People Like Us Review
Sam (Chris Pine), is a handsome, smooth talking salesman living in New York. However, things aren’t going so smoothly for Sam. The day his latest business deal falls through, is the same day he’s told his estranged father has passed away. Reluctantly returning home to L.A., Sam settles his father’s estate, and also discovers that his father has a second family. Sam not only has to tend to his grieving mother, (Michelle Pfeiffer) but he also has to carry out his deceased father’s last wishes: finding his sister and her son (whom he didn’t know he had) and giving them their family inheritance. Now, the newly found siblings re-examine their lives while evaluating the obscure family dynamics of which their father left behind. People Like Us is an emotional family drama; because of the mature subject matter, this film might not appeal to kids; however adults may find it interesting and heart-warming.
Rating: 1 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: October 2, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? No
See a clip of my review here!
See the trailer here!
Talking Points:
Initially when Sam wanted to keep the money that was left for his sister, and go back to New York. However, he does the right thing, and fulfills his father’s wish while also developing a special relationship with his sister and her son. In a very emotional scene Sam says to Frankie, “Let me be your brother.”
The acting was great; with Chris Pine, Michelle Pfeiffer and Elizabeth Banks having the lead roles.
Frankie’s son was very disrespectful and mouthy to his mother. This could spark some good parent/ child conversations of what not to do.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- Frankie, Sam’s sister, works as a bartender. She frequently wears revealing, low cut tops, and tight skirts while flirting with her customers.
- One restless night, Frankie goes to a neighbor’s apartment, pulls up her skirt, and they have a sexual encounter.
- There are many sexual conversations as Frankie tells Sam about her former days of random sex.
- Frankie tries to kiss Sam, not knowing he’s her brother.
Violent Content: Mild
- When Sam reveals the truth to Frankie, she reacts violently by hitting Sam.
- We see scenes where Frankie’s 11 year old son is bullied in school.
- Frankie’s son drops a sodium ball in the school pool, which causes an explosion.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- Frankie’s 11 year old son swears a lot in the film, including the f-word. “D–n,” “a–,” and “h–,” were also said throughout the film.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Sam drinks a lot of alcohol throughout the film. He’s shown drunk and passed out as well.
- We see an attic filled with bottles of alcohol, and a cabinet full of prescriptions drugs.
- We see Sam and his mom smoking marijuana.
Will Kids Like It? No
- As I previously mentioned, with the mature subject matter, kids may get bored.
Overall People Like Us is a heart-warming story about a dysfunctional family, however, not an appropriate film for kids. Mature teenagers may find the film interesting, but because of the excessive profane language, and drug and alcohol content; along with the moderate sexual content, I don’t recommend this film for kids. The Avengers, and Men in Black 3 are films your pre-teens and teens may want to see at the theater. Brave and Madagascar are great for younger kids!
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