Film Preview: Joy (2015)

Page Revisions:

(July 26, 2015) Original
(October 25, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Poster (#1)
(December 20, 2015) New Posters (#2 & #3)

Release Date:

December 25, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.”

Poster Rating: C / C / C+

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Review: (#1) It’s simplistic, which is an asset as the wonder at the joy of snowfall is a symbolic representation of the film. However, there’s so much more that could be said and done with a design for this film and I don’t feel this is it.

(#2) This is a little more interesting than the first design, but they’re both so simple that they’re almost ineffectual. (#3) Adding a little spice to the design gives it a little more visual flare, but things still don’t seem that exciting.

Trailer Rating: B+ / B+

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Review: (#1) The story isn’t given much attention here, but we’re given just enough of a tease to expect something rather striking from Jennifer Lawrence. Her performance is highlighted very well, though her co-stars don’t get enough attention. It should suffice for a first trailer.

(#2) This expands on the first trailer slightly, giving us a few more details about the plot for the film. It doesn’t suggest a more vivid or more enticing film than the previous trailer, but it doesn’t make the film look worse, which is an asset.

Oscar Prospects:

David O. Russell has managed an unusual feat, directing four actors in his last two films to Oscar nominations. That feat may not be replicated this time around, but the film is sure to be a major Oscar contender with Jennifer Lawrence again in the hunt for Best Actress with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro also contending. The film itself might be Russell’s best chance at a victory, but I suspect the film will come up empty-handed.