Saturday, November 24, 2012

Film: Silver Linings Playbook







GENRE:
Drama/Comedy
RATING: R for language & some sexual content
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 2 minutes
STARRING: Bradley Cooper (Hangover, Limitless, Alias)
Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games), Robert DeNiro (Godfather II)
DIRECTOR: David O Russell (The Fighter, I Heart Huckabees)
WRITER: David O Russell (I Heart Huckabees,Three Kings)
PLOT: A bi-polar man is released from a mental institution and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife by helping a woman with issues of her own.

FIVE OBSERVATIONS:
1 I have enjoyed watching Bradley Cooper since his second season on Alias. It shouldn’t be a shock that he can do some great dramatic work; he’s not limited by his Hangover role. He does an outstanding job in this film and deserves the inevitable Oscar nomination.  Jennifer Lawrence also does formidable work in this film. They are great to watch both on their own and together. Awesome.
2 It was nice to see Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) again. He hasn’t been on screen for the past 5 years. Playing a minor character who doesn’t talk as fast or as nasally is a great way for him to get back into the business.  
3 I really liked the dialogue throughout the film and I found some genuine surprises in the story. However, I think this film is a little long at times causing it to drag a bit. But this a minor fault.
4 Russell uses a lot of extreme close-ups in this film. Understandably, it is used to make the viewer a bit uncomfortable being that close to the actor’s face but it mostly works. Luckily the stars are pretty.
5 Great job casting Julia Stiles (Bourne Ultimatum) as Lawrence’s sister. It was totally believable. I also hope they aged Stiles, otherwise the last two years since Dexter has not been very kind to her.

RECOMMENDATION: Watch for Oscar contention reasons
UPCOMING REVIEWS: Lincoln, Life of Pi

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