Earlier this week I was asked if I wanted to go see Silver Linings Playbook at one of our local movie theaters. Honestly, I knew nothing about the film. I knew that Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence starred in it, but plot wise? I knew nothing. Wasn’t sure what to expect, except that I had heard people buzzing that it was “good.” So I said sure! As long as it wasn’t a horror film to make me sick to my stomach, I figured what the hey.
Previously the quirky comedy Safety Not Guaranteed had been my favorite film I saw this past year. It was a close call, but SLP took that spot!
So here’s the plot in the words of the filmmakers:
Life doesn’t always go according to plan…Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything — his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.
Could I call this movie a drama? Not really. We laughed too often. Romantic comedy? Nah. Even the guys I was with really enjoyed the filmed. None of that cheesy romantic comedy cliches existed here. It was simply a good film. Funny parts? YES! Parts that made me tear up? YES! Centered around football? YES!
This is the first Jennifer Lawrence film I’ve seen, and yes, she is amazing as all the Winter’s Bone and Hunger Games fans say she is. Probably the best role and performance acting wise from Bradley Cooper. Glad to see Chris Tucker back in a non Rush Hour film. Even though his is just a bit part, absolutely hilarious as always! DeNiro and Weaver are wonderful as Bradley’s parents.
For more info, head on over to the Silver Linings Playbook official website.
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