The choice of this movie came about because we wanted to see a film and Sessions had already left the theaters. I didn't want to see this movie even though i really like Bradley Cooper because the previews made it seem like a comedy featuring bumbling mentally handicapped very annoying characters. But it wasn't a comedy though there were hilarious scenes and some funny dialogue.
Bradley Cooper (who should have gotten an Oscar nomination for his role) is Pat a guy with anger/violence issues and who is hung up on getting back together with his wife. Because of a conviction due to his beating of the man his wife was having an affair with, his sentence was incarceration in a psych hospital. His parents are wonderfully and realistically acted especially the dad Robert De Niro.
And the plot of the film is Pat getting used to living outside the hospital and for finding strategies to deal with his rage attacks and learning how to socially relate and communicate with people. One of his friends introduces him to Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). She, of course, becomes a major influence of help to pat even though she, herself, is neurotic and trying to come to terms with the death of her husband. And there is romance eventually between the 2 of them. Jennifer Lawrence is good but she plays her normal feisty loud-mouthed and in your face with cute sassiness bit.
The movie was unusual and interesting and fast paced and believable and funny and bittersweet sad until the last quarter. Pat's dad bets on football and he makes this ridiculous bet with a neighbor so he can win enough money to open his restaurant ( he wins the bet); Pat and Tiffany enter a dance contest and they must get at least a 5 rating because this is also part of the bet (they get a 5); Pat's ex-wife comes to the dance contest to see Pat (he rejects her); Tiffany has fallen in love with Pat but storms off because of the ex and Pat talking (Pat runs after Tiffany and they spoon and croon with love mumblings). Are you getting the picture?
all of a sudden, this very realistic and easily identifiable film becomes a predictable "happy ending" movie. The worst part was pat's segue from manic inappropriate neurosis to well adjusted man in love.
Because of this i gave the film a 7.5; Bill gave it an 8.5.
Once again a great review from Mindful Maggie..
ReplyDeleteour girl is VERY observant and doesn't miss a
glance or nuance...I'm mostly in agreement about
the film EXCEPT I liked the dancing and the
ending...love appears under the most negative
conditions..that's why I smiled on the way out of the theater...keep writing , Blue Eyes ! We're all out here digging it ! Love from your agent in Houston.