In Philadelphia, a young adult man (Bradley Cooper) moves in with his parents after he has completed an eight-month term in a mental institution in Baltimore. In his parents' neighbourhood, he connects with a young woman (Jennifer Lawrence) who also has mental health problems.

The film begins well with some comical moments. It has some good scenes but also some troubling ones. The main character's father (Robert De Niro) is a betting addict - often a difficult plot point in any film - and a scene in which he goes over-the-top has too much hysteria (among other scenes).

There are mixed feelings about the grand finale which includes a dance contest. In many ways, it was superbly executed but sadly, the outcomes were formulaic and predictable.

Cooper is certainly a good actor and does a fine job in this film. It is a demanding burden for him, however, that he is in every scene in the film. As good as Cooper is, he seems over-exposed at times.

Lawrence is credited with a leading role but she does not spend nearly as much time on screen as Cooper does. Her performance is the greatest asset to this film. She shows the same sharpness here as she did in "Winter's Bone". It is a delight every time she is on the screen. The great veteran De Niro also has some fine moments in reflecting on times when his children were younger.

This film (written and directed by David O. Russell) missed an opportunity in exploring further into a neighbourhood couple who are high-achieving and materialistic while falling apart emotionally. This would have made a good subplot.

"Silver Linings Playbook" was finely directed and acted but, like many films, its script could have been better. - dbamateurcritic