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Unless you’re the Dalai Lama, chances are you probably lose your temper every once in a while; there’s a bit of yelling, some potential drama and maybe even a grudge. But Pat (Bradley Cooper) has a history of taking things to the next level, indeed one of his outbursts earned him a stint at a psychiatric hospital. With nothing but time on his hands Pat adapts the “when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-lemonade” credo to his needs and by embracing every negative and looking for the positive, he will win back his wife and his life. Best laid plans and all that.

As part of his “probation” Pat has to move back in with his parents - an obsessed Eagles fan, bookie and part time rageaholic dad (Robert De Niro) and enabling “all-is right” mom (Jackie Weaver) - abide by his restraining order and stay out of trouble. Of course it doesn’t take Pat long to go wrong, and things get further complicated when Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) - his best friend’s grieving sis-in-law - offers to help Pat get in touch with his ex.

It’s easy to understand how Silver Linings Playbook nabbed the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival (and gotten nods at several other festivals). First, there is the refreshingly manic screenplay: adapted from Matthew Quick’s novel by David O. Russell (who also directs) it is outrageously funny one moment and deadly serious the next. The script is also peppered with some wonderful verbal sparring sequences (pay close attention or you’re likely to miss some of the best lines). And surprisingly, given its two hour run-time, there is virtually no filler - every scene plays an integral role, thanks in large part to Russell’s tight direction.

Bradley Cooper, who has become typecast as the “good looking guy” definitely breaks out of that range here with a bravado performance as he tackles Pat’s obsessions and demons. He also connects with De Niro in two powerful scenes that also mark De Niro’s most resonant screen presence in the past decade. Jackie Weaver, who personified quiet menace as the mommy dearest in Animal Kingdom, proves that she can play nurturing as well, and John Ortiz provides some welcome comic diversion as Pat’s “got it together” best friend, who is, in reality, a complete mess. It’s Jennifer Lawrence however, who proved she was an actress to watch with her break out role in Winter’s Bone, whose combination of in-your-face honesty and vulnerability masked by a tough exterior, keeps the story moving forward, and for lack of a better word, grounded.

Silver Linings Playbook is a well written, solidly acted, unconventional romantic comedy / drama and one of the most entertaining movies you’re likely to see this year; don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds.

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originally posted: 11/25/12 01:57:14
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