Silver Linings Playbook (2012) by David O. Russell

[cranefly]

A bipolar dude, played by Bradley Cooper, stops taking his meds because he doesn’t like the side effects.  In the manic phase that follows, he clashes with everyone around him, including a bipolar dudette played by bow-and-arrow girl.  Borrowing a page from the Lars von Trier Playbook, bipolar girl deals with her problems with nymphomania (actually, that’s in her past, but there’s the ever-present danger of a relapse).  Despite their constant fighting, bipolar dude and bipolar dudette are powerfully drawn to each other, and a very chaotic courtship ensues.
 
Bradley Cooper is excellent as the bipolar dude.  Bipolar viewers have praised his depiction of the manic phase.  Oddly, the movie never shows the depression phase.  Then again, as some viewers have pointed out, that’s not much fun to watch.
 
Bow-and-arrow girl also puts in a strong performance.  This was my first exposure to her, as I haven’t seen any of the Hunger Games movies.  She’s an impressive actress, very appealing on many levels.  She moves like a curvaceous panther, exhibiting a rare athletic voluptuousism that inspires made-up words.
 
A surprisingly good movie, with smart, funny dialog.  Recommended, even if you’re not into nymphomaniacs.

[Greg]

Hmm, I saw this and didn't review it. I remember it being a fair film. Nothing super.

[Drunk Monk]

I thought I did review it here. Alas, my memory teeters on keeping the forums intact.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this but I'm a huge fan of Deniro, J-law & even Cooper (who we've followed since Alias). Plus I've known a lot of bi-polars so I could relate to it, despite its fictional take on that.

[Drunk Monk]

Joy (2015) is the unofficial sequel because it reunites J-law, Cooper & DeNiro. It’s a J-law vehicle as if we need another one of those. All the players are excellent but J-law’s rags to riches story takes some hard-to-believe leaps. An emotional rollercoaster of sorts because success turns to failure and back to success so much. Cooper’s role is smaller. Not overwhelming but not annoying.

No swordfights. Not DOOM recommended.

[Greg]

I felt I didn't need to see the movie about the mop lady.

[Drunk Monk]

You don’t really. Although it’s well cast - everyone is good at what they do, especially Lawrence. There’s some funny cameos with soap opera stars because her mom is addicted to them and she has some immersive dreams about that.