Could have been a lot better

Rating: 5/10 (23 January 2013)

Sadly, it is not a comedy or a drama. And also sadly it is a very predictable movie. I was waiting a long time to see it and I am disappointed. These is not a single laugh to have and none of the story strands has been explored deep. We have different threads like mental illness, family problems, obsession, romance, lies and manipulations, broken girl, football and dancing and also two likable central characters but unfortunately the director misses his chance to delve into these opportunities. In short the story goes: Guy (Pat) leaves mental institution – he is still obsessed with his ex wife (Nikki) – girl Tiffany (also with mental problems) enters his life – she makes a scheme to be with him and win his heart and body – they dance together – happy end. Many of the motivations for characters in the movie are hazy at the best. In the movie we see that Pats mother helped Tiffany to be with his son but it is hard to comprehend why. Tiffany is well known in the entire neighborhood as a slut (maybe with a heart of gold, but whatever) and I don't think there is a mother who would like to have such a girl with her son. Especially when her son has mental problems. But that is not the only thing. We have therapy sessions" with psychiatrist dr. Patel which are devoid of any therapy or insight or dialogue. We have football sessions with Pat's father (Robert de Niro) but we don't see a father – son relationship between him and Pat. We have dance sessions with a super-hot Tiffany but not much dancing is shown. Or passion. We have Pat's aggression problem but it's not much in this movie. It seems that the director took a little bit of everything and put it all together. All in all, a missed chance, watch it if you must. I give it 5 stars because between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence there is without doubt chemistry.