Joy

"Joy is a misfire, no questions asked. A crushing bore of a film from a director who has shown he's capable of so much more."

"Heartbreaking, uplifting, liberating...Joy makes you instill faith in your abilities once again. It has that 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006) feel to it."

"Unfortunately Russell's craft here is not as luminous as it was in 'Silver Linings Playbook.' But even though it's a hustle at best, it manages to spread out enough charm to keep you engaged."

"...the film belongs to Lawrence, even if she is perhaps a little too polished. As Russell struggles to get a grip on her role, she at least falls in step pretty efficiently — whether Joy is deeply crestfallen or completely overwhelmed."

"Joy has an engaging beginning, a middling middle and a rather overdone ending. It has its heart in the right place, but should that be enough?"

"Joy could have been a Joyous ride to the Oscars, but fell short of it. Watch the film for Jennifer Lawrence."

"Russell is a genius. It usually takes just one great movie to be called that. He has three. Joy doesn't work and that's disappointing more than anything else."

"Joy is a decent biographical drama anchored by J-Law's performance, but fails to realise its greater ambitions. And J-Law is fine on her own, thank you very much. Don't be surprised if she wipes the floor with all competition to win her second Oscar."

"Even Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper can't save this bland film..."

"The joy in this 124-minute drama comes from watching the fabulously chosen cast play off each other. Joy shares with Russell's previous feature, American Hustle, a loose and improvisational quality and a light-headed and slightly manic approach to storytelling."

"Though it may not feature over-the-top dramatic scenes or a 'cha-ching' moment, the film is honest, simple and uplifting. Don't miss this one!"