In Theaters Thanksgiving! Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker. http://www.silverliningsplaybookmovie.com

Year after year, I find myself complaining about the state of love stories in the movies. From those damn “Twilight” pictures to the countless vehicles starring the showboating Katherine Heigl, inspired romance has become difficult to come by in this day and age. 2012 however, has exhibited an unexpected change of pace in the romance department. With “Safety Not Guaranteed,” “Rudy Sparks,” “The Sessions,” “Hope Springs” and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World,” this has proven to be a reassuring year for movies about unlikely people coming together and having a meaningful connection. Even several major action blockbusters, such as “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Looper” and “The Amazing Spider-Man,” have managed to incorporate smart, believable relationships that do not just feel tacked on.

Life doesn't always go according to plan...Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything -- his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet - and to share their family's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives. The Weinstein Company presents SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, a family drama, comedy and love story based on the bestselling novel by Matthew Quick, written and directed by David O. Russell (THE FIGHTER, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER). Starring Bradley Cooper (HANGOVER, LIMITLESS), Jennifer Lawrence (THE HUNGER GAMES, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS), Robert De Niro (LIMITLESS, MEET THE PARENTS) Jacki Weaver (ANIMAL KINGDOM), Anupam Kher (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM), and Chris Tucker (RUSH HOUR, JACKIE BROWN). Rounding out the cast are Julia Stiles, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham and Dash Mihok. For more information, go to: http://www.silverliningsplaybookmovie.com http://www.facebook.com/silverliningsplaybook http://www.twitter.com/silverliningspb

From mental illness and adultery to football obsession and competitive dance, "Silver Linings Playbook" follows a wily and winding path that consistently defies expectations.

A beloved English teacher in South Jersey, Matthew Quick may have been financially stable, but he was far from happy. With the support of his wife, Quick left his job at age 30, sold his house, and began writing full-time in his in-laws’ unfinished basement for three years. As he battled mood swings and severe depression, Quick became inspired to write “The Silver Linings Playbook,” which became an instant success and earned him a PEN/Hemingway Award Honorable Mention.

A star-studded cast and a slew of early-season aware buzz (Oscar talk, anyone?) carries “Silver Linings Playbook” into theaters nationwide on Nov. 21.

A star-studded cast and a slew of early-season aware buzz (Oscar talk, anyone?) carries “Silver Linings Playbook” into theaters nationwide on Nov. 21.

A star-studded cast and a slew of early-season aware buzz (Oscar talk, anyone?) carries “Silver Linings Playbook” into theaters nationwide on Nov. 21.

‘Silver Linings Playbook’

Complete list of 85th Annual Academy Award nominations announced today:

The Oscar season is customarily kicked off by the Academy President and a random star solemnly announcing the nominees in a drab ceremony. The Academy decided to shake up tradition this year however, in one of the most cheerful Oscar mornings we’ve ever had.

Unless you’re a movie critic or a die-hard aficionado, you probably haven’t seen all 9 of this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture. The good news is you still have time before the winners are announced, thanks to AMC Theatre’s Best Picture Showcase on Feb. 16 and 23.

If you had told me a month ago that my Oscar predictions would look anything like this, I probably would have advised you to go do a little more research. “Argo” poised for the Best Picture win sans a Best Director nod? Unthinkable. Emmanuelle Riva and Naomi Watts as viable Best Actress contenders against youthful powerhouses like Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain? You’re pulling my leg.

Where everyone else spent most of last January debating which team would be victorious at Super Bowl XLVII, I was busy trying to predict which movies would win big at the 85th annual Academy Awards. In many respects, the Oscars feel like a sporting event as nominees tirelessly campaign to win and award analyzers place bets on which horse will cross the finish line.