This week was a “Josh Pick” (we take turns every week), and we ended up going to see Silver Linings Playbook (SLP)—the new movie from writer-director David O. Russell based on the novel by Matthew Quick at Carmike Cinema.

Before we dive in to this thing, I wanted to let you know that I made a decision on how I’m going about rating these movies. A ticket at Carmike Theaters on a Sunday night costs $9. So, I am going to rate the movie based on this amount and give each movie a “price tag”. So, a movie like Catfish (I can not begin to tell you how much I hated this movie) would receive a “$1” (actually less but lets not get into dealing with pennies) and the Notebook would, of course, receive a “$9” (kidding…kind of).

Off to the movies…

I have never claimed to be “normal”, and to be perfectly honest, the people that I hold closest are all messed up in their own very special little way. It’s the crazy part of people that make them interesting and leads you to the most memorable life/love experiences. SLP tells the story of Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) who, after a violent altercation, ends up in a state mandated mental institution for 8 months.

After his release, he is forced to live with his parents while he attempts to rebuild himself and the life that he once knew with his wife (Brea Bee). Pat finds himself in an unexpected friendship with recently widowed Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who has dealt with the loss of her husband in her own promiscuous ways. After striking a deal to help each other through these challenging times, Pat finds himself questioning what he once thought to be a happy, normal life.

Pat’s OCD, gambling, Philadelphia Eagles fanatic father (Robert Di Niro),who you can’t help but like, helps you understand why Pat might be a little off his rocker. His mother (Jacki Weever), is the way that only a mother can be as she continues to see the good in everyone…even if to a fault.

Chris Tucker has a small yet memorable role as a friend Pat makes while in the state institution. All of these characters come together to tell a sweet yet F’ed up love story. The way the movie brings all of these characters together finishes this helping of a great Sunday night move like a piece of Derby Pie at Simp McGhee’s  in Decatur after a fantastic meal.

Spoiler alert for the ladies – Bradley Coopers clothes remain on thru out this film….sorry.

Final Thoughts

While I am very pleased with this movie and happy to have seen it on the big screen, it would be best enjoyed lying in bed on a rainy Sunday morning with the person that you find the craziest.

Popes Movie Review: $7

About the Movie

• Director: David O. Russell
• Writers: David O. Russell (screenplay), Matthew Quick (novel)
• Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Rated: R
• Watch the trailer for Silver Linings Playbook here