New To Blu: Silver Linings Playbook

Today sees the release of one of 2012's best dramatic films. Silver Linings Playbook is a heartfelt cinematic piece that captures two of today's best actors in roles that will define each of their futures in film. Initially, I dismissed this one as a corny chick flick that would follow the standard boy meets girl formula. Admittedly, I was proven wrong.

Silver Linings Playbook is a captivating story of love, loss, and the importance of family. The film taught me one important life lesson. I should stop judging a book by its cover. Surprisingly, I watched this film two times over the span of two days. It's that good.

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper both shine in stand out performances. Lawrence moves with grace from Hunger Games pop culture phenom into this serious role as Cooper continues to morph in to one of the most well rounded actors in Hollywood. After this film, I'm convinced he can do anything. Between his portrayal in Silver Linings Playbook and his role in The Place Beyond The Pines, the man has moved far beyond anything he's ever done in the short span of his career. I hope he stays away from the Hangover type comedies and sticks to more films like these. Robert DeNiro also stars as Cooper's father in his most formidable performance in years. This is the Deniro I remember: strong on emotion, a comedic sensibility, and a firm grasp of character.

I don't often rank movies as high as Silver Linings Playbook. But, the movie delivers on all fronts. It's a modern dramatic piece that offers bits of comedy mixed with a serious tone about mental illness and the effects it can have on a family. And it's never too heavy in its approach. If I had to decide on my favorite film of 2012, this one would sit atop that list or extremely close to it. Everything about the film is absolute perfection. Take the time to see this one. I highly recommend it and think you'd be making a mistake if you dismiss it as a chick flick. It's not.

-CG