Silver Linings Playbook - 10 stars out of 10

Silver Linings Playbook - 10 stars out of 10

"Silver Linings Playbook" is unquestionably the best film of 2012.  This is confirmed by its eight Academy Award nominations in major categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay... you get the point.  The depth of characters, quality of acting, and raw reality of the story turn this movie into an "experience."  It is robbery that this film did not win for Best Picture, especially when an inferior film like "Argo" won.  Although it is labeled as a comedy, this film digs deep into the human soul.  There is a love story woven throughout this plot but the film is actually a disturbed man's journey to find life's silver lining.  The interactions of Bradley Cooper with his family, particularly his father, explain why he is the way that he is.  Robert DeNiro plays the selfish father that cares more about his Philadelphia Eagles than he does about his family (except for his eldest son, who receives much favoritism).  He brings that classic DeNiro attitude to the character and he's a pleasure to watch, along with Jacki Weaver who is hilarious as the mother.  She is often the comic relief needed to break the tension that constantly builds throughout the film.  Bradley Cooper legitimized himself as an actor with this performance, bringing two opposing personalities to one character and delivering his lines as if he truly does not have a filter; however, the thing that really sold me on Cooper was his chemistry with Jennifer Lawrence.  She was stunning and earned her Oscar, delivering her oft-psychotic monologues with eloquence and portraying her helpless insecurity through her eyes.  Her character is rough around the edges but quickly transforms into a loveable, sensitive woman, and then suddenly back again.  The writers created such great characters, and the actors took them to another level.  Amidst the strong language, there are some beautifully heartfelt monologues.  "Silver Linings Playbook" may seem a bit predictable but the dialogue takes the story in unexpected directions (even it is just by spoiling a romantic moment in lieu of an episode) and the strong acting performances put these characters on a level that few other films will ever reach.