'People Like Us' - Solid acting, solid film...

While 'People Like Us', the movie no one is going to see, is a bit calculated and melodramatic at times, it is acted by a strong cast with a story that is compelling for adults when the other theaters are filled with explosions and violence.

Chris Pine ('Star Trek') is Sam, the typical fast talking salesman, always working his next pitch and always getting by on his charm and personality. While making the deal of his life, he learns of the collapse of a previous deal and trouble with the FTC. Deep in debt as well as in legal trouble, he learns of the death of his estranged father. Forced to come home, Sam is dealt a life changing hand as his father, a one time music producer, wills him $150,000.00 - but for him, to give to the sister and nephew Sam never knew he had.

In what could have easily fallen into the Lifetime movie trap, director Alex Kurtzman (screenwriter of such action hits: 'Transformers', 'Cowboys and Aliens' as well as 'Lost') takes on characters with some very real pain convincingly and it is the talent of the cast that helps him accomplish this. Chris Pine is excellent and shows us that he is much more than Captain Kirk; he proves to have some real acting skills. Elizabeth Banks ('The Hunger Games'), well, she is Elizabeth Banks and really can do no wrong. Michelle Pfeiffer is as beautiful as ever and is very convincing as the mother of Sam with secrets of her own. The best thing about the cast of 'People Like Us' is that they are, people like us.

While some may find flaws in the film, such as why doesn't Sam tell Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) right away that they are related, it is those flaws that really point out just how flawed we are as people. We are all prone to jealousy (right or wrong), indignation, secrets, lies and ultimately love. It is how we handle these cards that are dealt to us that really sets us apart. 'People Like Us' does an excellent job illustrating this.

I am betting this may be the last week to see this as more of the summer blockbusters begin to roll out. So, if you are already tired of explosions, superheros and drug dealers, 'People Like Us' is a welcome change of pace to all of this. An adult drama worthy of your hard earned movie going dollars and worthy of a 3 1/2 star rating! Go see it this weekend!