Silver Linings Playbook

"You have poor social skills. You have a problem."
"I have a problem? You say more inappropriate things than appropriate things."

After being released from a mental hospital in Baltimore, Pat Solitano (Cooper) returns home to fix his life.  He is released into the care of his parents, Dolores (Weaver) and Pat Sr. (De Niro), and moves into the attic of their home.  Despite a restraining order, he plans to win back his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee).  He attends regular therapy sessions with Dr. Cliff Patel (Kher) and runs daily to get in shape.

The only person who understands him is Tiffany (Lawrence), his best friend Ronnie's (Ortiz) sister-in-law.  They strike up a bargain, if she delivers a letter to Nikki, he will be her dance partner in a big competition.  Can Pat control his mood swings, repair his relationships, and live by his new motto "Excelsior," look for the silver lining?


What a film!  I just saw it today and was blown away.  It is a surprise hit!  The story and characters grab your attention from the beginning and never let go.  It is very funny, but doesn't shy away from sad or difficult moments.

The film is nominated for 8 Academy Awards: Director, Editing, Screenplay, Picture, and 4 acting nominations.  Bradley Cooper proves that he is more than a pretty face and just "that guy" from The Hangover films.  He is nominated for Best Actor, I doubt he will win, but this role and his performance in The Words proves that he can do anything.  Jennifer Lawrence is incredible.  It is a strong performance, and will probably win her the Oscar for Best Actress (she is the current frontrunner).  Robert De Niro is excellent, as always, and Jacki Weaver is good.  It is nice to see Chris Tucker again, and in a non-annoying role.

Definitely better than you expect, and the dance scene at the end is awesome (the entire theater was cracking up).

Silver Linings Playbook (2012) minutes
Rating: R for language and some sexual content/nudity
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano
Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany Maxwell
Robert De Niro as Pat Solitano Sr.
Jacki Weaver as Dolores Solitano
Chris Tucker as Danny
Anupam Kher as Dr. Cliff Patel
John Ortiz as Ronnie
Shea Whigham as Jake Solitano
Julia Stiles as Veronica
Paul Herman as  Randy