Review of Silver Linings Playbook (2012) by Phillip D — 16 May 2016

This is one of those movies that I was sure I wasn't going to like. Not only did it prove me wrong but it also featured additional fantastic elements that weren't even mentioned by people who enjoyed it.

This movie is truly an above and beyond movie. To start, Bradley Cooper makes the perfect, serious, romantic, well acted appearance I literally thought he couldn't make. Don't get me wrong, I loved him in The Hangover and A-Team but I just didn't think he could do this.

Jennifer Lawrence makes another fantastic appearance that actually wasn't surprising, considering I had just seen Like Crazy a few weeks before. The chemistry here is terrific though and the supporting cast just lifts this movie to new heights, with De Niro in particular delivering more of his trademark fantastic dialogue.

It is awkward and almost embarrassing, in a truly Oscar worthy way. This movie might be the most believable romance movie I have ever seen. In a world of all too perfect Safe Haven's and Notebook's, this movie features two flawed, broken, and relatable characters that we just can't stop loving.

And as I said, above and beyond, especially in the soundtrack department. I mean seriously, I could listen to this collection over and over again and it compliments the movie in a way few soundtracks do.

Hindsight hasn't been particularly kind to O. Russell, with Joy flat-lining critically and his directing style proving to be a fairly forgettable one trick pony. Looking back on Silver Linings Playbook, it's easy to see why it and American Hustle have quickly faded from public memory.

O. Russell's camera work can be downright annoying at times and his cinematography and setup is average at best. However, of his unofficial trilogy, what really makes Silver Linings Playbook still work is the fantastic chemistry between this whole cast.

They remain ridiculously charming and available on repeat viewings and they clearly make this movie worth watching and offer O. Russell the high point of his quickly fading career.