David O. Russell’s latest feature
is the kinda-sorta biopic dramedy ‘Joy,’ inspired by the real life
rags-to-riches story of infomercial queen Joy Mangano, the
inventor-turned-entrepreneur familiar to QVC and HSN shoppers. Mangano should be honored that she is played
by none other than the wonderful, fabulous, lovely and talented Jennifer
Lawrence, who delivered yet another solid and memorable performance.
Through three films (‘Silver
Linings Playbook,’ ‘American Hustle’ and this one), it is easy to see how
Lawrence has become Russell’s muse and favorite go-to actress. In ‘Joy,’ she is reunited with two actors who
starred in previous David O. Russell movies, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. ‘Joy’ is not always a joy to watch as we
follow the struggles of an underachieving former high school valedictorian
single mother trying to raise her young ones while having to live with her
deadbeat soap-watching mom and insufferable dad (De Niro), but for all that
baggage her journey is no less a testament to the American entrepreneurial and
never-say-die spirit.
‘Joy’ is the story of the woman
who invented the self-wringing “Miracle Mop,” but it’s also a story of how,
with the right combination of ingenuity, determination, timing and no small
amount of luck, the elusive “American Dream” can be realized. While ‘Joy’ falls short compared to his two
previous efforts, it nevertheless demonstrates once again that David O. Russell
is one of the best storytellers working in Hollywood today.
Grade: B+
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