Monday, April 8, 2013

People Like Us

Actors:  Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Hall D’Addario, Michaelle Pfeiffer, Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass
Rating:  7 out of 10, A very strong family drama due to the fine acting, notably by the female leads, Banks, Pfeiffer, and Wilde.  The plot involves Pine finding out about an unknown sister when his estranged father dies.  His awkward attempts to connect with his sister, played by Banks, form the arc of the plot.  Pine is okay in a very unlikable part but Banks a true revelation.  She’s always been good in light comedies but she truly delivers here as a recovering alcoholic, single mother trying to put her life together.  She portrays strength, vulnerability, humor, and gravitas with apparent ease – she is truly the best thing about this movie.  Wilde excels and is really carving out an impressive list of supporting roles where she doesn’t rely solely on her looks.  My only problem was the idiocy of Pine’s character who fails to tell Banks who he is for no apparent good reason which leads to some serious miscalculations.   That being said, the movie ends well as the brother and sister share a special gift left by a father they both thought had abandoned them – a nice touch.
MVP:  Banks as the heroic Frankie

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