Silver Linings Playbook

As strange as it is to say, there are few things I enjoy more as a reviewer than being proven wrong. Chances are, if you've read us before, then my opinion on romantic comedies is no secret. More often than not, they merely coast on a bit of star power and enough jokes to make an enticing trailer, resulting in something that's cute instead of romantic and quaint instead of funny. My skepticism tends to double when a movie is presented as the token romantic comedy once awards season rolls around. Even the name Silver Linings Playbook suggests the kind of tacky feel-good message we've heard to many times before. I suppose this is where I make some awful pun about not judging a playbook by its cover.

Silver Linings Playbook stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano, a man recently released from a mental institution following a divorce and a violent breakdown. The movie follows him as he moves back in with his family as part of his release, readjusts to life on the outside, and chases the futile prospect of winning back his ex-wife. Without question, Cooper's performance is the film's heart and soul. He brings the kind of likability that's only possible from an actor not trying too hard to be likable. His character screws up, throws tantrums (including a hilarious rant on Hemmingway) and constantly tests the patience of everyone around him. Too often, characters with mental disorders get oversimplified to the point that the disorder becomes the character, but in this case Pat's condition is equal parts impediment and driving force as he tries to put his life back together.

All of this serves as a backdrop for an unusual relationship with a recently widowed family friend who has issues of her own to work out. Jennifer Lawrence plays girl next door Tiffany with surprising charm. She's believably damaged yet uplifting in her own way without falling into manic pixie territory. What makes this movie really work is that her character and Cooper's clash and connect over meaningful things. They deal with disappointment and they pick themselves (and each other) back up in their search for a silver lining.

The humor is spot-on for the most part, stemming primarily from legitimate character flaws instead of silly misunderstandings. In that respect, I really have to give credit to the supporting cast. Not only do we get one of Robert DeNiro's better late-career performances, we also get Chris Tucker being genuinely funny without his trademark obnoxiousness.

In case I haven't made it clear already, Silver Linings Playbook is the rare romantic comedy that pulls off genuine comedy and romance. Unless you're afraid of having A Farewell to Arms spoiled for you, I recommend it to anyone looking for a smarter, more serious movie to laugh along to.

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