Silver Linings Playbook

GREAT MOVIES: David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook (US, 2012) - Never one to shy away from unlikely sources of comedy, David O. Russell tackles mental illness, marital failure and the curative powers of football with bracingly sharp and satisfying results in "Silver Linings Playbook." Again bringing an invigorating edge to whip-smart mainstream fare a la "The Fighter," the writer-director employs a twitchy visual syntax to match the dazzling verbal acumen of his two screw-loose leads, terrifically played by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Strong reviews and word of mouth should make this boisterous and heartfelt loser love story a year-end winner for the Weinstein Co. 2012TOR. RATING: 9