We essentially join Pat on a road to recovery of sorts, a process made even more difficult by the introduction of Tiffany.

Rating: 9/10 (22 April 2013)

"Silver Linings Playbook" follows the life of Pat, once he moves back into his parents' house after being released into their care following a court ordered stay in a mental institution. We soon find out that Pat was sent to the institution because of a violent incident that almost killed a man, upon seeing his wife with another man. We essentially join Pat on a road to recovery of sorts. Throughout the film we watch him struggle to get his life back on track, a process made even more difficult by the introduction of Tiffany.
This is a film that manages to tackle several heavy, serious issues while maintaining a light hearted feel. This story addresses bipolar disorders, depression, O.C.D, and adultery but it still manages to remain heart warming and actually quite funny. The story seems very relatable, I mean we all go through that one emotional, traumatic break up that seems impossible to get over. So we can relate to Pat and his struggle to snap out of it. Throughout all of the beautiful chaos that this movie exhibits, we are still sent a beautiful message about staying positive and determined and finding life's silver linings.
I think that the cast really helped make his movie shine. Robert DeNiro and Jackie Weaver played Pats parents and both performed wonderfully. DeNiro portrayed a man obsessed with his Philadelphia Eagles and his strange superstitions. He was very stubborn and stuck in his ways. Ms. Weaver portrayed Dolores, a quiet submissive wife and mother; who was very easy to influence and really just seemed obsessed with making her family happy. Chris Tucker delivered a surprising performance. He played Pats best friend Danny from the institution. I was happy to see that he switched it up for once. He played a very mellow character that was quite witty and funny without being over the top.
However, the actors that I think really brought the picture home were Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Lawrence was every depressed and dark in the beginning of the film but gradually began to open up and reveal her softer side. Eventually we got to see all of her quirky, spunky personality. She was really funny and beyond entertaining. I found myself really rooting for her. I was quite impressed with her portrayal of this character especially because this was a very adult role with a lot of grown up issues. It's nice to see her step away from her usual teen type "franchise" roles like those in X-Men and The Hunger Games. Bradley Cooper on the other hand, was just absolutely breath taking. He portrayed a very intense character and his emotional delivery was just bang on. He was just magnetic; I was whole heatedly rooting for him to find love and happiness. I think that this is by far his most serious and most mature role (and the same sentiment goes for Jennifer Lawrence). I was happy to see him take a step away from his usual roles as well. I firmly stand behind the statement that this is some of his best work as of late.
To conclude, I think that this is an absolutely excellent movie that truly does combine the very best aspects of a comedy, drama and romance films. It's full of witty humor, sharp and very direct dialogue; not to mention a multitude of life lessons about love, determination and self improvement. This movie really captures your attention and leaves you smiling on the edge of your seat the whole time. I highly recommend this movie because I believe that everyone could learn a little something from Tiffany, Pat and their friends and family about life and its silver linings.