Saturday 2 January 2016

FILM: Joy (dir: David O. Russell, 2016)

"I don't need a prince."

This is a simple classic Hollywood rags-to-riches fable with a surprising amount of whimsy.  This paean to 'trapped' housewives and the American Dream shows Russell's usual bravura direction and storytelling skills, but it is Lawrence in the central role who sells the whole enterprise, and it is surprising just how much the audience grows to care about her character by the end of the second act.  As ever, Russell creates a great ensemble, with notable support from Bradley Cooper in a well-judged performance and De Niro on good form.  The Russell style and key players might be familiar, but nevertheless Joy delivers well.

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