…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.

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

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.

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.