_**Surprisingly good, sometimes great, and more balanced than its reputation**_ The movie details the life of Joan Crawford (played by Faye Dunaway) from 1939 until her death in 1977. The focus is on her complicated relationship with her adopted daughter Christina (portrayed by Mara Hobel & Diana Scarwid). “Mommie Dearest” (1981) has been called ‘controversial’ because it presents what the filmmakers claim to b…