Both movies seemed to be toted as comedies though...So, I asked myself "am I in a British sort of mood or an American sort of mood?" I decided on American, just because the British usually require my full concentration and I wasn't sure I was up for that..
Silver Linings Playbook
Okay, first off, this is not a comedy. It SAYS it's a comedy and the reviews seem to think it's a comedy - but it's not a comedy. I mean, yes, it's a comedy in the traditional sense (ie: everyone doesn't die at the end)...but it's not a comedy as in "Hahaha, oh man, this movie about mental illness is HILARIOUS!" Maybe it's because I don't find mental illness very funny? Anyway, I didn't understand why the reviewers seemed to think it was a comedy... one of them raved about Robert De Niro's comedy chops, but there was nothing funny about his character!
Now, for all that it's not funny, the movie IS good. I liked it, and I really really liked the message of it. I won't put spoilers, but it's a super sweet film that just has such a sweet, fitting, and realistic conclusion.
Now...Did Jennifer Lawrence just win a golden globe for this?... I was about to say that I'm not sure that was the right call, but actually, thinking about it now, yeah...she did do a pretty kick ass job with her part. So, I take my unvoiced thought back. Good job, her. Bradley Cooper was also REALLY good. I don't know if I've ever seen him in anything else. I have a pretty terrible memory for actors and whatnot. For instance, I spent the whole movie trying to figure out who this one actress was, and then I realized it was the girl from Ten Things I Hate About You. I still can't remember her name (Julia Stiles - thanks IMDB)...anyway, I haven't seen her in forever. Also, Chris Tucker, man, he looks different...if it hadn't been for the voice, I might not have recognized him.
Okay, I just looked up Bradley Cooper and I have never seen him in anything else ever - so this was his debut for me. Good job, man.
Anyway, good film - not a comedy. I mean, I guess it's a comedy in the sense of As Good As It Gets, but even compared to that film it's more serious and less whimsical... which isn't a bad thing, the characters felt more grounded in reality. :)
