Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Number Rolled: 76

Movie Name/Year: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Genre: Romance

Length: 122 minutes

Rating: R

Production Companies: The Weinstein Company

Executive Producer: Bradley Cooper, George Parra, Michelle Raimo, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Renee Witt

Director: David O. Russell

Writer: David O. Russell, Matthew Quick

Actors: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, Julia Stiles, Paul Herman, Dash Mihok, Matthew Russell, Cheryl Williams, Patrick McDade, Brea Bee

Pat’s had it rough. After losing everything, he gets committed to a psych hospital. When his mom gets him out, he begins to start putting the pieces of his life back together again.

Selina’s Point of View:

This was not my first time seeing this film. Actually, it wasn’t even the third time.

I love this movie. I love it. It may very well be in my top ten movies. If I were to sit down and think about it, possibly even in my top five.

It’s difficult for me to find fault anywhere in Silver Linings Playbook. It’s quirky, dramatic, heart-wrenching, humorous, cringe-worthy, thrilling, and pretty much anything else you could want in a film.

The story is incredible. I love movies that exhibit how difficult things can get, that the world can “break your heart ten ways to Sunday,” but that you can overcome it. I believe this movie tells that story better than most.

Aside from that, Bradley Cooper (Aloha, The Hangover, American Hustle), Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Winter’s Bone), Robert De Niro (American Hustle, Killing Season, New Year’s Eve), Jacki Weaver (Gracepoint, Haunt, Animal Kingdom) and Chris Tucker (Jackie Brown, Money Talks, Friday) are all amazing actors that were at the top of their game for this film. There isn’t a single casting I would want to see different.

Once upon a time, David O. Russell (American Hustle, The Fighter, I Heart Huckabees) was hoping to castZooey Deschanel (New Girl, Our IdiotBrother, Failure to Launch) and Vince Vaughn (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Break-up, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) as Tiffany and Pat. I think he made a VERY good decision not to do that. It would have been a drastically different movie and I doubt I could have taken it seriously.

Cat’s Point of View:

I’ve heard so many good things about this movie. It’s been on my to-watch list for a while now. Events have seemed to conspire against viewing – from premature DVR deletion to pop-up severe weather causing power outages. This time, I showed that movie who was boss!

This film was a dramatic work focusing on the path of redemption for a man suffering from bipolar disorder, and recovering from a traumatic loss of control. It was, however, expertly sprinkled with comedy. It was a glorious balance. It swept me along for the ride.

The cast was remarkable. Of course, one would expect no less from someone like Robert De Niro (The Family, Limitless, Little Fockers). The man’s a legend; and has proven time and time again his worthiness of that status. Even in a supporting role as the slightly OCD, Eagles-fanatic father struggling to relate to his bi-polar son.

The chemistry between Bradley Cooper (American Sniper, Guardians of the Galaxy, The A-Team) and Jennifer Lawrence (Serena, American Hustle, House at the End of the Street) was palpable – even when they were yelling at each other (perhaps especially then).

Chris Tucker’s (Rush Hour, The Fifth Element, Dead Presidents) appearance in this film was a pleasant surprise. He brought an element of comedy all his own that was just right. It was definitely a more subtle performance for him than in some of his previous over-the-top roles.

I was really hoping this film would live up to the hype. I must say, I wasn’t disappointed.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 92%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 86%

Netflix’s Prediction for Selina – 4.9/5

Selina’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 5/5

Netflix’s Prediction for Cat – 4.7/5

Cat’s Trust-the-Dice Score – 5/5

P.S. Silver Linings Playbook is based off a novel of the same name by Matthew Quick

Movie Trailer: