Co-written and directed by Alex Kurtzman (co-writer of the recent Star Trek reboot and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), People Like Us failed to impress at the box-office, but perhaps the film will catch on with home viewers looking for an intelligent family drama with a formulaic yet compelling story.

Chris Pine stars as Sam, a corporate barter in New York who is facing both legal and financial difficulties. In the midst of all this, he must return home to Los Angeles for his estranged father’s funeral. Sam is rather full of himself and it’s a testament to Pine’s natural charisma that he manages to maintain a level of likability. When Sam meets with the family lawyer to discuss the will, Sam is surprised to learn that the only thing bequeathed to him is a record collection.  Meanwhile, his father has left behind a shaving kit filled with $150,000 and instructions for Sam to deliver it to a woman named Frankie (Elizabeth Banks).

People Like UsLooking into his father’s life, Sam learns that he had a second life. Thirty years earlier, Sam’s father had an affair, producing a daughter he eventually abandoned. That daughter, Frankie, is now a single mother and recovering alcoholic, whose son Josh (Michael Hall D’Addario) is quite a handful. Sam introduces himself to Frankie without revealing the true nature of their relationship. Even though Sam could really use the $150,000, he can’t resist getting to know Frankie and Josh. At the same time, he slowly begins to understand his long disregarded father.

Though Kurtzman is quick to squash any incestual romance between Sam and Frankie, the thought hangs over the proceedings because Frankie is kept in the dark for so long. Then again, Sam telling Frankie that he is her brother would take all the drama out of the story. As a result, we have to watch as Sam drags out the inevitable; he becomes such an important part of their daily lives, it’s hardly a surprise that she begins to develop feelings for him. At some point, you may find yourself wondering when Sam will tell the truth.

Pine and Banks’ conversation flows easily. Banks really shines, easily transitioning between dramatic and comedic moments.  Michael Hall D’Addario does a great job as a rebellious boy in need of a father figure. Unfortunately, much of the supporting cast is left with little to do. Olivia Wilde is underused as Sam’s law student girlfriend. Mark Duplass is wasted as Frankie’s friendly neighbor/love interest. Michelle Pfeiffer has a couple of good scenes as Sam’s wary mother, but I would have liked to see more of her. Not developing some of the smaller characters hurts the narrative some, but all in all, People Like Us offers an interesting story about the importance of family.

Presented in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is a solid one. Clarity and detail is wonderful, with sharpness evident in the close-ups. Textures are evident on costumes and props. The golden look of the cinematography comes through nicely and hues are well defined. Blacks are a tad washed out, but skintones look natural.

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix uses the entire soundfield to serve the film. The score adds to the emotional punch of events. Dialogue is crisp and clean.

English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles are available.

Along with a standard DVD, a nice slate of special features is included:

  • Commentary with writer/director Alex Kurtzman and stars Elizabeth Banks and Chris Pine: the trio discusses their characters, audition and acting histories, and the aim of the story. Kurtzman keeps the track moving along, while Banks asks questions about the creative process.
  • Commentary with Kurtzman and co-writer/co-producer Jody Lambert traces the eight years of development that brought “People Like Us” to the big screen. The discussion, covers story choices and structure, and character arcs.
  • Commentary with Kurtzman and star Michelle Pfeiffer is a select-scene chat (35:17 worth of film) with the actress describing her take on Lillian and the character’s place in the story.
  • “Number One with a Bullet: The Story of ‘People Like Us'” (14:28, HD) is a making-of featurette, with cast and crew discussing the development of the film.
  • “Taco Talk” (4:51, HD) is a collection of improvisations between Pine and Banks, who work out their friendly character rapport in front of a Los Angeles restaurant.
  • Deleted and Extended Scenes (18:25, HD) They can be viewed with or without introductions from Kurtzman.
  • Gag Reel (3:54, HD) is a routine gag reel.