A Disappointing Continuation

Blistering performances.

The acting in this movie is really good.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

I think the domestic violence in this movie completely overshadows any positive content. Both the mother and half sister of the main character, Sam, perpetrated domestic violence in an alarming manner. Upon becoming angry with Sam, the two female characters struck him rapidly, multiple times. It's not okay, even if women are the perpetrators. The danger of making light of such behavior in a movie is many viewers may think it is a social norm. People may think that such acts are domestic violence only when committed by men. Violence breeds violence. I would not have given the movie such a low rating if in some way it sent a message saying the acts were not socially acceptable.

A film that perhaps was overlooked by many, People Like Us is a great movie that has its mixture of moving and humorous moments, all entwined with wonderful imagery and a dense musical score. It's a film detailing the trials and tribulations of a fractured family life and how perhaps everyone has a "skeleton in the closet" as the saying goes. And as it's inspired by true events on behalf of the director Alex Kurtzman, he shows the viewer the emotional aspects of broken families and strained relationships with admirable tenacity; it makes you wonder what goes on behind closed doors.The performances in this film were second to none, with Elizabeth Banks the stand out in my mind. Banks delivers an alert and moving execution of her role as Frankie, and she shares a wonderful chemistry with Chris Pine, who also proves he is more than just a pretty face. While Pine's character of Sam may at first appear to be a bit pompous and big headed, Pine is able to show how he actually is not so bad after all; the touching moments he shares with (still stunning) mom Michelle Pfeiffer, the eventual truth regarding his true relationship with Frankie, as well as the conclusion to the film prove this.People Like Us is simply a movie that packs a huge emotional punch about love and how life is not always as simple as it could be. We do make mistakes after all; but when those mistakes cause pain and suffering to those around us, it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate that life, and that is what makes People Like Us one of those films that instantly touches you. 9/10

Sam (Chris Pine) is long estranged from his record producer deceased father. He is left with a shaving kit bag. In it he finds $150k and a note telling him to take care of Josh Davis. Josh is a smart-mouthed little boy who constantly gets into trouble and his single mother Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) has to deal with the results. She's in AA and Sam's secret half sister. He's conflicted and wants to keep the money. He has a fight with his girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde) and he can't stand his mother Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer).The kid is not adorable. He's a bitter smart aleck little brat. That takes most of the fun out of it. Then again neither is Sam a likable guy. It's hard to watch these unlikeable characters sometimes. It makes the jokes not as funny. At least, Elizabeth Banks is as charming as ever. But the movie is way too long and long sections of it dragged. There is the totally awkward relationship, but there is also a pretty good family dysfunction. It's very much a mix bag.

(Credit IMDb) While settling his recently deceased father's estate, a salesman discovers he has a sister whom he never knew about, leading both siblings to re-examine their perceptions about family and life choices. This was one of the most underrated films of 2012. It's a genuinely heartwarming story about redemption and finding yourself. I'm somewhat estranged from a lot of my family, aside from my Dad. I may not have had no contact with my sister like Sam (Chris Pine) does in this movie, but I was easily able to feel sympathy for him. Chris Pine did a really nice job of transforming his character throughout the movie. He plays an arrogant human being for a while, who pushes everyone away, including his love interest (Olivia Wilde) I really enjoyed his changes that he made in the movie. His chemistry with Elizabeth Banks was fantastic. Speaking of Elizabeth Banks, she is just as pivotal as Pine was to making this film as enjoyable as it was. I feel she is one of the most underrated talents in Hollywood. She was natural as a former alcoholic. Olivia Wilde felt a little cold at times, but she did well. If the ending doesn't make you smile, I really question your sanity. 7.8/10