Lovely - though rich and quiet, a powerful Life Choices type adventure

Rating: 10/10 (26 December 2015)

Unexpected pleasure. Jennifer Lawrence drew me in; then the depth and "truth" of the story got me to enjoy it all. I read some negative notices saying it was "boring." I can see why a nervous person might say that - this movie is about that deep place inside us where we make our life choices. That may not be a thrill like a car chase or a shoot-out, but it was immensely more engaging.
I don't care if this is a faithful biopic or not. It might be - but it doesn't matter. The script and narrative were about the heart - make that Heart. Life often sucks; sometimes disappointment could easily be life's middle name. This story was about a woman who slogged through the pile of doodoo life dealt her, found the family and love and joy (and all that good stuff) that is at the core of us all, made the tough, life affirming choices and persevered until strength and happiness (and grace) were her real, genuine experience.
Robert Di Niro's character was a bit of a bully - passive-aggressively, AND aggressively. I like cheerier stories, and would have chosen to eliminate that character, or at least his prominence in the story. Same with her mother, and Peg, the half sister. But to the character Joy's credit, she tolerated them all, without undue fuss and without rancor. My first impulse would not have been to do that - and I found Joy's forgiveness and grace inspiring.
Overall, excellent movie. I am surprised the poo-pooers had the gall to post their whiny little cries of "boring!" and "what's the POINT?" online, for the whole world to see how shallow and dull they are. Oh well, takes all kinds, I guess.
Lastly - I think it must be time for director David O. Russell's recent cinematic shtick to be over. That is, the Di Niro, Lawrence, Cooper trio thing is on the edge of becoming tiresome. All are so talented - but they need to move on to higher and brighter pastures, with different people. IMHO