Now Available on DVD and Blu-Ray: People Like Us (Review)

From The Studio That Brought You “The Help,” Comes The Inspirational Story About Family Reconnections And Life’s Changes Starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde and Michelle Pfeiffer

Buy now on DVD for only $19.99 and $25.95 for Blu-Ray.

"From the studio that brought you the award-winning blockbuster “The Help,” comes an emotional and inspirational story about a young man’s journey of self discovery as he connects with a family he barely knows.  Starring Chris Pine (Star Trek), Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games), Olivia Wilde (Tron) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Dark Shadows), DreamWorks Pictures releases “People Like Us” - a must-own, heartfelt and relatable story - arrived on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, Digital and On-Demand on October 2, 2012.

 

Inspired by true life events, the “People Like Us” Blu-ray Combo Pack comes complete with bonus material that delves deeper into the story that inspired the making of thisgreat film. These extras include audio commentary with filmmakers and talent, an extended scene of L.A.’s popular Henry Taco Stand featured in the film, deleted scenes and bloopers.

“People Like Us” is directed/produced by Alex Kurtzman (Cowboys & Aliens, The Proposal, Star Trek, TV’s “Hawaii Five-O”), written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci (Transformers, Star Trek, Cowboys & Aliens) and Jody Lambert (her first writing debut) and composed by award-winning composer A.R. Rahman (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire). Chris Pine, who plays Sam, is a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman whose latest deal collapses the day he learns his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home to put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. While there, he uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down — he has a 30-year-old sister (Banks) he never knew existed. "

BONUS FEATURES:

Blu-ray Combo Pack:

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Writers Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert

·       Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind “People Like Us”

·       Taco Talk: Extended Henry’s Taco Scene

·       Deleted Scenes

·       Bloopers

DVD:

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actors Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks

·       Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Alex Kurtzman and Actress Michelle Pfeiffer

Digital

·       Number One with a Bullet: The Story Behind “People Like Us”

·       Taco Talk: Extended Henry’s Taco Scene

·       Deleted Scenes

·       Bloopers

On-Demand

·       No bonus available

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My Thoughts:

This was another movie I really wanted to see when it was in theaters, but wasn't able to.  So, I made sure that when it released to DVD, that I would be getting my hands on a copy to watch.  I was sent a review copy the other day, and couldn't wait until last night (date night) to watch it with my husband.  Since receiving the DVD in the mail, I couldn't stop talking about how I wanted to see the movie.  My husband didn't remember it being in theaters, and wasn't sure he would want to sit through a drama.  But, after I sent him the trailer to view (see below), he got excited about watching it.

After the girls went to bed last night, I made a bowl of popcorn, poured some wine and snuggled up with my husband on the couch to watch this new release. It was so nice to see Michelle Pfeiffer in a movie, as I have been a fan of hers since seeing her in the Grease sequel, years ago.  I usually find that when I get overly excited about a movie, I end up getting disappointed as it doesn't live up to my expectations. But, this not was the case with "People Like Us."  From start to finish, both my husband and I were engrossed in the film.  I love when films are based on true events, as it makes for a more enjoyable film, knowing that what I was seeing on the television (or big screen) actually happened.  

The movie centers around Sam, played by Chris Pine, who returns home to settle his father's estate after his passing.  While there, he receives a bag full of money, with the instructions to give it to Josh.  Not knowing who Josh he, he sets off on a journey to not only uncover a secret that will impact his family, but also make him reevaluate his life.  When he finds out that he has a long lost sister, Frankie, and that her son, his nephew is Josh, he decides to stick around and get to know them.  The only problem is -- he doesn't tell them right away who he is.

If you didn't watch the movie from the beginning and walked in seeing Frankie and Sam interacting together, you would think they were a couple or romantically linked.  I am not sure if the filmmakers did this on purpose.  But, as I watched it, all I was thinking about was "when is going to tell her he is her brother?"  Or, would he walk away and keep the money for himself, or fulfill his father's wishes and give Josh the money.

I am not going to ruin the ending, and tell you if Josh gets the movie and if Sam finally tells Frankie he is her half-brother.  Instead, you will have to pick up a copy of this movie yourself to find out.  But, I will say, you will enjoy the movie, as the actors work well together, making the storyline more believable.  You feel the tension when Frankie and Sam first meet, but then root for them to have a lasting bond as brother and sister.  I am so glad I was finally able to see this movie, and that my husband sat through it (and didn't fall asleep).  When it was over and I turned to him to see what he thought, he surprised me and said he liked it.  This alone makes the movie 5 stars!!! :-)

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this DVD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.