People Like Us (2012) Blu-ray Review
By John Delia
2 Min Read
People Like Us -- Ladies, invite some of your friends for a night-in and have some tissues handy.
Inspired by a true story the movie finds down on his luck Sam Harper (Chris Pine) along with his fiancée Hanna (Olivia Wilde) reluctantly going back to the home where he grew up on the day after his father's funeral. Asked to meet with the family lawyer Ike (Philip Baker Hall), Sam gets handed a case containing $150,000. The money isn't meant for him, however, he' instructed to bring it to a sister Frankie Davis (Elizabeth Banks) he never knew existed. Thus begins a complex tale of love, understanding, integrity, challenge and courage of convictions that's moving and heartfelt.
With Hanna confused by Sam's urgency to stay in his hometown, a mother heartbroken that her only son has been absent for so long, a new found sister that's perplexed as to why she feels drawn to a stranger (Sam) and Sam slowing digging a hole in his heart that may never be repaired, the story takes on a complex yet sympathetic tone that resonates throughout. I like this kind of complicated story where you are the onlooker who knows what the real circumstances are and hoping for the best possible ending.
The story may be somewhat predictable, but the characters make the discovery enjoyable entertaining. Believable performances by both Pine and Banks make the story credible enough, touching and inspirational. While Pine's Sam rambles about trying to make sense of the situation, Banks's Frankie has to deal with a young son (Michael D Addario) who causes difficulty at every turn due to an absentee father. The three worlds collide causing an uncertain future in the eyes of the audience. It's a very good script played out under the pin point direction of Alex Kurtzman who makes his entry into film on the big screen an admirable success.
You'll gain even more from the special bonus features included in the Blu-ray combo pack that includes both the Blu-ray and DVD.
BONUS FEATURES:
Blu-ray Combo Pack:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Writers Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert
Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind "People Like Us"
Taco Talk: Extended Henry's Taco Scene
Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
DVD:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer
Digital
Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind "People Like Us"
Taco Talk: Extended Henry's Taco Scene
Deleted Scenes
Bloopers
FINAL ANALYSIS: Ladies, invite some of your friends for a night-in and have some tissues handy. (B)
Be sure to checkout out FlickDirect's interview with People Like Us star, Elizabeth Banks.
Cast:
- Chris Pine,
- Elizabeth Banks,
- Olivia Wilde,
- Michael Hall D’Addario,
- Philip Baker Hall,
- Mark Duplass,
- Michelle Pfeiffer
Directed By:
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 115 minutes
Distributed By: DreamWorks Studios
For more information about People Like Us visit the FlickDirect Movie Database. This release has been provided to FlickDirect for review purposes. For more reviews by John Delia please click here.
People Like Us images are courtesy of DreamWorks Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Read More People Like Us Reviews
Movie / Film Review
"People Like Us" is the story of two siblings' responses to their father's death. The first five minutes add up to a well crafted character study, as whip-smart salesman Sam (Chris Pine) is stunned by the news that his father has died suddenly. Still resentful of his emotional...
Full Review | Grade: B
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