutzman and Orci have spent many years learning how to tell a good story and they definitely do this one right!

'PEOPLE LIKE US': Four Stars (Out of Five)Film writer/producer Alex Krutzman makes his feature film directorialdebut with this touching family drama about a down on his luck salesmanwho discovers he has a sister, he never knew, after his father, he cameto hate, passes away. Krutzman wrote the film with his usual partner incrime Roberto Orci as well as first time film writer Jody Lambert.Krutzman and Orci co-wrote (and produced) many blockbusters togethersuch as the last two 'STAR TREK' reboot films, the first two'TRANSFORMERS' films, 'COWBOYS & ALIENS', 'THE ISLAND', 'THE LEGEND OFZORRO' and multiple episodes of the TV series 'ALIAS', 'HERCULES: THELEGENDARY JOURNEYS' and 'FRINGE' (which they also co-created with J.J.Abrams), This is definitely a nice change of pace for them and issurprisingly well made. Krutzman has proved himself to not only be atalented and clever writer but also a very gifted director. The film stars Chris Pine (who Krutzman and Orci know well, from thetwo 'STAR TREK' films they've done together) as a New York salesmannamed Sam. Sam had grown apart from his record-producer father (DeanChekvala) over the last several years and came to hate him. So when helearns he passed on, from cancer, he's reluctant to return home, toL.A., for his funeral. He's too late for the funeral but travels homeanyway, with his girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde), and sees his motherLillian (Michelle Pfeiffer), who's disappointed at his absence (overthe last several years, as well as at the funeral). Due to recentfinancial troubles with his business he's hoping his father left himsome money but is upset to find out he only left him his recordcollection (which happens to be worth a decent amount of money though).His father's lawyer (Philip Baker Hall) does also pass on his dad'sshaving kit to him, which does happen to be full of money, but it alsohas a note in it which says the money is to be given to an 11-year oldboy named Josh Davis (Michael Hall D'Addario). Sam soon learns thatJosh is his nephew and his mother, Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), is thesister he never knew he had. He gets to know Frankie and Josh whiledeciding whether to give them the money or not (or keep it for himself)and learns that Frankie hated their father as well (for choosing Sam'sfamily over hers). The film is a brilliant and heartfelt character study. The writing isonce again exceptional, all of the performances are great andKrutzman's directing is more than decent. I almost passed on this moviebecause of what little advertising and critical recognition it receivedbut I'm glad I didn't. I love a good tearjerker and am really movedwhen a film can hit your emotions the way that ones like this can. Ithink it underperformed with critics and at the box office (and wasundersold as well) because Chris Pine is not a well known enoughleading man (yet) and the movie focuses on the relationship between anadult brother and sister (rather than tell a love story) but that's whyit's so good. Pine is a good leading man and family drama and love canbe just as fascinating and touching as the romantic kind. It'srefreshing to see a movie like this and especially when it's doneright. Krutzman and Orci have spent many years learning how to tell agood story and they definitely do this one right.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE8W7gz6XHo

gws-2

(2013-05-17 03:57:20)

A decent try but not recommended

As other posters have already noted, the ensemble cast of People LikeUs was terrific. Although, I ended up being underwhelmed by the film,it wasn't the fault of marvelous performances by Chris Pine, ElizabethBanks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Olivia Wilde, and Michael Hall D'Addario as11 year old Josh. Despite a couple of scenes that were laugh out loud funny and a coupleof others that moved me, the film was by and large too long and toosoapy. I could never quite warm to the characters enough to forgivetheir many weaknesses. The lesson of the film may have been that familymembers forgive each other and rise above their failings but I stillcouldn't care about them very much. If anybody could have made me care,it would have been Pine, Banks, Pfeiffer, and D'Addario but even theirconsiderable charm and skill weren't enough. Sitting through People Like Us wasn't quite a waste of two hours but itcame perilously close to that. As I was feeling generous, I gave it 6Stars out of 10 but can't really recommend it.

lillian-wetherington

(2013-05-16 20:39:47)

