The more one meditates on David O. Russell’s “Joy,” the more its fairy tale, magical qualities begin to blossom. That’s evident on a first watch, but it’s also apparent that in some ways “Joy,” starring Jennifer Lawrence as a put upon mom living under the roof of an exasperating family, is a “Cinderella” tale without the prince. Isabella Rossellini is like the evil step-mom, Elisabeth Rohm is certainly a cruel stepsister, Diane Ladd is the fairy godmother character, and Robert De Niro is maybe more a composite of cruel, but slightly loving paternal figures (read our review).
READ MORE: Review: David O. Russell’s Bold And Vibrant ‘Joy’ Starring Jennifer Lawrence
It’s a bit of a manic, overstuffed film, but there’s a lot of bold feeling and heart to it, not to mention terrific performances from the aforementioned cast. The film already did strong $7 million dollar business on Friday night and is expected to earn a solid $20 million this weekend, a strong and necessary start for a movie that reportedly cost $60 million.
Will it be part of the Oscar conversation? I would think so, and just remember that Academy voters and critics groups — who mostly ignored the film — are two different groups of people. With “Joy” in theaters now, 20th Century Fox released two more clips — including one with Lawrence and Edgar Ramirez singing Nancy and Frank Sinatra’s “Something Stupid" — a “Real Joy” featurette about the woman the movie is based on, some teaser clips of the dream sequence soap operas employed in the film, plus a bevy of new photos. Watch below and we hope you’re having some happy holidays.
