Stephen L
Silver Linings Playbook is a perplexingly overrated film – uneven in tone, riddled with narrative contrivances and far less insightful than it thinks it is. The performances are fine – Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence do what they can – but the characters are written so erratically that emotional investment becomes impossible. Attempts at quirk feel forced, while the drama is undercut by inconsistent logic.
Even the protagonist’s misreading of A Farewell to Arms feels like a moment that should matter but instead exposes the script’s sloppiness – either a character flaw played too subtly or an oversight in writing. A baffling Best Picture nominee – and in my view, one of the Academy’s more embarrassing picks.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
03/22/25
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Audience Member
DeSean Jackson is the man! A romantic comedy with a distinct messy, chaotic energy that is infectious in the best way. Its depiction of mental illness has some issues, but its heart seems in the right place as it centers on the relationship between people diagnosed with bipolar disorder and displays themes relating to mental illness that remain relevant. Likely David O. Russell’s best film that fully embodies the signature fast-paced, hectic nature of his filmmaking. It’s also arguably the best role so far for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, who are both phenomenal with great chemistry between them.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
03/16/25
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Heather D
I saw this in 2012 when it first came out, but I don’t remember it being this good. I think I was too young to understand it then. Rewatching it in 2025 and it is one of the best dramadies I’ve ever seen. So many aspects of it that many people will just gloss over, like the hyper-realistic characters and situations that just made it excelsior.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/03/25
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Aniela C
This movie told a story about a guy who experienced and witnessed a traumatic and heartbreaking event, involving his wife and another man, to which resulted in him making poor decisions and ending up in a mental institution. It is then shown that this character, Pat, is suffering from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder that shows to add numerous challenges/ hurdles for him to surpass. After witnessing his wife cheating on him, he shows that he still loves and cares about her, therefore, is trying to make himself better for her. While working on himself, he runs into an old friend who introduces Pat to Tiffany, who is a widow and is also trying to deal with her borderline personality disorder. These two started on the wrong foot and the energy between the two was weird, a little awkward, confusing, yet a little flirtations. Through this film, Tiffany tells Pat she can give his wife, practically ex-wife, a letter for him, since Pat is unable to go around the restraining order he has placed on him. Although, she convinces him to participate in a dance competition, so she got something out of this deal as well. Overtime, subtle moments or looks are displayed of Tiffany, showing that there is some romantic interest between her and Pat, although, when looking at moments or looks from Pat specifically, it seems like he feels some connection, but almost “shuts it off”, trying to focus on fixing his marriage. Pat ends up writing his letter for his wife and in return, Tiffany gives another letter to Pat, seemingly coming from his wife. This letter is positive about his making good changes, yet, overall, it says that they should both focus on themselves and continue their own separate lives. While this devastates Pat, he later realizes that Tiffany wrote the letter, meaning his wife never got his letter in the first place. The two continue practicing their routine and make it to the competition, where he sees his wife. At the end of the routine, Tiffany and Pat show excitement and proudness over completing this challenge and you see that strong, fun, and passionate connection between the two. At the end of the film, Pat is left with a decision of if he wants to try to go back to his old ways or try something new and different and possibly better for him.
I believed this film to be outstanding. This movie showed strength is the acting that the characters played as well as the actors chosen for each specific role. Bradly Cooper, Pat, and Jennifer Lawrence, Tiffany, both enhanced their mental illnesses throughout the entirety of the film and made their interactions feel somewhat uncomfortable yet exciting. Specifically, I believe these two actors were the perfect people to play these roles. It is clear that these two can snap right into character, making their mental illnesses and situations seems so accurate and overtaking. Another strength is through the message and overall image of this film. If an audience member is also battling with similar situations or even just mental illnesses in general, it can make one feel overly heavy, overstimulated, out of control, alone, and possible a little empty inside. While emphasizing the struggles and constant battles these characters have to face, this film put a positive light onto one’s mindset of their situations. This movie showed that change is hard, but change is possible and may even lead to better outcomes. This movie also shows that people struggling may be the best help for other people struggling. When being able to help one another, it may help create better mindsets, habits, or communication to which allows for self-healing as well. Therefore, this film may appeal to the specific audience of others dealing with mental health battles, showing them that new opportunities, uncomfortable or not, can be the fix that one needs. With that being said, the reviews of this movie are generally very high. The audience seems to appreciate the acting of both actors as well as the realistic depiction of mental illnesses. Others believe this film has errors or issues including finding the plot to be overly confident, people believing the conflict between the two characters are unmotivated, poorly planned and unrealistic, and other little things put within the film. In response to that, I could not disagree more. The two characters braking into outbursts of arguments is completely and utterly realistic when focusing on these specific mental illnesses. Therefore, disagreeing with this statement mentioned above because when dealing with these kinds of struggles, results of these types of behaviors are expected. I also believe the plot had great variety. Not only did this film stray from typical movie plots, but this film also gave little hints of emotion or realizations that created this “oh my word is this going to happen” reaction from the audience. It leaves us guessing what could possibly happen next while then shocking the audience with different results in return. This film was fun, exciting, nerve racking, a little heartbreaking, and powerful. I believe this message could create positive changes for other people looking to get back to where they want themselves to be and who they want to be seen as. Overall, I would rate this film 9 out of 10. Again, it was outstanding with its acting, with its actors, with its overall message, and the end feeling viewers have when reaching the closing of the film. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone. Even if not dealing with any mental health issue actively, it may even be helpful to get an insight on what these illnesses may cause one to do, and possible seeing how to help someone get back on their feet if needing that extra push.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/03/25
Full Review
Eric J
Personally ranks in my top 10 movies of all time. Great job by both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as well as the supporting cast. Wonderful job by David Russell in telling this story using both humor and drama. You won’t regret watching this one.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/20/25
Full Review
The Wandering D
A fascinating film. My emotions while watching it ranged from interested and watching with rapt attention, to being kind of bored with what was happening. I don't know if I would sit through it again, but I enjoyed the watch.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
02/17/25
Full Review
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