It's glossy, light viewing and easy to see where it's going before it even gets started. The filmmakers adeptly play with the classic rags to riches formula, effectively holding your attention if not offering many surprises.
Lots of plot points seemed overly convenient and unrealistic, which is odd given the film's basis on a nearly banal true story. I'm sure many liberties were taken with the truth to fit the exaggerated "always darkest before the dawn" story arc they were aiming to achieve.
As a living embodiment of unattainable celebrity perfection, it's interesting how Jennifer Lawrence continues to pursue these underdog roles. It's a testament to her craft that she can convincingly portray these downtrodden characters without a hair on her head ever feeling out of place. It's a little less convincing that the 25 year old would be a mother of three, already pushed to her breaking point by life.
The moral of the film seems a little shallow. Much like the problematic Ugly Duckling fable, it's only really comforting if you're a lucky swan, while the majority of us will live on as crappy ducks. Finding inspiration in this film feels akin to being inspired by someone who's won the lottery. I understand Joy worked hard for what she achieved, but so do a lot of people who will never end up multi-millionaires. More than anything, it highlights the fundamental flaw at the core of the American dream.
Lots of plot points seemed overly convenient and unrealistic, which is odd given the film's basis on a nearly banal true story. I'm sure many liberties were taken with the truth to fit the exaggerated "always darkest before the dawn" story arc they were aiming to achieve.
As a living embodiment of unattainable celebrity perfection, it's interesting how Jennifer Lawrence continues to pursue these underdog roles. It's a testament to her craft that she can convincingly portray these downtrodden characters without a hair on her head ever feeling out of place. It's a little less convincing that the 25 year old would be a mother of three, already pushed to her breaking point by life.
The moral of the film seems a little shallow. Much like the problematic Ugly Duckling fable, it's only really comforting if you're a lucky swan, while the majority of us will live on as crappy ducks. Finding inspiration in this film feels akin to being inspired by someone who's won the lottery. I understand Joy worked hard for what she achieved, but so do a lot of people who will never end up multi-millionaires. More than anything, it highlights the fundamental flaw at the core of the American dream.