"Silver Linings Playbook": A refreshingly not-so-romantic romantic comedy
Initially, I wasn't that excited to see Silver Linings Playbook. I had seen the trailers on T.V. and thought it was just going to be another romantic comedy starring Bradley Cooper as the frustrated single guy with no real character objective. I went with friends though, and I tried to keep my mind open.
What resulted was a refreshing movie that left me laughing, happy and wanting to see it again. The story is more coming-of-age than romantic comedy. The love-interest of Jennifer Lawrence to Bradley Cooper doesn't really come into play until probably 2/3rds or 3/4ths into the movie. The trailers make it seem like this is the plot all along, but in reality we see Bradley Cooper working on himself, his goals and his relationships with others.
Bradley Cooper's character Patrick just got out of rehab for his anger management problems. His overriding goal is to get his wife back. He encounters many obstacles, including his wife's annoying friend and her "crazy" sister. The "crazy" sister, Tiffany, is played by Jennifer Lawrence who has a complete disregard for all opinions held about her. Patrick and Tiffany find common ground in their life problems, past drug prescriptions, void marriages and the fact that everyone else thinks they are unstable.
The characters in this movie are very strong, likable and funny. Robert De Niro as Patrick's father who is insanely superstitious and runs a gambling operation for Philadelphia Eagle's games is definitely a treat.
The setting is in Philadelphia and suburban areas around it, which was really nice for me to see since I am from around that area originally. The general depiction of Philadelphia and its sports fan are pretty spot on, showing how crazy and into their sports teams they are.
The way the movie is made isn't really anything to talk about. It is good, simple, there is one shot where they really should of used a steadicam because you can see the camera move up and down with the camera operator's footsteps. Other than that it is fine.
The way the romance in this movie is introduced is very subtle and you aren't even sure it is going to work. But, it definitely finds roots towards the end after the climax. I think that is why I liked this movie a lot. It didn't shove romantic ideals down your throat, it shows how love can come about between normal people who both have problems they are working through and how friendship can be the perfect starting point for a relationship.
The romance is more of a subplot to Bradley Cooper's self-realization, showing that only once you figure yourself out can you be in a solid relationship with someone else, and sometimes the people you need may be just as "crazy" as you are.
Overall, I would totally see this movie again, even buy it for my personal library. I didn't want to give away too much in his review because I want you to go see it! There are tons of great moments that will make you laugh or touch you. I give this movie a 7/10.
That is all.
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