People Like Us - B+

Rated PG-13, 110 minutes

"People Like Us" a sincere, touching portrait of being family

Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

There are times we love our family and other times not so much, especially when mistakes are involved. "People Like Us" is a genuinely moving portrait of the complexities of family relationships. The film stars Chris Pine ("Star Trek") as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose life begins to unravel when his estranged father dies after an illness. He goes home to help his distant mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) manage his father's estate and in the process uncovers a startling secret. He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to re-examine his family relationships and own life choices in the process. The new dramedy "People Like Us" is a poignant, superbly acted look at the ups and downs that families go through. The film is an auspicious debut of producer and screenwriter Alex Kurtzman ("Star Trek," "The Proposal"). Kurtzman, whose known more for action movies and who also writes this film, has a remarkable insight into sincere human emotion, garnering excellent performances from the leads. While Pine is solid, it's both Banks and Pfeiffer (who interestingly don't share any scenes together) who are pitch-perfect in Oscar-worthy roles as Mom's who have to make/have made some difficult decisions. Pfeiffer in particular is a standout in a supporting role who has the film's most touching scene with Pine. Even with that, "People Like Us" isn't perfect. It falters somewhat when it veers off into a couple of unnecessary subplots about Sam's work and it takes much too long for him to finally say what he has to say, but for the most part the film works remarkably well. The memorable, energetic music by Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman ("Slumdog Millionaire") also adds some enjoyment to what could've been a very maudlin subject matter. The last act is its most touching, and you'll want to have tissues handy when they get out the old home movies in the film's final scene.  Much like family, "People Like Us" isn't perfect, but it's a sincere, stirring look at the importance of family, however shape and form that takes. Definitely worth a look.