Joy is the story of a young woman who overcomes a very dysfunctional family to follow her dream. Along the way, almost every imaginable business problem cascades on Joy. Most people would have given up. Joy doesn’t. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is Oscar-worthy. The reviews for Joy have been mixed. It doesn’t have the wackiness of Silver Linings Playbook or American Hustle. Joy shows the frustrations and disappointments of trying to succeed in business. I’m going to encourage my business students to go see Joy. And, I’m going to encourage you to see Joy, too! GRADE: A-
Since I’m still coughing, and haven’t seen Star Wars yet, I think this will have to wait for netflix. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve used her huggable hangers for years, and just bought a miracle mop.
Maggie, I’m going to offer EXTRA CREDIT to my students if they go see JOY. Great case study in how Real Business works. Get well soon!
Jackie is complaining about Jennifer Lawrence getting nominated again – she hasn’t seen this yet, of course – while supposedly “deserving” actors were overlooked. (Her choice for nomination wasn’t black; it was Lily Tomlin in GRANDMA.) I told her, 1. see it first, and 2. I love Jennifer Lawrence and would have given her another Oscar for AMERICAN HUSTLE had I had the vote.
Besides, looking at the 5 nominees without seeing the movies, Jennifer isn’t the first one I’d eliminate. Cate Blanchett has won twice, including the year after Jennifer Lawrence. And isn’t the consensus that this is Brie Larson’s year?
Jeff, Jennifer Lawrence will win Jackie over when she sees JOY. It’s an astonishing performance. Brie Larson might win the Oscar. But Jennifer’s performance is just as good.
Silly me. I thought the Oscar was for best performance, not who had won most or recently. Barbara has now seen 2 of the nominated films, SPOTLIGHT and THE REVENANT. She liked them both, but REVENANT best. As for JOY and Lawrence, I’ve seen none of her films, but it’s obvious she not just a pretty face.
As to the complaints about a lack of nominations of African-American actors, I thought the Oscar was for best performance, not best acting by a minority….
Rick, the OSCARS (and all awards) are basically about Marketing. Movies that are nominated for awards take in more money. Stars that are nominated for awards tend to make more money (and are offered better roles). It’s about the money, not the performance.
I suspect this will be one awkward Oscar ceremony. Chris Rock was selected to host before the lily- white nominations were announced. Rock– who always strikes me as a “hunt with the hounds, run with the hares” kinda guy–is probably kicking himself for agreeing to host and almost being put in an Uncle Tom position. And I have to say that for the first time in over 40 years, I haven’t even seen ONE nominated movie (I usually manage to squeeze at least one in) and I’m not that excited about the ceremony either.
The only sure thing is Leonardo Di Caprio. I think all other awards are up for grabs.
Deb, you would enjoy JOY. You would cry at ROOM. You would be really really angry after you saw THE BIG SHORT and SPOTLIGHT. You would laugh with INSIDE OUT. And you would be thrilled with MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. I think 2015 was an excellent year for good movies.
I can see its appeal for its lessons in business, but I think she needs to start playing age appropriate parts or she might win for Grandma next year,
Patti, some of the lessons in business in JOY are priceless. Lesson One: don’t let your family get involved.
Not on my must-see list but will reconsider.
Jennifer Lawrence always does a good job.
Beth, you and Joe would find JOY fascinating. Most people would have given up a dozen times as the problems cascade down. But JOY keeps fighting. It’s an inspiring story.
I agree, she’s just 25 and some of these roles are clearly meant to be quite a bit older.
Jeff, my students criticized Jennifer Lawrence for THE HUNGER GAMES movies because she’s supposed to be a teenager! Too young, too old. I just think Jennifer Lawrence is terrific!
George, Jennifer Lawrence seems to be cut out for such roles. The film hasn’t come to my parts yet.
Prashant, be sure to put JOY and THE BIG SHORT at the top of your SEE REAL SOON movie list when they arrive in your neighborhood.