Silver Linings Playbook

Bradley Cooper … Pat
Jennifer Lawrence … Tiffany
Robert De Niro … Pat Sr.
Jacki Weaver … Dolores
Chris Tucker … Danny
Anupam Kher … Dr. Cliff Patel
John Ortiz … Ronnie
Shea Whigham … Jake
Julia Stiles … Veronica

Director: David O. Russell
Writers: David O. Russell (screenplay), Matthew Quick

As the film begins, we meet Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) as he is being released into his mother’s custody from an eight month, court ordered, stint in a metal health institution. At home he his father Pat Sr (Robert De Niro) is surprised, and a bit concerned by his son’s early release and fears that he is might not be ready. In the next few scenes we learn both the cause of Pat’s incarceration and come to suspect that his fathers concerns are well founded. Pat is still obsessed with getting his wife, Nikki, to take him back despite her having a restraining order against him; the result of him violently attacking the man he caught in the act of having sex with his wife. His refusal to take his meds, and several unsuccessful attempts to control his anger lead us to believe that will be sent back to the institution. . Pat is convinced win back his wife, return to his job and former life he can just remain positive.
Pat’s father is a small time bookie and full time Philadelphia Eagles fan, who becomes convinced that the success of the team, and his gambling profits are tied to a karma that is created by his son sharing his obsession with the football team. De Niro, who’s performances range between good to great; turns in one of the best comedic roles of his career.
Pat’s friend’s wife plans a dinner to bring him together with her sister Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman that we learn have a few mental health issues of her own. It is clear that she likes Pat, and that the attraction is in part mutual, but Pat is still determined to win back his bride Nikki. Tiffany offers to deliver a note to Nikki, something he can not do himself due to the restraining order, but there is a catch. Tiffany explains that she is tired of giving and getting nothing in return, so a deal is struck- letters delivered in exchange for Pat becoming her dance partner for a competition. This contest is important the her even though It is made clear that they have no hope of wining or even coming in the top tier. As The Weinstein Company states in their synopsis, Life doesn’t always go according to plan.

I have a few quick additional statements about the Silver Linings Playbook:
1) Jennifer Lawrence will win an Oscar
2) Robert De Niro will get a nomination for playing COMIC RELIEF
3) it is a testament for how a modern romantic comedy SHOULD be.
4) It dethrones “Perks of Being a Wallflower” as the second best film of the year. Sorry “Argo” and “Life of Pi.” You just don’t make the cut.

I loved wallflower…I don’t know. I might go back on that.
4 stars. A+

To my fellow members of the male population, do yourselves a favor, stop rewatching action movies and see this movie. You’re like it!