Film No. 91 (2015) Joy December 19th.

Film No. 91 (2015) December 19th.  10.45 AM LUNA Leederville. 

"You know what you are, you're like a gas leak, you're silently killing us all." (Rudy (Robert DeNiro) Tells his ex-wife Mimi (Diane Ladd) how he feels)

Joy Mangano is a real person who did in fact invent The Miracle Mop. Legend has it, she also has a family who could be described as somewhat unconventional, but hey, who hasn't. The real Joy is known to be a very private person who gives little away when it comes to personal matters. Which makes a tale about a mysterious but enterprising lady all the more intriguing.


Enter Joy the movie. David O'Russell teams up with Jennifer Lawrence (Joy) and Bradley Cooper (Neil Walker) once again (American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook) to present for us an entertaining fairy-tale version of what it was, through his eyes to be Joy Mangano in the years where family life was tough and she seemed to be the only one "pulling her weight".


Who can resist a well told rags to riches story. Cinderella sets such a wonderful foundation for so many heartfelt narratives but in 2015 we have screen writers and actors who add sophistication to  story-telling. O'Russell may not perform on screen but his screenplay and subsequent direction of this film is a Joy to behold. He has created a colourful, funny, vibrant, classy, entertaining film. For me it tops both Hustle and Playbook which is high praise considering the awards bestowed upon both films.


I suggest you don't read anything about the real Joy Mangano before seeing Joy, save that until after you've taken in the O'Russell version. Most of all however luxuriate in the brilliant interplay between family members DeNiro (father), Rossillini (at times wicked step mother), Madsen (mean sister) and Ladd (mum). Cooper is not as significant as the trailer may suggest but Lawrence is excellent as Joy. It is hard to believe how far this young actor has come since A Winter's Bone, she is a wonderful talent. 9GUMS.