Writer: Lorraine Tan

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Effects: NA
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Watch this if you liked: “Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World”, “The Blind Side” and “Little Miss Sunshine”

Directed by David O. Russell and adapted from the novel of the same name by Matthew Quick, this is a rom-com about emotionally broken people that touches on topics like broken marriages, friendships and family dealing with mental illnesses.

The film opens with Pat Solatano being released from the mental institute thanks to the efforts of his mother. He believes he has changed for the better, and the first thing he does is make plans to be reunited with his wife. However, we see that Pat is not as well as he thinks he is, and we soon learn why he ended up in the institute, and why he is separated from his wife.

What pulls the entire film together is the cast, which consists of Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover") as Pat Solatano and Jennifer Lawrence ("The Hunger Games") as Tiffany Maxwell. This film allows them to showcase their talents and prove that they are more versatile than what they brought to their roles in "The Hangover" and "The Hunger Games". The duo are also well-supported in this regard, with big names like Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, Julia Stiles, and Chris Tucker.

The role of Tiffany Maxwell was not originally given to Lawrence but to Anne Hathaway, only to fall through due to scheduling conflicts with "The Dark Knight Rises". Other actresses who also auditioned for the role include Elizabeth Banks, Kirsten Dunst, Angelina Jolie, Blake Lively, Rooney Mara, Rachel McAdams, Andrea Riseborough and Olivia Wilde but it is no surprise why Lawrence was picked out of the other A-list stars, she delivered a remarkable performance as Tiffany, capturing the essence of the widowed, jobless, mysterious and somewhat comical character. Lawrence was just 21 when "Silver Linings Playbook" was filmed, which further proves that this young starlet has tremendous capability and potential that far exceeds her age. She brings depth and authenticity as a depressed widow looking to fill up the emptiness in her life.

In addition, considering their 15-year age gap, the chemistry between Cooper and Lawrence is well played throughout the entire film.

The story develops well, although in a predictable fashion. The audience is able to sympathize with the characters, and the film is able to get the audience to rally behind Pat and Tiffany's route to redemption and acceptance. "Silver Linings Playbook" is not all serious however; there are a few light-hearted moments that stop the movie from being a drama that takes itself too seriously.

The show has no special effects to speak of, and the cinematography is nothing to shout about. However, that is a good thing, as it does not distract from the story and the acting.

"Silver Linings Playbook" is one of those rare films that manage to bring out the vulnerability of people and encourage us to look for that 'silver lining' in our lives.

Cinema Online, 07 January 2013