Silver Linings Playbook Review
3.5/4 Stars
A Sweet, Charming, and Charasmatic Gem
A major reason I saw this movie is to see Jennifer Lawrence in an "adult role". However, the football theme was a major turnoff for me. However I took the chance on this movie, and man-oh-man am I glad I did. Not only are the actors great in every way possible, the story is actually very complex and romantic. It strays away from any formulaic plots, but the ending can arguably be considered that (which I won't spoil for you). Here is a brief summary:
Pat (Bradley Cooper), is a guy who had some unfortunate things happen to him. He caught his wife Nikki with another man. Unfortunately, you could say Pat snapped. Set some time after his assault on his wife's lover, Pat is put in a mental hospital. He is supposed to be taking meds but secretly disposes of them. As he is finally released from his time in the institution, he is set on that he and Nikki are still very together and in love, but they just need to work some things out. On his return home to live with his parents (Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver), he meets dark and mentally unstable widower Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who is his ticket to contacting Nikki. In return for her service she asks him to compete in a dance competition she has always wanted to do. As they progress their way through all the ups and downs, Pat might just realize reality and what he has been to slow to see.
Another thing I love about this movie is that it manages to carry out two very opposite themes: mental health and love. In truth this would not have been a very good movie without these actors. I can guarantee you'll fall in love in with JLaw( hopefully again) because of her sweet role and a new respect for her acting. All in all, it's an enjoyable time and just might become one of your new favorite movies.