If you read the signs, there are always silver linings

Rating: 8/10 (22 February 2013)

It was such a pleasure watching this movie which is way better than I expected. I laughed, I cried and I am inspired. Leaving the cinema, I felt great, warm, and blessed.
What a good script with great acting and uplifting messages! Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro are simply adorable – how can you be funny, troubled and yet loving at the same time? But they did it - with the help of a very strong supporting cast. Jennifer Lawrence is young but promising, also very convincing to play someone with problems!
Even though Pat (Cooper) has bipolar disorder and needs medication, we can't help feeling empathized with him despite the fact that almost all characters in the movie are crazier than he is! This is so ironic and close to real life. But then it was OK if we are a little stressed out at times, as long as we have a strong supportive network and ways to release pressure. For Pat, it was running, reading and working at getting back with his ex-wife whom he is obsessed with and becomes his drive. For Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), it was dancing (and more?). For Dad (Robert De Niro), it was watching the Eagles and mending the relationship with his son.
The sincere and yet hard-to-express father-son relationship was beautifully portrayed. Ditto the caring between friends and families. Yes, there maybe little lies here and there and not telling everyone everything. So what? Be forgiving! Don't sweat the small stuff! In the end, we learned that whatever we say may not matter if you have good intentions. Step back and look at the large scheme of things: watch the actions, read the signs, do your research, and be positive. You will see the silver lining and get what you want when you work hard at it.
What a feel good movie. It will brighten up your day after you dry your tears and laugh your lungs out. Go see it.