People Like Us (10/2/2012)

Rated PG-13 for language, some drug use and brief sexuality.

Starring Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer and Jon Favreau

Directed by Alex Kurtzman

Funny, touching, and emotional…great date movie.

Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) stars as Sam, a twenty-something, fast talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father’s last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister, Frankie, whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about his family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process.

Chris Pine has conquered action roll (Star Trek and Unstoppable), the romantic comedy roll (This Means War) and now he has tried his hand at the leading male in a drama. I’m just going to say it…he can do it all. Elizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer bring some strong emotions and charm to the screen as well.

Director Alex Kurtzman keeps things moving with a decent pace and a perfect mix of heartwarming moments and laughs.

I only have one small criticism. The story had quite a few clichés, one too many predictable moments and a tad too much cheese. But honestly I really didn’t expect anything else. So I decided to let it go and just enjoy the movie with my wife.

There really is plenty to love about this movie. And if you would allow me to get personal for just a minute…I loved this movie because there were several elements that mirrored my own life. I was 26 when I first met my father. Over the next few weeks I was introduced not only to my wonderful stepmom, but I learned I also had a sister. And no, there are no videos of us playing together as children…but when I watched that scene near then end…I’ll be honest, it pulled on my heartstrings. Mostly because Pine and Banks played it perfectly.

This may not be “The movie event of the year,” but it is a solid “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT
When we first meet Elizabeth Banks’ character, we can tell right away she is flawed – she works in a bar and wears revealing clothing. In one scene we see her unzip a man’s pants and a very brief glimpse of her legs around him.

Sam is just as flawed – both his professional and personal life.

There is some profanity like 1 F-word, many S-words and several others.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. When Sam is given the bag full of money, what is he instructed to do?


2. At that moment, what are his choices? And what does he decide to do?


3. If you were placed in that same scenario, what do you think you would do? Why?


4. Why is doing the “right thing” so hard to do?


5. Read Isaiah 1:17
   
   Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

   Also read James 4:17
   So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

   
   What are some things you can do this week to make sure you do the “right thing”?