Silver Linings Playbook

by Tyler Darke

       After watching Silver Linings Playbook I can completely understand why it earned eight Academy Award nominations. The cohesiveness of the cast made me feel like I was living every scene; like I was part of the Solitano family.

      I was quite apprehensive of Bradley Cooper's performance as the lead among such great acting talent. I had yet to see him in a role that I was overly impressed with, so I was not sure what to expect in Silver Linings Playbook. I am happy to say that he turned me into a fan with this movie. His performance was nothing short of amazing. Particularly, the scenes between him and Robert De Niro...acting genius. There was an intense love between two characters that was palpable even amongst the fighting and frustration. Similarly, the love between Cooper and Jacki Weaver was equally palpable. Weaver didn't even need her lines to convey her intense emotions. Her tears and nonverbal communication spoke volumes.

      Jennifer Lawrence was the perfect choice as Cooper's new-found love interest. The chemistry between the two was electric during both the passionate dancing and arguing scenes, and the painfully awkward encounters at dinner and while jogging. I don't know if I will ever be able to think about Rasin Bran again without laughing. The love story was brilliantly balanced to not come off as "cheesy" but rather, romantic and relatable.

      Overall, Silver Linings Playbook is a beautifully made film that deserves every bit of attention and success it has garnered. In my book, it's a must-see. 9/10