So it's May, which means it is time for the start of summer movie season. Kicking off this year is Iron Man 3, which I have seen, and which I will be writing about in the next few days. However, before I move on to explosions and CG spectacles of our warm weather months, I have one last movie from the oscar bait season of the fall and winter.
Had things gone differently (read: better) for me in the winter, I would have already seen this (and several other films as well) months ago. Although I had plenty of time, that corresponding freedom came with a severe lack of income, which made going to movies something totally out of the question, especially since every trip to see one would include an hour drive to the theater. I had hoped to write about some movies, both new and old, that I watched on DVD, Netflix, or other means. Unfortunately, it turns out being unemployed doesn't always inspire you to be in a writing mood. But now I have a new job, moved to a new place about five minutes from a 20 screen multiplex, and am looking forward to getting back to the movies.
Lucky for me, that theater just down the street was still playing Silver Linings Playbook when I went to see it a few weeks ago. After watching it, I was glad I had the chance to see it. I enjoyed it thoroughly, although I could see why other people would not exactly like it.
When I first started seeing the trailers and marketing materials for the film, I must admit it wasn't exactly on my short list of winter movies. Had I known the plot of the movie led up to a climactic scene involving a dance competition, I would have definitely left it off my list. On the other hand, had I first heard it was directed by David O. Russell, then I would have been looking forward to it despite the underwhelming trailer and unimaginative in-theater marketing. I ♥ Huckabees is one of my favorite films, and I also enjoyed The Fighter as well.
I enjoyed pretty much every one of the major performances in the film, especially Jennifer Lawrence and Jacki Weaver (the mother of Bradley Cooper's Pat). Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro were pretty great as well, which is a bit of surprise considering how indifferent I usually am to Cooper. I'm pretty certain DeNiro was got nominated for the Oscars because everyone was relieved he gave a good performance for once.
Sometimes the movie was incredibly awkward to watch. This was in part because too often it hit very close to home, but most of the time it was just because it's awkward to watch people lose control or walk around completely self-deluded. Still, many parts of the film were very funny. I'd share the part I thought was the funniest, but it would ruin the climax for you, so you'll just have to see it for yourself.
I recommend seeing this as soon as you can, which in most cases at this point would be on DVD or Blu-Ray. Although I won't go back and alter my Favorite Films of 2013 list, this one definitely fits right in the top 5, behind Moonrise Kingdom, Wreck-It Ralph, and The Avengers.
Next time on Dispatches from the Popcorn Theater: It's Summer Movie Season! Despite the exclamation point, Andrew is a bit underwhelmed by the lineup, but is encouraged by the kick off by Iron Man 3. Tony Stark sure knows how to make an entrance, doesn't he?
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