Though me and my brothers look nothing alike, we each share similar traits. I have always been fascinated with the differences and similarities between siblings. How two siblings could be at a family function or what I prefer to call it, a “family dysfunction” and have opposite reactions. Is it genetic, environmental or learned that plays in family members’ traits. From a mysterious request received at the reading of his father’s will; Sam, played by Chris Pine (Star Trek, This Means War) was supposed to give a stash of cash to this unfamiliar woman Frankie, played by Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games, Our Idiot Brother). Playing Sam’s mother Lillian was Michelle Pfeiffer (Hairspray, Dark Shadows), who I thought did a much better job of acting here than in Dark Shadows. Technically there was nothing wrong with this dramatic movie; the acting was decent, the story was interesting and the characters were given some depth. But what I did not like about this film was how obvious its intentions were in manipulating the audience.  Scenes were laid out to give maximum crying time to the viewers, becoming quite predictable. It was a disappointment for me; I felt the writers could have taken this story and gone deeper with each character. Instead, it seemed as if everyone involved with this movie sat down and made a list of sad scenarios and places where they could be inserted into the script. It was a bit dysfunctional for me and believe me, when it comes to dysfunction, I know what I am talking about.

2 stars