Joy

     The latest collaboration between Writer/director David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, and Bradley Cooper. "Joy" is based on the true story of Joy Mangano, a self made entrepreneur,  who created the "Miracle Mop". 

       Mr. O. Russell was not interested in a simple bio and instead stylizes Joy's story into a bigger than life fable. Mr. De Niro plays her father, Virginia Madsen plays her mother, Edgar Ramirez, her ex-husband Tony and Diane Ladd, her grandmother.  It is a very dysfunctional family and the movie begins in a state of chaos.

       When she gets the idea for her mop,  Joy asks her divorced father's new girlfriend, played by Isabella Rosselllini, to invest in her invention.  Initially things do not go well but once she meets Neil Walker, an executive at QVC, played with confidence by Bradley Cooper, things begin to turn around.

          The film is a testament to one woman's resolve but it's a universal tale that will empower women everywhere. Joy is a force to be reckoned with and watching her personal growth throughout the film, you can't help but root for her. Ms. Lawrence carries the film on her back with ease. She continues to grow as an actress with every film. 

            I am a fan of Mr. O. Russell but I didn't find "Joy" to be his best work. The acting is first rate but I found his direction odd at times and the story didn't quite resonant with me. Of course I am not a young entrepreneurial woman but I did go in with an open mind.