Written by: Charlie Black, Published on 10/03/2013, Comments: 0 , Views: 659
www.imdb.com
Starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Julia Stiles and Chris Tucker
Against medical advice and without the knowledge of her husband Pat Solatano Sr., caring Dolores Solatano discharges her adult son, Pat Solatano Jr., from a Maryland mental health institution after his minimum eight month court ordered stint. The condition of the release includes Pat Jr. moving back in with his parents in their Philadelphia home. Although Pat Jr.'s institutionalization was due to him beating up the lover of his wife Nikki, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Nikki has since left him and has received a restraining order against him. Although he is on medication (which he doesn't take because of the way it makes him feel) and has mandatory therapy sessions, Pat Jr. feels like he can manage on the outside solely by healthy living and looking for the "silver linings" in his life. His goals are to get his old job back as a substitute teacher, but more importantly reunite with Nikki. He finds there are certain instances where he doesn't cope well, however no less so
NORMALISING CRAZY
First the great things about this film.
The acting, particularly Jennifer Lawrence, brilliant. Robert De Niro played a convincing boardline crazy person within a mainstream character if that makes sense. I totally connected.
I really liked how this film made being a little bit mad, OK because I think we, and I mean society are so quick to judge and jump to conclusions about anyone who isn't "normal", whatever that is supposed to be.
Bradley Cooper, as always very easy on the eye.
The not so good.
American family drama that could drag for some, I loved the material and I thought the touches of humour in the script carried you through but there were elements that were samey, like you felt like you'd been there before.
The things that could have been better.
The happy ending was too Hollywood format for me but I know a lot of people like that. Formats make money.
The very unique thing about this film is how we get an intimate look at how in a moment life can change and the film gives us a clear picture inside the minds of several very different characters for whom everyday life is a struggle. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely say it's worth a watch. We all could become more tolerant and understanding of others and this story takes the audience on that journey of compassion.
Rant or Rave: Rave
Pros: The acting Cons: Hollywood format
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