Beguiling, poignant and affecting.

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2013)

Of all the movies released this month, SLP was in the lower half of my 'must-see' list. The trailer was decent and the cast were all attracting awards buzz, but I just didn't think it was my kettle of fish. When I'm wrong, I'm really wrong; this charming little picture from David O. Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) absolutely swept me off my feet. Russell, who also penned the script, strikes a perfect blend of drama and comedy throughout, using the humour to open up the characters which subsequently adds more poignancy to the serious moments. It's an affecting tale regardless, but it's hard to imagine it being quite as hypnotic on screen without Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as the lead couple. I was beguiled every step of the way by Cooper's bipolar-affected Pat and Lawrence's off-kilter widower Tiffany, as they spark up an unlikely friendship that endures the whole gamut of emotion. Both nommed for Oscars – as well as Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver for their parts as Pat's parents – Cooper will understandably struggle to beat his counterparts but don't be surprised if Lawrence walks away with a Golden Baldie, she deserves it.