People Like Us in Theaters June 29th {Film Review}

PEOPLE LIKE US opens in U.S. theaters June 29, 2012!

DreamWorks Pictures latest film ‘People Like Us’ is not one to be taken lightly. This unexpected gut-wrenching film moved me in a way that very few movies have. After seeing a screening of ‘People Like Us’ last week, I was rendered speechless for quite a while. Believe me when I tell you that me being speechless is something that doesn’t happen very often.

‘People Like Us’ has an emotional pull that is hard to deny. You’ll get sucked right in through the telling of a story inspired by true events. Sam (Chris Pine), a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, is tasked with fulfilling his estranged father’s last wishes — delivering an inheritance to his sister Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), a sister that he never knew he had. As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process. Sam also reconnects with his estranged mother in the film, a powerful role played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

Sam and Frankie are both very flawed individuals, yet they are still good people. They are the kind of characters that we want to root for, probably because they reflect parts of ourselves. At the beginning of the movie I found myself passing judgement on both Sam’s mother and father; however, as the film progressed I realized they had faced some difficult decisions and simply did the best that they could. I have to wonder if I would have made some of the same choices.

‘People Like Us’ doesn’t have the special effects and fanfare you’ll see in many of this summers blockbuster films, but what it does have is heart and an amazing cast. The story is one that will evoke deep emotion. While watching the film I was at first embarrassed for having to wipe the tears from my eyes, then I noticed the chorus of sniffles throughout the screening room. I knew I was not alone. I encourage you to see this film. Just be sure to have a few tissues handy.

The film also features Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall, and Mark Duplass. Dreamworks ‘People Like Us’ is directed by Alex Kurtzman, produced by Roberto Orci, Bobby Cohen and Clayton Townsend, and written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jody Lambert.

PEOPLE LIKE US will be in U.S. theaters on June 29, 2012!

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Disclosure: Disney provided travel and accommodations to Los Angeles. All thoughts are my own.