A solid film

Rating: 7/10 (24 February 2013)

This film isn't brilliant but has lots to recommend it. I like how it's about deeply flawed people, trying their best to succeed in life with the few resources they have. I like how the central character Pat is portrayed as mentally ill but as being still human and worth rooting for. Not just the stereotypical loony. I like how Jennifer Lawrence's character is not just very vulnerable, but able to be very assertive in stating that Pat must reciprocate if he's going to be with her. I like how the film dares to portray suburban life, with the family's obsession with football. I like how Pat's father (Robert De Niro) is also deeply flawed -- he isn't exactly a criminal but he's a bit shonky in how he earns his money -- but he's still likable and a loving father. I liked how the film shows a little hobby like dancing can give meaning to people's lives. And it's so great that in the end, the dance performance was a long way from perfect, but it was funny, and touching.