Definitely a movie to watch

This movie deserves to be known and heard about more! It's completelyflies under other peoples radar and it's such a shame. I rented thismovie on a whim not knowing quite what to expect other than a decentway to spend a Friday night in. However, by the end of the movie I wasmore than pleasantly surprised. I found myself drawn in from the get go-- it was quirky at moments,tender in others, but overall very heartwarming and real. The movieitself was written wonderfully. I'm a Elizabeth Banks supporter andlove just about everything she is in. This seemed like a more "serious"role than what I'm used to seeing her play (like on 30 Rock!) but Ithink she was amazing. Chris Pine was cast perfectly. While MichellePfeiffer was an underlying character yet packed enough punch for whatwas needed for her role! I liked it enough to go out and buy a physical copy rather than justrent it... It's 2012! That never happens!

indieke

(2013-05-15 23:52:14)

Just beautiful

I watch almost every day a movie. But sometimes I wonder if I stilllike movies. So many deceptions boring evenings. When I love everystyle, if it is well done.So this was refreshing. What a pleasure to see Michelle Pfeifer, evenin a small part. What a lesson of humanity, what a sensible movie.When I see it result at the box office, it makes me want to cry! Adultentertainment in a positive way. Refreshing, sensible and with a lot ofheart.Watch this if you are not a teenager and in loud movies, but if youlike to see something where the heart is beating!

rgkarim

(2013-05-15 15:18:53)

How Much Do You Pine For Pine

Of the four movies that came to my town this weekend, People Like Uswas perhaps the one I was most excited about. Not only was it the lessgeneric/ridiculous looking movie of the bunch, but it also had a goodcast that promised good acting. So naturally my fellow movie goer and Iset out to give it a try. Amidst a mixed crowd of the elderly, adultcouples, and a few single movie fans, we watched the latest drama movieto be unleashed into the world. What was the verdict? Read on to findout.For those who have missed the surprisingly limited number of trailers,the plot of People Like Us is fairly simple. Sam (Chris Pine) is abarterer for a company that makes huge profit off of wholesaling and isgood at making big commissions. However, his successful world turnsupside down after receiving word that his father has died and hismother Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer) has requested he come. UnfortunatelySam's relationship with his father hasn't been the best and only thepromise of money baits him to come. To his dismay however, the cash hasbeen left to a young boy named Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario), whose momFrankie (Elizabeth Banks) turns out to be his half-sister. Now Joshmust discover not only his father's secrets, but himself as he returnsto a world he thought was gone forever. I know the plot sounds rather deep and spiritual and in many ways thismovie is in fact a means to take a look at your life. Unlike manymovies these days, the plot is really centered on characterdevelopment, mainly among the four actors listed above. The directingteam focused their efforts on making characters with relatable problemsand flaws to connect to the audience, and create people to latch on toand follow their journey. Of the four I have to say I enjoyed Josh'scharacter the most, facing a world of loneliness and friendless filleddays that many have experienced. D'addario's work was accurate of apreteen facing middle school problems, and seemed to have a mischievousstreak that was quite natural. Pine on the other hand was a little moredramatic than I've seen in the past, trading his adventurous adolescentbravado for a more emotional role. He did a decent job with the role,but seeing him act as a lying coward for two hours got a little old.Banks on the other hand was refreshing to see as for once she wasn'tplaying an overacted comedic role. Of all the characters she perhapshad the most balance of the bunch providing some light comedy bydelivering well timed and well written lines amidst a flood ofemotional problems. Her backstory also has a lot of detail, enough tomake any woman well up an cry from the flood of depressing memories shefaces. You can see that my biggest strength for this movie is the characterdevelopment, but there a few other things that caught my eye. For onething, although the story is predictable and rather linear, thedelivery is quite nice. Rather than showing tearful scenes of betrayal,passionate rain soaked kissing montages, or tearful exchanges ofcheesy, over-dramatic dialog, this movie chooses a more casualrealistic approach; just like life. Each character had to face theirproblems in their own way, and use various methods and tools to helpthem recognize and resolve their issues. While this realistic approachmade the movie drag in places, it added a bridge to help bring one intothe movie. The ending in particular finished strong and providingclosure for the characters that one may or may not appreciate since youhave to pay attention to the dialog rather than having it handed toyou. Outside of the story, another positive would be the sound/videoediting. During various scenes, the music, whether instrumental or atop hit was well selected to best capture the mood of the scene. Asmentioned earlier, even the dialog was a plus in this critic's book.The writing team decided to exchange romantic dialog that makes teensand young adults swoon for a deeper dialog that was fitting for thecharacters. The comedy was a little dryer than expected, but I waslaughing at some parts. The weaknesses for this movie start with the dragged out pace at partsin the movie. Certain scenes or issues go on for longer than theyshould, and like a high school teenage argument, can make one rolltheir eyes. A few of the methods they promoted to help get through theproblems were not the best tools to show on the crowd. Using drugs,promoting cigarettes and even acts of theft got a little more glorythan they should. Despite her good acting, Banks' character did getannoying at points, and I pitied her more than respected her. Asidefrom the predictable story line and a few over depressing momentsthough, there were not too many additional weaknesses I could find.Overall People Like Us is a realistic look at particular problemshumans face. With great acting, a good character developmentproduction, and well balanced soundtrack you can't help but admire theproduction quality of this movie. Yet the lack of any real twists, thepredictability of the plot, and some over-dramatic problems that couldhave been solved a half an hour earlier are issues you might want tothink about. My recommendation is skip this film until it comes out onNetflix/Redbox, unless you have to see a movie this weekend. My scoresfor this film are the following: Drama: 7.5 Movie Overall: 6.5

