Movie Review: SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

The only film I've seen Jennifer Lawrence act in is The Hunger Games. I had no intention of seeing Silver Linings Playbook, a comedy-drama, but my interest was peaked when Lawrence was nominated in the Best Actress category for an Oscar. I'd heard good things about her (Winter's Bone), so I decided to see what all the fuss is about.

I didn't even know this had been a book first. I'd never heard of it. Check out the description...

Pat Peoples, the endearing narrator of this touching and funny debut, is down on his luck. The former high school history teacher has just been released from a mental institution and placed in the care of his mother. Not one to be discouraged, Pat believes he has only been on the inside for a few months––rather than four years––and plans on reconciling with his estranged wife. Refusing to accept that their apart time is actually a permanent separation, Pat spends his days and nights feverishly trying to become the man she had always desired. Our hapless hero makes a friend in Tiffany, the mentally unstable, widowed sister-in-law of his best friend, Ronnie. Each day as Pat heads out for his 10-mile run, Tiffany silently trails him, refusing to be shaken off by the object of her affection. The odd pair try to navigate a timid friendship, but as Pat is unable to discern friend from foe and reality from deranged optimism, every day proves to be a cringe-worthy adventure.

I must say, Lawrence does have a real range of acting ability. She was impressive in the role of Tiffany. I'm glad I went. I think so much more of her as an actress now, then I did after The Hunger Games. I liked her then and she was fine as Katniss, but I really like her now! She showed more depth. She loses herself in the role and expresses a plethora of emotions. Lawrence plays crazy real good...lol...Bradley Cooper was no slouch either. As Pat Peoples, he's definitely kicking it up too. He didn't get nominated, but I would say he and Lawrence were equal in what they brought to their characters. Anyone who's worked with the mentally ill will definitely identify with the goings-on in this film.

 I was pleasantly surprised to see Chris Tucker of the Rush Hour movies. I haven't seen him in a while. He's usually playing some kind of comical, off-the-chain, funny character. I was happy to see him tone it down and play it a little more straight for a change. He plays the role of Danny, the best friend to the Bradley Cooper character. They both were locked up in the same psychiatric hospital. Tucker was funny, but not in his usual slap-stick kind of way. He did say that the director had to make him control himself and not take things too far...lol...No surprise there. Nice to see he's got some acting range as well.

Silver Linings Playbook was well done, I'd say, for all involved in the project. Go see it. It's well worth the time.

Toodles!

 

Bradley Cooper and Chris Tucker