What’s better than a movie starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence? Nothing. So we decided that “Silver Linings Playbook” was the perfect movie to see on a casual Friday night. And we were right.

SLP is a story about two adults, Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), who have recently reached the peak of each their psychological disorders. The movie is based around Pat’s journey trying to rebuild a relationship with his ex-wife, and he finds Tiffany along the way.

After an early release from a state psychological ward, Pat moves back to his hometown to rebuild his life. With a restraining order from both his ex-wife and his ex-boss, Pat struggles to adjust to his new lifestyle and he devotes his journey to bettering himself to win his ex-wife back.

He meets Tiffany through an old friend; like Pat, Tiffany has recently struggled from severe depression caused by the death of her husband. Their relationship begins with a deal: Tiffany will deliver a letter to Pat’s ex-wife, her friend, if Pat will dance with Tiffany, a competitive dancer, in an upcoming competition. The rest of the movie follows the relationship between Tiffany and Pat as well as his quest to reunite with his ex-wife.

The film is paced flawlessly, with no dull moments. Each scene serves its purpose and the plot flows naturally. The tone of the film is heavy, and at times depressing; however, we left the theater fulfilled. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

The acting job by all the characters is spectacular and deserving of its Oscar recognition, with eight nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor and Actress. Both Cooper and Lawrence deliver moving, believable performances. The supporting actors (including Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) are great additions, providing the perfect emotional support that helps make the story more dynamic. SLP is up for many awards at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress. This film deserves all of its recognition and hope that it can take away at least one award.

Being no stranger to the category of Best Director (he was nominated for “The Fighter” in 2010), David O. Russell is once again nominated. He is a master at capturing idiosyncratic moments that exude infectious emotion, and he deserves the Oscar for Best Director.

SLP takes a critical view on psychological disorders, as the film’s plot revolves around Pat and Tiffany’s ability to overcome severe psychological illnesses. Disorders such as those exemplified in the film can be seen as controversial by many (especially those affected by such illnesses). But we think it was a tasteful depiction and gives faces to people with these disorders, beautiful faces at that.

So if you’re looking for a slightly depressing, but otherwise enthralling movie to watch during this long weekend, we recommend Silver Linings Playbook. You won’t be disappointed.

Silver Linings Playbook

2 hours

Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity

Directed by David O. Russell

With Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Jacki Weaver

Here is the official trailer from The Weinstein Company: