Silver Linings Playbook

In his follow up to the terrific film, The Fighter, writer-director David O. Russell finds the perfect tone to craft a lighthearted romantic comedy about someone suffering from a heavyweight issue: bipolar disorder and depression.

Silver Linings is based on a clever novel by Matthew Quick. And for once, the movie is actually better than the book. Thank the smart dialogue and superb performances by Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DeNiro, who finally has a role he seems to engage in.

Actually, just thank David Russell. This could have been another crazy-family comedy, but the silver lining is that he has created a modern classic.

Simply put: Family nuttiness. Football. Dancing. Romance. It’s a smart crowd pleaser.

Award potential: Lots. Count on nominations for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay and acting nods for Cooper, Lawrence and DeNiro.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks.