ViewGuide

Created Jan 20, 2013 08:22AM PST • Edited Jan 20, 2013 08:22AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   SLP has my vote for 2012’s best film. It is a fantastic melting pot of everything you want to see in a romantic comedy and more:

   It’s a terrific comedy: The manic phase of bipolar is usually no laughing matter. Except when it comes from Bradley Cooper in an environment where crazy is met with crazy, or quirky, and the acknowledgement that everyone has a bit of kook in them. In SLP, kooky comes in the form of the antics from Philly family and friends, and funny outbursts from an unforgettable Jennifer Lawrence

   Its an excellent romance: Everyone knows what is supposed to happen, yet the bonding creeps up on you until near the end of the movie where the thought that it might not happen is painful to you, the audience. Now that’s a successful romance!

   It’s a great come from behind drama: Indeed the message of many come from behind movies – is about the silver lining behind life’s difficulties. And yes, you need a playbook to get there. SLP repeats this message by not only using humor, but using plenty of drama. When the characters aren’t being crazy, they are being dramatic. From son, to girlfriend, to father – the flair for the dramatic rears itself, and it doesn’t feel contrived. Its a necessary component that makes the characters and the story feel real and whole.

   It’s a great East Coast culture story: SLP does a great job of imparting the animated nature of in-your-face East Coast culture. No mincing words. Tell it like you see it. Where friendships run deep and football allegiances mean everything.

   See this movie now. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   Bradley Cooper has found his new sweet spot. Funny with a healthy dose of real life drama. Although he’s the central focus of lots of funny moments – there is no mistaking the quality of his emotional range in this film

   Jennifer Lawrence. Wow. We knew of her potential from Winter’s bone. We saw her understated acting quality in Hunger Games, and we certainly knew she could stand out on big screen/big-action films like X-Men. But this? Well, she takes it up a big notch with top-flight acting in the form of a no-nonsense yet vulnerable pairing with Bradley.

   Robert Deniro. He was made for this quirky role. Just as real as your eccentric uncle back home and the passionate makeup of any blue-collar Philly dad.

   Jackie Weaver. Not a prominent role, but very appropriate for a sort of Edith Bunker like mom role. She’s just there.

   Chris Tucker – A kick as the crazy hospital buddy who becomes part of the family.

   John Ortiz – Reminding us that everyone has their own crazy demons to share. Except if you are a buddy in Philly, you actually share your story.

   Julia Stiles – Its time we see more of her. You could almost see her in the Jennifer Lawrence role in SLP. Otherwise, she’s destined for more muted roles as has been the case in her career.

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Perfect 5.0

11. Direction Perfect 5.0

12. Play Perfect 5.0

13. Music Perfect 5.0

14. Visuals Perfect 5.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.7

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.7

23. Biological Glib 1.7

24. Physical Glib 1.7