patsworld

(2013-05-15 12:54:56)

A 20 Minute Movie Stretched To 114 Minutes

Here's the thing about this movie. It isn't a bad movie, it's juststretched to the breaking point in order to make a full-length film outof it. Much like The Lucky One, where all the guy had to do was say, "Ifound this picture in the war....", this one runs on the fact that theguy has one sentence to say, before the inevitable results of hissilence, that has any meaning....and for some reason, he can't makehimself do that little thing...to the level where the audience justwants to collectively stand up and shout, "Say it! Just say it, forheaven sake!" But he doesn't. At least Chris Pine doesn't look 12 yearsold in this one, which was what made the movie This Means War such afarce. He does look a bit more mature, thank goodness. And he's prettygood in this one. And I know. I know. In either film I've mentioned,had that one vital, important sentence been uttered, it could have madea much shorter movie. But, on the other hand, perhaps it would havemeant the creators might have been forced to come up with a few morereasons to create suspense in the audience. Maybe. Clever ending here,I will say. Added a nice emotional tie-up.

SteveMierzejewski

(2013-05-14 23:31:20)

A lifeless drama

Somebody must have liked this film a lot for this to have the rating ithas. For me, it was kind of like an enhanced 'made for TV' movie; likesomething from the Hallmark Channel. Not that this is inherently bad,but it just didn't come together for me.First of all, I don't like cute kid movies. Cute kid movies are badenough, but this was the troubled, wise guy kid type movie, which, forme is even worse. I thought that maybe a bus might back over him and aplot would be developed based on that. Unfortunately, this did not cometo pass. He was only roughed up by bullies, who, sadly, became myheroes.I felt a lot of the story was contrived. We were left waiting for the'climax' for far too long, and there was no real payoff. This is not tosay that the script didn't have a few good ideas, it did, it was justthat these ideas never seemed to be developed with any amount ofintrospection. Everything was very much on the surface.I was reluctant to watch this movie because the last time I saw ChrisPine was in the dismal pseudo comedy, 'This Means War'. I blamed hisone-dimensional acting on the script. Regretfully, though this scriptwas much better, he was still unable to become two dimensional, eventhough there were abundant opportunities for him to do so. Since therest of the characters revolved around his role, we are left withrather lifeless, cardboard interactions between characters. ElizabethBanks did the best job here, but, she couldn't pull this together onher own. In the end, we were left with a film which attempted to tug atthe heartstrings, but succeeded in only producing a mild case ofheartburn.

fxawd

(2013-05-03 16:18:53)

Bang and you are a good guy all of a sudden

I don't think this movie deserves 7+ rating on IMDb and that's why Iput a rating of 1. In reality it's a 5 star movie (out of 10) primarilybecause Hollywood is always trying to make a happy end even forillogical cases like the one this movie presented. ! SPOILER STARTS !The guy was being a jerk and a liar (and that's his choice, I don'tmind him being a one) and then, after he was thrown out by his sisterfrom the apartment, he got immediately changed into a much betterperson, got his girlfriend back, made peace with his mother andestablished family ties with his sister and her son. So it's basicallya fairy tale about an ugly duckling that became a beautiful swan in oneday and w/o any intervention from Mother Nature. Pretty much on everyfront he succeeded and that what made me really upset. It's just not arealistic scenario so it's OK for movies like 2012 or Transformers butit's not OK for this movie that pretends to be a real life scenario.During a course of the movie I was thinking about how he would get awaywith all the lie he built up and I was really disappointed how easy hemanaged to settle down all the bad things he did.

