
People Like Us
2012, Drama, 1h 55m
120 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Though calculated and melodramatic, People Like Us benefits from a pair of solid leads and its rare screenplay that caters to adult filmgoers. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
People Like Us Photos
Movie Info
On the day his latest deal collapses, fast-talking-salesman Sam (Chris Pine) receives the news that his father has died. Reluctantly, Sam returns home to settle the estate of his father. In the course of carrying out the man's last wishes, Sam is surprised to learn of the existence of a 30-year-old sister, named Frankie (Elizabeth Banks). As the sister and brother get to know each other, Sam must re-examine both his perceptions about his family and the life choices that he has made.
Cast & Crew
Chris Pine
Sam
Sam
Elizabeth Banks
Frankie
Frankie
Olivia Wilde
Hannah
Hannah
Jon Favreau
Richards
Richards
Michelle Pfeiffer
Lillian
Lillian
Critic Reviews for People Like Us
Audience Reviews for People Like Us
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May 30, 2016Starts off decently, but turns into sentimental, hard to believe fluff by the end.Nicki M Super Reviewer
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Jul 15, 2015An unapologetic chick flick with all the trimmings, but at least done with some intelligence, and with some respect for their audience. The story of how two families come to discover they've the same father is not overly convoluted, which is to say, simple, but the performances of the leads are committed enough to carry the day.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Jan 07, 2014In "People Like Us," Sam Harper(Chris Pine) is having a very bad week. First, there is that bad shipment of tomato bisque to Ecuador that could potentially get him into legal trouble. Then, his father dies. His conveniently leaving his wallet behind in the car delays their departure but only until his girlfriend Hannah(Olivia Wilde) schedules a later flight. That arrives after the funeral but not late enough for them to help his mother(Michelle Pfeiffer) with the clean up. And then his father's lawyer(Philip Baker Hall) gives him $150,000 to give to the nephew, Josh(Michael Hall D'Addario), Sam never knew he had. Josh's mother Frankie(Elizabeth Banks) could use any kind of good news since she barely persuades his school to not only keep him out of Guantanamo but also not to expel him after he blows up the school pool. While not being in any way creatively revolutionary("Brothers & Sisters" used to tell a similar story every other episode), "People Like Us" still succeeds, by going the route of understatement to detail the complexity and messy nature of families. This starts with the opening shorthand gestures to introduce its characters and closes neatly enough, with just enough openings at the end to denote the fact that not all of their struggles' have ended, especially economically. A lot of this works due to the quality of the performances as Chris Pine proves his mettle as a young actor while Michelle Pfeiffer does some of her best work by doing less.Walter M Super Reviewer
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Feb 12, 2013This has to be under everyone's radar and that's a true shame. I can't recommend it enough if you're looking for a truly moving film about fractured families and fractured souls. I was completely blown away by this movie and by every single performance. If I were an Academy member and I saw this film I would immediately place the names Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer at the very top of my Oscar nominations lists. Honestly, everyone is just that good in these roles especially Banks. Hers is the best performance I've seen this year bar none. The movie itself is so wonderfully written and packs true emotional resonance. The plot may sound cliché but nothing is handled in a predictable or unreal fashion. Secrets are revealed and it sheds new life on family and the meaning of love. To paraphrase: what seems important now really isn't and what's may seem not important now really is... there's a lot to digest about this film. One thing's for sure, if you "lean in to it" and give this movie your time and undivided attention you will not be sorry that you saw it. 5 Stars 2-7-13Bruce B Super Reviewer
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