Name: Robert De Niro
Biggest Hit: "Meet the Fockers" (financially), "Raging Bull" (critically)
Comeback Vehicle: "Silver Linings Playbook"
Will It Work: Let's be frank, De Niro has had his share of hits over the past two decades. From the "Meet the Parents" franchise to "Analyze This" and "The Score" he's had his shares of hits. He's also had his share of successful singles and doubles (as they are considered by studios) such as "Heat," "Cop Land," "Wag the Dog," "Ronin," "Righteous Kill" and "Limitless." What he hasn't been able to do - most of the time - is remind critics or his peers of what a great actor he is in those hits.  De Niro hasn't earned an Oscar nomination since 1992 since "Cape Fear" and his only SAG nomination in the history of the 19-year-old SAG Awards is as part of the ensemble for "Marvin's Room." That will all change with his fantastic supporting turn in David O'Russell's crowd-pleasing "Silver Lining Playbook."  "Playbook" should be a strong commercial player and has already provided De Niro with some of his best reviews in years. The question is: Can he follow up any combo success from this film in 2013's "Killing Season," "Malavita," "The Comedian" or "Las Vegas"?  The answer is unclear.

- Gregory Ellwood