jsharma

(2013-05-03 09:06:08)

love and doing right

Movie People like us is excellent. Director Alex Kurtzan did a greatjob as a Director and also as a writer. Chris Pine( Unstoppable)as Samis terrific as a brother who finds out that he has a sister Frankie(Elizabeth Banks scrubs, what to expect when you are expecting, next 3days)after the death of his father Jerry whom he dislikes for notshowing any interest in being his father. Sam has a good relationshipwith mom Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer) and relies on his girlfriendHannah (sexy Olivia Wilde : House,MD) for emotional support. The wholemovie is based on how Sam accepts his sister and nephew into his life.Sam's brotherly and avuncular emotions supersede his dislike for hisfather and his own need for money. He does everything he can to takecare of Frankie and Josh without divulging the fact that they are afamily. He is extremely unsure and uncomfortable with revealing thetruth. The relationship among Sam, Frankie and Josh is handled verywell. Josh (Michael Hall) has the sweetness in his voice and longingfor love and friendship from the good looking Sam. Banks and Chris Pinewere excellent and Hall was terrific as the kid who gets into troublewhen left alone. Oscar worthy movie for direction, writing and acting.Chris Pine , Elizabeth Banks and Michael Hall did a great job. MichellePfeiffer and Olivia Wilde did their part well. Good ensemble.Had John Edwards relationship with Hunter not come out in the open ,maybe his daughter with Hunter and children with Elizabeth Edwardswould have had the same turmoil when faced with the truth.

gregeichelberger

(2013-05-03 06:38:55)

Heavy-handed lost family drama does not impress

A movie about the hazards of not identifying oneself immediately —which ultimately causes more problems than it solves — but exhibitsabsolutely no tension, interest or empathy for any of the charactersinvolved.Directed by Alex Kurtzman (in his film debut, although he did helm aseason of the "Alias" TV series) and starring Chris Pine("Unstoppable"), Elizabeth Banks ("What To Expect When You'reExpecting") and Michelle Pfeiffer ("New Year's Eve"), the plotconcerning a long-lost family member is unbelievably contrived andridiculous In fact, while a story of mistaken identity holds a lot of promise,from Shakespearean drama to standard sitcom fare, here, though, none ofthat potential is realized. Estranged ne'er-do-well son, Sam (Pine),comes home after several years to attend his father's funeral (theselfish incompetent is late for the service, of course).The dad was evidently a big-time record producer, and while he gave Sammany material possessions, there were still a lot of issues andanimosity seething under the surface. Also seething under the surfaceis the fact that the late father had a daughter from an extramaritalaffair, the result of which was Frankie (Banks), to which dad leaves anice sized inheritance.For some reason - evidently known only to the writers and director -when Sam finds out about her, he decides to track her down and meether. It's a meet-drunk as they "run into" each other at a AlcoholicsAnonymous conclave where Sam fakes being an addict. Thus begins aperiod of deceit and deception which permeates the rest of the motionpicture.Not wanting to part with the $150,000 inheritance money, he does notdivulge the truth to her, but we know, nothing good will come out ofthis. In fact, we can foresee almost EXACTLY what will happen at theconclusion. There are plenty of other awkward moments, as well, especially whenFrankie begins to fall for Sam and he develops a male role modelrelationship with his nephew, Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario,"Sinister").Another pointless dramatic subplot has dutiful widow, Lillian(Pfeiffer) being delusional to the point where she claims to have hadno knowledge of her philandering husband's many infidelities and eventhe existence of Frankie and Josh.Among the movie's many problems, besides script, direction andunlikable characters, is the total lack of chemistry between theindividuals, and only Banks (who seems to exhibit the only genuinemoments of love for Sam) and D'Addario are even close to believable.A film I had some hope for becomes an extremely disappointingexperience and one which should have and could have been, if not muchbetter, than at least slightly more satisfying that it turns out to be.

