Amazing Romantic Comedy

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2013)

This is a movie that hits all the romantic comedy tropes: the meet cute, time spent circling each other, montage where they grow closer, epiphany, overcome some obstacle and kiss at the end.
It's a traditional formula. So, why is it so good? Because it subverts what makes these tropes unbearable. The meet cute is an agonizing, awkward scene. The time where they circle each other is heart wrenching. The montage is fraught with truly touching moments of growth. And when they beat the odds and finally allow themselves to fall for each other, it is a beautiful, touching scene that you, in spite of seeing from the beginning of the movie, want to actually cheer for these two characters.
It is all rooted in the performances. David O. Russell tells a story that draws you in because of the relatability of these characters as the try to come to grips with some very serious situations. But, what is most beautiful about this movie, is that this movie never shies away from the ugliness that these characters are capable of. You know they are good people, but they are dealing with significant mental issues. Which makes the climax and epilogue that much more beautiful. You feel like these characters have earned their happiness, not just stumble upon it like so many movies.
This is a wonderful movie that has a tremendous heart to it.