Silver Linings Playbook - Film Review

[shadowkat]

Finally saw the oscar nominated film Silver Linings Playbook written and directed by David O'Russell, which had been rec'd by embers_log and ponygirl2000 [ETA - was actually lj user lizziebuffy...in my defense it has been a while]. And also by my parents..

I agree with their reviews. It's a charming movie, not at all what I expected. Can see why it was nominated. Robert DeNiro actually played against type, and Jennifer Lawrence blew me away once again.

One of the better romantic films that I've seen. They are few and far between in the 21st Century for some reason. It was upbeat, slice of life, story about two messed up folks who fall in love in the suburbs of Southeastern Philadelphia. With dancing and football. Found it weirdly nostalgic (his home in the film reminded me of Grandparents house in Landsdown)
and uplifting...

Quotes: "The trick is to take all the negativity, wrap it up and find the positive side of things, and if you work really hard...you can earn your silver lining."

And

"The world will beat you up ten times to Sunday, over and over, but here's the deal - there's Sunday, and you can find the things that make you happy and make it not so bad...the silver lining. Once again Sundays' are my favorite days. Didn't think that would happen again."

See? Hope. A Happy Movie. Happy books and movies are those that provide hope.

Which is another bit in the movie - the protagonist reads Heminway's Farewell to Arms and is pissed about the unhappy ending. He states: "Don't we deserve a happy ending after wading through all of that? Isn't that required in books?" And later - "while the books are harsh and end unhappily, it's important to read them because they prepare you for the harshness and pain of living...make it possible for you to cope."


Overall rating - A

Comments

[ponygirl2000.livejournal.com]

I remain pretty mixed on the movie actually. I thought the first half was really good with the portrayal of mental illness and everyone's acting, but then I thought it went the sitcom route in the last half with all the absurd bets, the wacky neighbours constantly popping in, and everyone ending up in the living room yelling. Also their dancing was bad! I would have given it a 3 tops! But then I have a cold dead heart and I hate attempts to warm it in any fashion that doesn't involve cool whale videos.

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

I apparently misremembered...it was actually lizziebuffy below who had rec'd it to me. Sorry about that. Corrected it.

Also their dancing was bad!

Eh...it wasn't that bad. Seen far worse on Dancing with the Stars.

It was actually believable and relateble. In too many these things they go the cliche route - horrible dancers suddenly become amazing or "really" good. Was sort of relieved they didn't do that here.

Also, keep in mind the venue...this wasn't the world championships. This was just a city dance competition...sort of low-key. I'd have given them fours and fives...no one fell and they were in rhythm. (I've seen worse on Dancing with the Stars actually.)

But then I have a cold dead heart and I hate attempts to warm it in any fashion that doesn't involve cool whale videos.

Considering the fact that I've yet to see a cool whale video or even a watchable one...you have my sympathies. ;-)