Silver Linings Playbook

What's it all about? Former teacher Pat moves back in with his parents after time in a mental institution and his plans to reconcile with his ex wife become somewhat compromised when he meets widow Tiffany. 

Starring? Jennifer Lawrence , Bradley Cooper , Robert De Niro , Jacki Weaver . 

I have a lot of trust in writer/director David O Russell after the success of The Fighter , I also am partial to a charming romantic comedy from time to time ; nevertheless it seemed an appropriate watch. Silver Linings is indeed unusual , it doesn't quite fit into a genre and is perhaps an odd pick for the traditionally finicky Academy. What really leads this film is the script , the idea is intelligently original and the execution witty and heart felt. Mental illness is a subject which for once is dealt with in a refreshingly humorous manner , the theme is strangely combined with an off beat romance yet somehow it works. The cast demonstrate brilliant performances all round , particularly Lawrence who holds her own as a depressed  yet quirky widow. Cooper fills his role well , although somehow misses the Oscar mark. It is undoubtedly entertaining throughout ,  mostly light-hearted with moments of poignancy that make the film stand out from common rom-coms.  We remain intrigued , impatiently hoping for the When Harry Met Sally moment. Silver Linings is on the cusp of something special , it begins with such promise and inescapably looses focus on the real issues , becoming slightly more Hollywood and slightly less realistic.  It's recommendable and certainly notable,  but leaves me wondering whether it was just O Russel's name that gained it all those nominations.

Verdict? 4 stars , witty , charming and almost brilliant.