sylent1-9-193639

(2013-05-03 01:48:12)

Good movie about learning to live with the mistakes others make

I really didn't expect to like this movie. Dramedies usually seem soapopera-ish to me and I put this one off for awhile. But I'm glad Iwatched it. The plot was complex enough not to seem sappy and thecharacters were believable. The premise is not so hard to envision...atleast not for me, and the way that everyone reacted to the situationwas understandable. There really are no BAD people in the movie...justpeople like us that make mistakes and hopefully find a resolution asgood as this one. I think it's a movie that a lot of people can relateto whether it's the struggle we all go through day to day or therelationships we often don't pay enough attention to. Top that off witha feel-good ending...and what's not to like? You can do a LOT worsewith your movie dollars.

ShelbyTMItchell

(2013-05-01 17:12:38)

Pine and Banks Make a Great Chemistry!

Chris Pine plays smooth talking but in debt salesman Sam. He also facesan investigation by the feds over bribery and violating federal laws.As he needs a plan to get him out of his predicament but unexpectedlyhe gets the news that his estranged father, a rich former rock and rollproducer has suddenly died.He heads up to CA to meet with his also estranged mother Lillian,Michelle Pfiffer. As he is late for his father's funeral. As he learnsin his father's will that he is left with no money but to give $15K tosomeone named Josh Davis.But that there is temptation by keeping the money in a shaving kit allby himself. Josh is an 11-year old troubled boy who's mom Frankie,trying to make ends meet as she is single and has an alcohol problem,plus working as a bartender.He finds out that Frankie is his sister but does not tell her so thatshe will not get hurt. He then develops a loving bond with Josh and aplatonic friendship with his sister without her knowing it.But how far will Sam keep up this act and will he keep the money orgive it to his sister, without her knowing that he is her brother? Plusstraighten out his own ordeal.A great movie as both Pine and Banks make a great team. As both showyou do not have to be romantic in order to have a relationship. You canjust be friends. But in Sam's case, siblings.

Drew St. Pierre

(2013-05-01 09:22:34)

A good movie with a good message.

You know, it's always good to see a non-action film during the summermovie season every once in a while; even if it has an actual message toit.Going into People Like Us, I was rather excited. I had a feeling thatthis would turn out to be a good drama. Maybe it won't be award-worthyor anything, just good as like a regular drama with a good message.After the seeing the movie, I came out feeling touched by it. PeopleLike Us was such a good movie.STORY: People Like Us has a very simple plot. After his father passedaway, Sam, a salesman (Chris Pine) has to deliver $150,000 – which wasleft behind by his father – to Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), a sister whomhe never knew about. As the relationship develops, Sam tries tore-examine his own life choices.MY THOUGHTS: The writing/dialogue in People Like Us is believable andvery good; the music score is beautiful and sets the emotional tonewell; the ending to it is so touching and downright perfect that itmade me left the theater with emotion. This movie does a great jobtalking about the loss of a loved one and trying to re-think choices inlife.The only problem I had with People Like Us was that the movie startedoff a bit slow, but then it gets better as it goes on.THE ACTING: Chris Pine does an excellent job playing Sam, a guy whosefather had passed away, and wants to re-think his own choices in life.Elizabeth Banks does great playing Frankie, a sister that Sam neverknew he had. The ever-so gorgeous Olivia Wilde had a good supportingrole as Sam's girlfriend. Michelle Pfeiffer is fantastic as the mother.The kid is fantastic as well.IN CONCLUSION: Although slow at times, People Like Us is such a gooddrama featuring great performances, good dialogue, and an ending thatmade me feel touched.8/10

Danny Blankenship

(2013-04-30 03:00:25)

Secrets are revealed and it sheds new life on family and the meaning of love.

