Joy

[Chipsandsalad]

I'm going to confess straight up that I actually went to see Joy because Bradley Cooper was in it. Having said that, I was all consumed by the storyline especially as it was based on a true story. It's about mops, but so not about mops IYSWIM.

I thought it was quite a lightweight, but an entertaining, inspirational story which Jennifer Lawrence nails beautifully.

Anyone else seen it?

[ApologiesToInsectLife]

I haven't seen it as I heard it got awful reviews. I don't have the Bradley love but I could watch Jennifer Laurence in anything so I might give it a go! Is DeNiro doing his usual lacklustre acting that he seems to excel at these days?

[HanSolo]

I haven't seen it, however, I have a friend called Joy who has v v similar hair to how JL has it in the posters, and I was so confused the first time I saw one!
I thought someone had done it for a Christmas thing

[MrsClusterfuck]

I saw it and really enjoyed it. Jennifer Lawrence is fab as always (wish I had legs like her). It's an unusual film but David Russell's 'style' as a director.

Hopefully not but just in case SPOILERS:
The dysfunctional, abusive family really resonated with me although I've heard lots of people complain about why Joy wasn't stronger with them (which I'm sure anyone whose read our Relationships board will understand why). De Niro's character which is 'need' to be in love was familiar to me aswell. I'm not a fan of Bradley Cooper and thought he cruised through the role which was a shame.

I think anyone who has experienced a broken family dynamic will understand and enjoy the film more than someone who hasn't (I hate to say it but the biggest critics of the film I've seen online are men, which I find interesting). I certainly thought it was better than American Hustle.

[sneakyhobbitses]

I've seen some strange criticisms of it, much of which I disagree with. I thought it was far better than Silver Linings Playbook or American Hustle. Jennifer Lawrence was amazing, Cooper was oversold to say he was only in it for about ten minutes. Loved the narration too.

[SixtyFootDoll]

I really enjoyed it, I thought Jennifer L was fantastic.
I found it really moving at times, felt sad for the dreams I had as a girl that I gave up on.

I loved Isabella Rossellini.
Thought the direction was very clever, especially the soap opera splices.

[Abominablebride]

I've seen it and enjoyed it.

Spoiler:

Wish my hair would look as good as that if I hacked it off myself

[rookiemere]

Jennifer Lawrence as always gave a sterling performance.

However I thought it was a bit lacking in plot and I found most of it depressing rather than uplifting. Oh and the ex husband looked so like a young Simon Le Bon - must look out for him in more things, and was such a sweetie and so supportive you did wonder why they got divorced.

There were lots of discordant bits for me. i felt the Grandma voice over bit was really schmalzy and cheapened the film particularly at the part where she died ( sorry spoiler) .

It wasn't a bad film, but a bit like American Hustle a bit overrated and I forgot most of it instantly on leaving the cinema.

[beaverbill]

I honestly thought it was the most boring film that I have ever seen!

[MitzyLeFrouf]

Desperately boring film. Not a high point for any of the actors involved.

[BathtimeFunkster]

I enjoyed it.

It's funny and entertaining.

I thought the dysfunctional family was really well drawn - tgey were likeable while being infuriating.

Jennifer Lawrence was as good as she always is, but I thought she was too you for the role.

It's very hard to buy a beautiful woman in her mid 20s as washed up and on her last chance in life.

Robert De Niro was as good as I've seen him in anything for years.

It wasn't amazing. There were things I didn't like - such as the mannered and meaningless soap opera bits.

But I liked it.

Admittedly out of the 5 women I went with, only 2 of us did.

[BathtimeFunkster]

Yes, agree rookie, the voiceover was dire.

[19lottie82]

I went to see it. Wasn't that impressed to be honest, although JL was excellent. It was pretty boring! I'm not sure who thought the story merited being made in to a movie!

[Abetes]

So boring. Jennifer Lawrence is good but the film is tedious.

[liinyo]

I saw it last week. It really wasn't very good apart from the soap opera/fantasy segments,the back stage scenes at QVC and the eternally watchable Jennifer Lawrence. The voice over was particularly dire and reminiscent of the worst sort of TV movie.
I kept waiting for it to get to the point but it never happened. I am at a loss as to why anyone thought it would be a good storyline. But still about 90 times better than The Revenant.