Do you have anything less than a picture-perfect, ‘ideal’ family? What about a crazy, dysfunctional one that they make television series about? Then you will likely relate to People Like Us, released today (6/29) in theaters across the country.
People Like Us takes a somewhat basic storyline but adds so many original elements that the film almost stands in a genre all it’s own. It’s drama without crime scenes, comedy that is sometimes subtle and sometimes dry, and touch-feely but in a good way. Each character has some ‘issues’ they are dealing with yet, through much confusion and frustration, they find out what it really means to be family. It will have you crying, it will have you laughing, and it will have you anxious to see how it all unfolds. The struggles this family goes through draws you in and makes you want to root for a happy ending for everyone.
From DreamWorks Pictures comes “People Like Us,” a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father’s last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.
I thought the story was solid and the execution was very believable. Character development and interaction were fantastic, making it easy to relate to whether you are a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, or a sister.
As a PG-13 film, though, here are a few things you may want to consider before bringing younger ones:
- There’s a fair amount of foul language here. It’s used to give some realism to the characters but may make some wince after a while.
- There is only one sex scene but it is pretty ‘in your face’ and comes up suddenly.
- There is quite a bit of drinking, smoking, and use of marijuana.
- Scene of bullying and acting out are featured thought not fleshed out.
- Most scenes are emotionally intense, resulting in arguments and one scene of a physical outburst.
People Like Us appeals to both men and women so tell your husband, dad, or brother that it not just a chick flick. Will you be seeing it?
2 comments
Well said! You added some better disclaimers that I forgot to put in. Glad you liked it, though. It was a good movie. Just wish I hadn’t taken my kids… 🙂
I know what you mean. I’m sorry you didn’t know beforehand and had to ‘shield’ the eyes of the young ones…
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