Most of us like me have all found out about family secrets in our life,and when they are revealed many years later they surprise us and itdoes impact and affect our lives. It's so true everyone has skeleton'sin their closets. And this touching and heart felt film "People LikeUs" relates to all of those issues. It proves that in life a familyalways have life altering choices to make.The story which was inspired by true events has Sam(Chris Pine)a grownsalesman who one day with his love Hannah(Olivia Wilde)gets a call inNew York and the news is bad his record producer dad who he hasn't seenin years has just passed away on the west coast in L.A. Also Sam'smother Lillian(Michelle Pfeiffer)has fallen ill with a heart condition,so he takes a trip to California to have his life turned upside down.Soon Sam will have revealed that his father had a hidden past life thiswas in the form of another sibling it's a half sister in Frankie(thesexy Elizabeth Banks). And Frankie who's an outspoken provocative sexysingle mother has her hands full raising little one son Josh(MichaelHall). Along the way this triangle comes a bonding of friendship andlove even though at times it's a struggle it's life changing for all asit's a money change for Frankie and Josh as this sexy lady can finallyleave bar tending and get a good fresh path to a better life. And Samhas dropped everything after the connection so he can start anew withhis true love Hannah.Overall good film of finding out hidden special secrets, it proves lovelast with family as a new connection that was once secret starts abetter life for all. And that's special and important because a lovingfamily connection is ever lasting love.

Hellmant

(2013-04-29 12:58:54)

Krutzman and Orci have spent many years learning how to tell a good story and they definitely do this one right!

'PEOPLE LIKE US': Four Stars (Out of Five)Film writer/producer Alex Krutzman makes his feature film directorialdebut with this touching family drama about a down on his luck salesmanwho discovers he has a sister, he never knew, after his father, he cameto hate, passes away. Krutzman wrote the film with his usual partner incrime Roberto Orci as well as first time film writer Jody Lambert.Krutzman and Orci co-wrote (and produced) many blockbusters togethersuch as the last two 'STAR TREK' reboot films, the first two'TRANSFORMERS' films, 'COWBOYS & ALIENS', 'THE ISLAND', 'THE LEGEND OFZORRO' and multiple episodes of the TV series 'ALIAS', 'HERCULES: THELEGENDARY JOURNEYS' and 'FRINGE' (which they also co-created with J.J.Abrams), This is definitely a nice change of pace for them and issurprisingly well made. Krutzman has proved himself to not only be atalented and clever writer but also a very gifted director. The film stars Chris Pine (who Krutzman and Orci know well, from thetwo 'STAR TREK' films they've done together) as a New York salesmannamed Sam. Sam had grown apart from his record-producer father (DeanChekvala) over the last several years and came to hate him. So when helearns he passed on, from cancer, he's reluctant to return home, toL.A., for his funeral. He's too late for the funeral but travels homeanyway, with his girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde), and sees his motherLillian (Michelle Pfeiffer), who's disappointed at his absence (overthe last several years, as well as at the funeral). Due to recentfinancial troubles with his business he's hoping his father left himsome money but is upset to find out he only left him his recordcollection (which happens to be worth a decent amount of money though).His father's lawyer (Philip Baker Hall) does also pass on his dad'sshaving kit to him, which does happen to be full of money, but it alsohas a note in it which says the money is to be given to an 11-year oldboy named Josh Davis (Michael Hall D'Addario). Sam soon learns thatJosh is his nephew and his mother, Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), is thesister he never knew he had. He gets to know Frankie and Josh whiledeciding whether to give them the money or not (or keep it for himself)and learns that Frankie hated their father as well (for choosing Sam'sfamily over hers). The film is a brilliant and heartfelt character study. The writing isonce again exceptional, all of the performances are great andKrutzman's directing is more than decent. I almost passed on this moviebecause of what little advertising and critical recognition it receivedbut I'm glad I didn't. I love a good tearjerker and am really movedwhen a film can hit your emotions the way that ones like this can. Ithink it underperformed with critics and at the box office (and wasundersold as well) because Chris Pine is not a well known enoughleading man (yet) and the movie focuses on the relationship between anadult brother and sister (rather than tell a love story) but that's whyit's so good. Pine is a good leading man and family drama and love canbe just as fascinating and touching as the romantic kind. It'srefreshing to see a movie like this and especially when it's doneright. Krutzman and Orci have spent many years learning how to tell agood story and they definitely do this one right.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcoZRlVFMzA

Unbilled_Role

(2013-04-26 16:49:13)

