Silver Linings Playbook (The Weinstein Company)

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Silver Linings Playbook is a new film from David O’Russell, the director of the 2010 Oscar-winning hit The Fighter. It’s been getting strong reviews and was recently nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Judging from the trailers, some may see it as a romantic comedy, but it’s actually a little more than that.

Bradley Cooper stars as Pat Solitano, who is an undiagnosed bipolar, the cause for his severe anger issues. His anger puts him in a mental institution after beating up a guy his wife was cheating with.

Eight months later, Solitano gets released and moves back in with his father Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro) and his mother Dolores (Jackie Weaver). Though his wife already left him and he lost his job, he tries to stay positive despite his constant outbursts.

During a dinner visit with his friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) and his wife Veronica (Julia Stiles), Pat meets Veronica’s sister Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who is also having issues following the death of her husband Tommy. Despite their differences, they start to understand each other and try to work out their problems by taking part in a dance tournament.

We rarely see independent films around here, so some may be a bit surprised by this film. It goes above the clichés of the usual romantic comedy. The movie is somewhat predictable, but if you’re already on your toes, it can be entertaining. 

One thing enjoyable about this movie is its eclectic cast. Cooper is at his best; it’s a better alternative to his pointless Hangover sequels. Any other actor would’ve turned this character into some annoying, unlikeable person that the audience could not stand. However, Cooper is the one that makes Pat Jr. easy to follow.

Along with Cooper, Lawrence balances well between her beauty and her spunky personality. If you found her amazing in both X-Men: First Class and The Hunger Games, then you’ll enjoy her performance in this movie. 

Like the other supporting actors nominated this year, De Niro shines. Those who followed his ‘tough guy’ roles over his lengthy career will see a different side of him as he shows some more emotion to his character. As an added bonus, it’s nice to see Chris Tucker (who plays Pat’s fellow patient) in a different role than his buddy-cop comedies.

If you’re looking for something to watch other than the usual, give Silver Linings Playbook a shot. 

THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for language and some sexuality/nudity)

THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3 Stars (Out of Four)