Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Cast includes: Bradley Cooper (Limitless), Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games), Robert De Niro (Flawless), Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom), Chris Tucker (Rush Hour 2), Anupam Kher (You will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger), John Ortiz (Luck),
Director: David O. Russell (The Fighter)
Genre: Romance | Drama | Comedy (122 minutes)
“I blew it. But you blew it, too.” Pat has imaginary conversations with his wife. He spends a lot of time thinking about what went wrong. “I’m better now, and I’m sure we can get it back. That’s true love.” When Pat’s mom comes to spring him from the psychiatric facility, the doctors recommend against it. But the plea bargain was for 8 months, and Pat’s served his time. At his parents home… he can’t go to his own home because of the restraining order… nothing’s changed. Dad has his remotes meticulously lined up and he’s talking Eagles football. Dad’s been banned from the football stadium for fighting, but that doesn’t stop him from betting. Anyway, Pat’s lost weight and he’s looking good… “Getting really fit for Nikki.” Dad’s pessimistic, but Pat’s got a game plan. It’s called Excelsior… he’s going to “take all this negativity and find a silver lining.” Pat’s friend Ronny is married to a Nikki’s friend Veronica. Of course she probably hates Pat, but it’s worth running by the house to see if he can sniff out some info.
Much to Pat’s surprise, Veronica invites Pat to come for dinner on Sunday. (Wonder what that’s all about?) In the meantime, Pat throws a fit when he gets to the physiatrist’s office and they’re playing his wedding song. Apparently, Pat still has a few rough edges to smooth over. Turns out that Veronica had a reason for inviting Pat… her sister, Tiffany. Tiffany has some rough edges, too. She had a bit of a meltdown when her husband died. Pat and Tiffany don’t really hit it off… except when they compare meds… but Pat walks her home. Tiffany’s not quite sure about dating protocol, so maybe it’s a mistake to say, “You can fuck me if you turn the light’s off, ok?” Pat points out that he’s a married man… duh. He’s going to get back with Nikki once he pulls himself together and gets the restraining order lifted. Meanwhile, the neighbor kid is sure hot on his trail… “Can I interview you for my project on mental illness?”
Pat’s plan gets a bit more complicated when he agrees to be Tiffany’s dance partner for a competition in a few weeks. He sees it as a way of convincing Nikki that he’s getting his act together. Of course, it will require “dedication, focus and commitment.” That could be a challenge. Silver Linings Playbook combines elements from several genres… romance, dysfunctional family drama and humor. Surprisingly, it works quite well. While it’s obvious that Pat has issues that run in the family, the filmmakers have avoided making a depressing movie about dysfunctional families. And while there’s an element of romance, there are a lot of obstacles, so it keeps us guessing. It’s a smart script by writer/director David O. Russell… smart enough to attract a first-rate cast from top to bottom. Every aspect of the film is first-rate… a lot of fine points that add up to a surprisingly enjoyable movie. Pat may not be anyone’s idea of a perfect catch, but it’s not a perfect world. “You just gotta get a strategy, you know.”
4 popped kernels
Eight months in a mental hospital, plus a restraining order… but Pat still has a plan to win back his estranged wife
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Audience: Young adults
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Cruises comfortably
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
