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| Still from People Like Us |
Upon receiving news of his Father's death, Sam (Chris Pine) makes a rare visit home to see his Mother Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer). Shocked to learn that he must deliver an inheritance of $150,000 to a long-lost Sister he never knew he had in Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) and her Son Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario). Not knowing his true identity or reason for surfacing, he becomes an integral part of their lives. Meanwhile, internally Sam is coping with the death of his distant Father and also facing fraud allegations at work. At the same time, he must deal with his Girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde) whose patience is wearing thin with him as a darker side of him is revealed. We wonder through all of this what will become of Sam and his Friendship with Frankie and Josh when he reveals the truth to them.
Although primarily a Producer, Alex Kurtzman more than ably steps-up to the challenge of directing his first Feature here - a rare Family-oriented Drama geared more towards Adults in an especially crowded Field of Blockbusters at the Box Office. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Kurtzman has a superb Ensemble Cast to work with here and other than a few lags in pacing, due more to a few thick and substantial Subplots, everything ties up beautifully in what should be a rewarding experience for Moviegoers.
Pine finally gets an opportunity to shine in a Leading Role which doesn't require action sequences of him and he proves that he has what it takes to stand alongside the likable Matt Damons of Hollywood. Banks must be given credit for veering away from the comedic mold with some of her more recent choices including this, where we see her fully embodying what it means to be a hungry Single Mom with a hardened heart. Pfeiffer as always is a pleasure to watch, giving a v. humanistic portrayal of suppressed disappointment and silent anger.
Although the tears might not come until late, be warned that you should be armed with some Napkins from the Concessions Stand. DreamWorks Pictures releases People Like Us on June 29, 2012.
