People Like Us

People Like Us features dialogue and plot lines that are trite and predictable, though is elevated by hot young talent and veteran actors. Not knowing anything about the film I was surprised to see the likes of Philip Baker Hall and Michelle Pfeiffer brushing with Chris Pine and Olivia Wilde.

However upon realising who it's directed by, it became less surprising. This is Alex Kurtzman's first film as director, though film buffs will recognise his name as the screenwriter of films like Star Trek, Transformers, Cowboys & Aliens, and other major blockbusters of dubious quality.

The 'based on true events', story concerns Pine's Sam learning of his estranged father's death, much to his chagrin. Returning home to a frosty and disappointed mother played by Pfeiffer, with a shunned and confused Wilde in tow, Sam is proven to be an insecure dude.

Through his father's will he ultimately learns of a sister he never knew, and has to decide whether to follow his father's instructions to give all his remaining money to her or keep for himself as he's in heavy debt to Jon Favreau. I wouldn't like to be in debt to Favreau, he might call on Iron Man for muscle, so I can understand Pine's spiritual debate.

Pine's sister is played by Elizabeth Banks, who plays a sassy recovering alcoholic, Frankie, with a rascal son Josh (played by Michael Hall D'addario). The misfit pair are stalked by Pine as he gets to know them and you can probably see where the story is going by now.

It's all a pleasant diversion buoyed by the performances. Not completely bland, but not enough bite to make it memorable. If you're a fan of any of the actors, or dramas that revolve around family and mistaken identities then you'll enjoy it.