'Silver Linings Playbook' is simply an entertaining film and one of the best of 2012

Rating: 9/10 (2 February 2013)

I had wanted to see this film for a while, especially after the Oscar nominations came in and this film was surprisingly nominated for 8 Oscars including 'Best Picture' Now that I've seen this movie, I can happily say that this movie is deserving a spot of the Best Picture nomination 'Silver Linings Playbook' is a story about a guy and a girl who both have had such a hard life of their own. Patty is trying to reconcile with his former lover when he meets the eccentric Tiffany, who also has had a tough life behind her.
This film is not what I expected going into it. I just expected a funny romance movie but what I got was something that very well depicts what life can be like. The film was definitely funny, entertaining but most importantly it shows how depressing life can be. The film, nor the director David O Russel allowed the script to ever fall away from the movie. The jokes weren't over the top, they were pretty simple funny moments but this film knows that it wasn't to be a crazy comedy. The tone of the movie is sad, a little humorous and well sad! The writing never takes away from the tone. The direction and writing is great. Good job! The acting in the movie is easily its biggest strength for me. I loved the performances in the movie, especially the ever so brilliant Robert de Niro who is definitely by far the best. That isn't to say the supporting cast wasn't good, they were terrific. Jennifer Lawrence brought such a realistic portrayal to her character Tiffany as did Bradley Cooper. By the end, these are characters we cared about. I was actually so glad to see Chris Tucker back for a short part of the film. Its been 5 years since we've seen him in a film and I'm glad he's back! The story in the movie is definitely great but also to me, its only real weakness of any real sort. Its hard to find any real weakness with the movie as everything is done brilliantly but if anything has to be called its weakest thing, its perhaps the story. The real story to the film doesn't begin until over one hour in but it was no issue as the characters were fleshed out.
The characters in the movie were great especially de Niro's character the father. I loved all these characters by the end of the film that I believe this film was certainly worth a 2 hour watch, despite most movies like this being a half hour shorter.
In conclusion, 'Silver Linings Playbook' is a movie that is most definitely worth a watch and perhaps "even" deserving of a Best Picture nominations despite movies like the Dark Knight Rises, Avengers and the Hobbit coming out in the same year.