Yet another ‘based of a true story’ movie, which seem to be second only to the number of super hero movies at the moment, and yet another collaboration between Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and director David O.Russell so the bar is set high from the start. Unfortunately while not being a bad movie in itself this lacks the heart of Silver Linings Playbook and the style of American Hustle so it falls a bit flat in comparison.

Lawrence stars as Joy Mangano, a separated mother who struggles to juggle her chaotic home life and work life with the ever growing needs of her family and who’s life seems to be a roller coaster of ups and downs with each down dragging her further into the mire until such time as she manages to invent a ‘wonder mop’ which looks like it’s the answer to all her prayers. Of course it wouldn’t be a Russell movie unless there was a sting in the tale but, one with the promise of a final last chance at self redemption which is grasped with both hands when Joy finally decides to stop listening to the negativity and bad advise which has plagued her life and finally realises who she can turn to.

The cast here does a great job with each family member adding their own quirks which contributes to paint a picture of a completely dysfunctional household. Bradley Cooper is very underutilised but believable as a QVC executive who takes a punt on Joy’s product, De Niro is more central as her cynical father yet plays the role with almost a quiet reluctance which adds character but it’s Lawrence who takes centre stage and, despite playing an older, more mature woman in her role, gives a superbly believable performance through both the highs and lows and steals every scene she is in.

DJ Speaks Rating: 6 out of 10