Sam (Pine) is the son of a big time record producer. His dad was a tad bad in the paternal department. To say that Sam is bitter from poorish paternal care is a bit of an understatement. It's impacted just about every aspect of this only-child's life. He works as a fast-talking barter man, and that's not going well due to a big logistics boo-boo on his part. His relationship is rocky to say the least. Then, his dad dies. Sam tries like the dickens to avoid the funeral, to no avail. While back home, Sam learns that he's not quite an only-child after all. Meet Frankie (Banks). She's the product of a long-standing affair that Sam's dad had years ago. After Sam's Mom (Michelle Pfeiffer) put the brakes on the trist, Frankie was left papa-less...literally. This gives us two people left feeling jilted by a less than present father figure. Enter $150,000. This is the sum of cash that dear old dad left for Frankie's son, Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario). The dough was left in the care of Sam, who is instructed to take care of her. Of course, Sam needs the cash, so this presents quite the dilemma. No one knows about the inheritance but him and he's just now learning about Frankie and Josh. Hmm...intrigue takes over, however, and Sam gets to know sis and nephew. Yadayadayada Sam struggles with everything until it all hits the fan as the family works toward becoming a family.
It's good. I'll go with 4.0 Stars. It's not slamming in the box office, but that's no shocker. It is, however, a slammin' good story. Of course, when I saw it, the theater was packed. This was likely due to strong sell-out overflow from Magic Mike and Ted's opening night smash. Make no mistake, this one is good. No, it won't do well in the box office because it is a love story that is not sexually charged. It's not a romance between Sam and Frankie--although it seems to potentially go in that direction from one of those participants. It is a love tale that relates father-son/daughter, brother-sister, uncle-nephew. Those are meaningful for certain, but lack the sexy sizzle of a sexual relationship that makes a box office spike. Actually, it's been out three weeks and is already out of the top dozen in total dollars generated.
Since you're not getting a packed theater with this one, what do you get? With People Like Us you've got a well put together story that hones in on an interesting family with equally interesting characters. There's no doubting the cast. Pine has been solid in everything from Star Trek to Unstoppable and Michelle Pfeiffer (that's Puh-fifer...the 'P' is not silent...okay it is, just kidding) is a long time legend. Good actors combine with an intriguing plot to pull off a sleeper. It's genuine and portrayed in a real way. Yeah, there's humor, but it's not quite laugh-a-minute stuff. It is a drama that ties in a lot of great points--subtle and in-your-face, all worth a watch.
If any of that sparks you, see it BIG. This is definitely one to see, if only as a rental.
True...OUT!
No comments:
Post a Comment