The Silver Linings Playbook Review - 3½ Stars

Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence make quite a couple in this quirky complicated romance.  As the movie begins, Cooper gets released from a mental institution where he’s spent several years getting over the trauma of catching his wife with another guy.  Once released, Cooper believes if he gets his life straight he can win back his wife.  But his family life doesn’t help. It includes Robert De Niro—a bookie obsessed with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Friends fix Cooper up with young widow Jennifer Lawrence who has problems of her own.  Soon the two circle each other like animals not sure if they should fight or mate.  Instead, they enter a “Dancing with the Stars” style dance contest which turns into a double or nothing bet tied to a football game.  Complicated?  Ok try this:  “Silver Linings Playbook” reminds me of “Moonstruck”.  It’s funny and surprising and gives a great platform to Cooper and Lawrence.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Quirky romance.  Is it entertaining?  Fun and funny.  Is it worth the price of admission?  A definite.