A Shot of People on the Rocks, with a Splash of Sentimentality

My rating: 7 stars out of 10."People Like Us" has a fine cast, a fairly stimulating (yet safe) plot,and some heartfelt life lessons thrown in for good measure. The nextparagraph contains a gentle spoiler about this films' themes. A man (Pine) receives some bad news about his family. He needs to dothe right thing, grow up, and bust through the defenses he has spentyears hiding under. As he makes a reunion of sorts with family members,the plot unfolds. Each character deals with their own personal set ofchallenges.I'll confess that I had hesitations about the casting. Pine is cuteas-a-button, and I tend to be drawn to actors who are a bit rougharound the edges. But I was wrong to doubt his abilities. He layeredhis role with some interesting nuances. His interactions with theElizabeth Banks character were entertaining and fairly genuine. Theyoung actor Michael Hall D'Addario was absolutely wonderful. Banks andPfeiffer each turned in very sturdy performances. Wilde was alsoeffective, but she needed more screen time.Kudos to the director Alex Kurtzman for his reasonably light touch. Itseems like he allowed the actors a long leash in developing theircharacterizations. This is no easy task, because Kurtzman also co-wrotethe script.The musical score had some strong moments, particularly when theyhighlighted classic rock tunes from decades ago. There were periodicsentimental tunes, which seemed a bit manipulative. Sadly, this isall-too-common in films. And there was a beach scene which was a bitdeflated, because it was so typically pretty. I wish this film wouldhave taken more risks, and navigated through an even murkier emotionallandscape. At the end of the day, I would recommend this film, and I look forwardto seeing more films from Kurtzman. And, if you're still with me atthis point... excuse me. Bartender, I'll have an Extra Dry Martini.With 2 olives, please.

Saad Khan

(2013-04-25 23:54:42)

Rom-Com or dysfunctional family movie? Confusing presentation

People Like Us – CATCH IT (B-) From beginning to end "People like us"is indecisive whether it's a rom-com movie or about a dysfunctionalfamily. Chris Pine as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman,whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father hassuddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he mustput his father's estate in order and reconnect with his estrangedfamily. In the course of fulfilling his father's last wishes, Samuncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: Hehas a 30-year-old step sister Frankie whom he never knew about(Elizabeth Banks). So he secretly meets Frankie, a single motherwithout telling them that he is his step-brother. Now the 60% of themovie is more like romantic comedy where a young charming guy entersinto a struggling single mother and her son's life. And other 40% ismore about his estranged relationship with his mother and now deadfather. Now the problem lies that the whole charming thing with Frankieand her son is like any young guy trying to vow a woman and her son andwhen Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) falls for Sam (Chris Pine) withoutknowing that he is her step-brother makes the whole concept incest. Butstrangely when it's revealed to her instead of director dealing withthe matter of her feeling against her it just made it look like it'snormal to be now a brother and sister. It was just so hard to believethat a woman who falls for a guy suddenly is fine with him as herbrother. I wished it was more like a dysfunctional movie and had takencare of that more with severances rather than making it a regular feelgood movie with happy ending etc. Chris Pine is extremely good-lookingand his performance is also good though at times seems over Especially,in those drunken scenes. Elizabeth Banks, I want to discuss about herin detail. This woman certainly can do anything horrors "Slitter & TheUninvited", thriller "Man on the ledge", comedy "What to expect, whenyou are expecting/Zack & Miri makes Porno" rom-com "defiantly maybe" ornow "People Like Us" etc but except for her role in The Hunger Games,she looks pretty much the same. She is a fine actress no doubt about itbut I'm waiting for the day I can see her breaking out of her comfortzone like the hunger games and blow me away. I loved her in the moviesso far I have seen of her even Slitter but the wait is getting longerto see her in some serious provoking movie where she shows how muchtalented she exactly is. Michelle Pfiffer is great in her non-makeupattire. Olivia Wilde is alright in small role. The kid is okay andannoying at times as expected. In the end, it's a time pass simplemovie but the screenplay or director doesn't do justice to the storyand made it just another simple rom-com or dysfunctional family movie.

pc95

(2013-04-21 03:29:57)

Extra Shot of Drama

John Kurtzman's "People Like Us" is a well written uber-drama thatworks despite likely being over-dramatized. It's written for a day andage where divorces or new/ 2nd families seem more normal, thus manypeople with have "half" siblings ought to relate. While the movieunfortunately has it's share of sentimental and self-indulgent musicalcuts, and Chris Pine's character's girl-friend is written into themovie as mostly an after-thought, the movie manages to hold the mainfocus of guilt and love fairly well without going into absurdity orovercookedness. (spoiler) It has some originality in the sequencing ofcharacter development, namely how will the secrets be let out, and whatcould happen as a result. That tension is an effective draw-in byitself. A bit past the hour-point though several fellow-watchersstarted to get fidgety at the over-length of the "2nd Act", but themovie, as good movies should, saves a poignant even if naive finale.It's certainly a good effort with motivated acting and directing foreveryone involved, and the drama piled-on extra for drama-junkies.

estebangonzalez10

(2013-04-20 15:39:21)

A wonderful and touching film with great performances

¨My last image of my dad are taillights while he drove away to hisother family.¨People Like Us is a wonderful drama that will have you smiling in onescene and crying in the next. It's a very emotional film with strongperformances and an excellent script. This is one of my favorite filmsof the year. Many critics have said it has too much melodrama and feelslike a soap opera, but I disagree completely. I found it to be veryauthentic and true to life; yes maybe a little too calculated, but itworked because it had a strong message. I loved the ending of the filmas well; I left this movie completely satisfied and wanting to rewatchit. This is the first feature film by Alex Kurtzman who is known mostlyfor writing and producing films like Star Trek and Cowboys & Aliens andcreating TV series like Fringe. This is a whole different genre forKurtzman and he has made a wonderful and powerful film about family. Henot only directed this film but wrote the powerful screenplay alongwith Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert and also produced it. I was reallyblown away with the movie, especially by the performance from ElizabethBanks which in my opinion is her best work to date. She was great inthis film and has such a powerful chemistry with Chris Pine. When I sawthe poster for this movie I thought this was going to be another chickflick with the two leads playing love interests, but what a surprise itwas to find out this wasn't actually a romantic film, but a verythoughtful and emotional film about family. I believe that there aremoments in our lives that deeply mark us and change us, and that isexactly what happened to Pine's character who was a complete selfishprick and ended up being such a great guy that the audience couldrelate too. Many critics might think this was manipulative or toocalculated, but I thought it rang true. I loved the way how each of thecharacters were developed and matured as the film moved on.The film begins by introducing us to Sam (Chris Pine), a businessfacilitator who seems to be great at closing deals but not so much infollowing through with them. After making his biggest sell of the yearhe hears from his boss that his latest transaction went sour and thathe must repay the troubles he has caused with his recently earnedcommission money. To make matters worse when he arrives home hisgirlfriend, Hannah (Olivia Wilde), informs him that his father haspassed away. He wasn't very close to his father and is basically forcedby Hannah to fly to his mother's home for the funeral. His mother,Lillian, played by Michelle Pfeiffer gives a very convincingperformance of a grieving widow who has spent the last year in and outof hospitals due to her husband's cancer. Once home Sam discovers thathis father has left him with a task: He must find a woman named Frankie(Elizabeth Banks) and give her and her son Ted (Michael Hall D'Addario)150,000 dollars and look out for them. Sam has no idea who this personis, and is really upset about not receiving any money, but hiscuriosity leads him to search for this person and discover who she is.He's also tempted to keep the money, but when he realizes that Frankieis his sister things take a turn in his life. He befriends her withoutletting her know who he really is and their friendship begins toblossom. All these events begin to change Sam's perspective about lifeand his estranged relationship with his father.We discover in the very beginning that Frankie and Sam are brothers soI'm not giving away any important plot elements here. The importance ofthe film revolves around the relationship that blossoms between themand how Sam begins to realize why his father acted the way he did. Ialready mentioned the incredible chemistry between Pine and Banks andhow fresh it felt that it wasn't a romantic one but rather more of abonding between a brother and a sister. Michelle Pfeiffer is also greathere and has some important scenes with Pine that also felt very real.The kid in this movie playing Ted was also excellent and his chemistrywith Pine also played out really well. Every single piece seemed to fitin perfectly in this small movie thanks to a very good screenplay.There were several touching and emotional moments and the film reallybuilds up to a sweet and satisfying climax at the end. I have no doubtsthis movie will end up in my list for the top films of the year andElizabeth Banks performance is one of my favorite female performancesof the year. I absolutely recommend this movie.http://estebueno10.blogspot.com