Genre: Comedy/Romance
Running Length: 1:57
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles, Brea Bee
Director: David O. Russell
I'm never a fan of Hollywood romantic comedies because it's just so..."templatized". But SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK is such a quirky adult romantic comedy it goes beyond the standard of this genre. Although it's a funny movie, the underlying premise is actually quite sad. Its characters and the relationships they are in are all broken and dysfunctional to various degrees. What's interesting is that the film makers use mental illness as a catalyst to romance (thankfully it was treated with respect ie. they didn't "Adam Sandler" it). Our couple, played by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are so well-matched as a screen couple their chemistry is electrifying! Whenever the two appeared on screen, I was completely engaged. And there's Robert DeNiro who reminds us why he is among the greatest actor of his generation (and it's actually possible for him to appear in a comedy without making a fool out of himself). There's this moving scene where DeNiro's tough character opens up to his son (Cooper's character) and breaks down in the middle of it. And the song choices used is a standout as it establishes the setting and enhances the scenes. Good thing is that despite the doom and gloom theme, the film ends (oh, and what a moving ending!) on a hopeful and life affirming note - a silver lining indeed. "This is what I believe to be true. You have to do everything you can. You have to work your hardest. And if you do, if you stay positive, then you have a shot at a silver lining."
Rating: 8.5/10
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