Joy (5/3/2016)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Isabella Rossellini and Robert De Niro

Directed by David O. Russell (American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook)

This film lived up to its title.

Joy is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.

David O. Russell is the real deal. There is no question that he is one of today’s top filmmakers, and he’s only made seven films in the past two decades. The story lines range from the opportunities of war (Three Kings) to the art of the con (American Hustle).

This film once again stars Hollywood’s golden girl, Jennifer Lawrence, as the real-life entrepreneur Joy Mangano. She is so believable as a young mother struggling with her dysfunctional family, mounting debt and questionable invention. Bradley Cooper is QVC boss Neil Walker, and once again compliments Lawrence perfectly. The rest of the cast, including Robert De Niro and Isabella Rossellini are fun to watch.

In telling of Mangano’s rags-to-riches story, Russell makes us care about Joy and her battle to overcome so many obstacles. We find ourselves relating to her and cheering for her almost immediately.

There is no doubt the film makers have embellished quite a bit to keep our interest and the plot moving. After all when you strip everything away, it is a story about an entrepreneur and a mop.

It may not be the most fascinating story of the year, but it is also a fascinating film…especially for date night. For me it was a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is fairly mild for a PG-13 rating. There is no sex or nudity and only one F word. Although, I think the overall tone and themes of the film lend itself to be more of an adult movie.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How would you describe the relationship between Joy and her family?


2. How would you describe the things her family say to her?


3. How would you describe the things you say to people around you?

Read Ephesians 4:29

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.


4. What can you do this week to encourage those around you with your words?