Review of Silver Linings Playbook (2012) by Sonya T — 23 Feb 2014

When Pat Solitano Jr. gets discharged from a court ordered stay in a mental hospital, the only thing on his mind is to reunite with his wife Nikki, who has a restraining order on him for beating up her lover. The audience is treated to a roller coaster ride of emotional pitfalls and obstacles during Pat's recovery. Pat, determined to show his wife he is a changed man, tells his therapist he doesn't need medication and chooses instead to maintain a positive state of mind and look for the "silver linings.".

It isn't long before the viewer understands the scope of Pat's issues during his melt downs and violent reactions every time he hears his wedding song, (Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour,") among other triggers. Tiffany Maxwell, a recent widow with issues of her own, meets Pat at his friend's house and sparks fly between them. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence have real chemistry and the audience is immediately smitten with these two misfits. Aside from sharing the same kinds of medications, Pat and Tiffany seem to understand each other. Pat sees a means to communicate to Nikki and she promises to give Nikki (her sister's best friend) a letter from Pat, but in exchange he must be her dance partner in a competition.

Complications arise with Pat's father bets on a Philadelphia Eagles game, money he's been saving to open a restaurant. His OCD and unusual superstitions lead to some very funny scenes. As a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan he is convinced his son, who has been rehearsing with Tiffany instead of attending games is causing the Philadelphia Eagles to lose. This leads to one of the best scenes and major turning points in the film when Tiffany having been stood up, confronts Pat at his house. The outburst is hilarious and powerful to watch. This movie offers an unusual love story supported by a very strong cast. Bradley Cooper was the biggest surprise for me. Having seen him previously in comedies like "Hangover," Cooper gives an outstanding performance and proves he has the acting range to tackle complex difficult roles. David O.Russell's adapted screenplay based on the novel by Matthew Quick also does a great job as director of "Silver Linings Playbook" and garnered two Academy award nominations. Russell was originally attracted to the project because his own son suffers from a bipolar disorder and OCD,issues addressed in the movie. Russell brings sensitivity and strikes a balance with the characters and their neurosis in the film. All four lead actors including Robert Deniro, (as Pat's dad) earned Academy Award nominations. Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany, gives a sassy multi-layer touchdown performance and won the Oscar for best actress."Silver Linings Playbook" is worth watching! Combined, with a marvelous Soundtrack by Danny Elfman,"Silver Linings Playbook" is a terrific movie that scores big!