Jennifer's Silver Lining.

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 2015)

Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Dir: David O. Russell / Cast: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker, Jacki Weaver: Another triumph from David O. Russell whose directing credits include such gems as I Heart Huckabees and Three Kings. Bradley Cooper plays an ex teacher Pat Solitano who is released from a mental institution after severely beating another professor whom he caught in the shower with his wife. Now she has a restraining order against him despite the fact that he plans to rekindle the marriage. Eventually he encounters Tiffany while out jogging. She too has issues that stem from the death of her husband and her sexual history that followed leading to her losing her job. After a few public episodes, she agrees to give a letter he wrote to his wife in return that he helps her win a dance contest. Cooper has rarely been better. He plays Pat as a desperate guy struggling to mend a relationship that may be beyond repair. Yet through Tiffany his focused is sighted on new abilities, friendship and healing. Tiffany is brilliantly played by Jennifer Lawrence who lives with her issues and outbursts but focuses on a goal that includes improving Pat. Robert De Niro plays Pat's father who sees his son as a good luck charm for football gambling, as well as giving evidence to Pat's condition. Jacki Weaver plays Cooper's concern yet supportive mother whose goal is to maintain a sane family. Chris Tucker steals scenes as a fellow mental inmate who keeps getting out. Well crafted film about restoration into a routine that may not mend but can lead to a brighter silver lining. Score: 10 / 10