The highly anticipated sequel to Joker (2019), titled Joker: Folie à Deux, hit theaters on October 4, 2024, and has sparked a polarized reaction from both critics and audiences. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film reintroduces Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck, with Lady Gaga co-starring as Harley Quinn, and blends psychological drama with unexpected musical elements. However, this creative leap has generated mixed to negative reactions, with many viewers feeling the film strayed too far from the tone of its predecessor.
A Bold Concept Gone Awry?
Joker: Folie à Deux faced considerable skepticism from the moment it was announced, particularly due to the decision to transform the gritty Joker universe into a musical. While some found the risk-taking nature of the film intriguing, the result has left many fans disappointed. The movie currently holds a dismal 39% on Rotten Tomatoes, a sharp drop from the 61% it garnered during early reviews, as per Forbes, following its Venice Film Festival premiere. This rating, which places it far below the 69% score of its 2019 predecessor, reflects the overall discontent surrounding the film.
The audience score is no better, with many verified users expressing frustration. One reviewer, Paul, gave the film just one star, stating, “Every scene was singing, and the movie revolved around it, which was so annoying.” Another echoed this sentiment, describing the movie as “A Star Is Born: Joker Edition,” highlighting how the film’s musical sequences distracted from the narrative. The consensus among viewers seems to be that the film’s slower pace and lack of action, particularly in the first half, detracted from the tense, unsettling atmosphere that made Joker a success.
Mixed Critical Reception
While some critics praised the film for its ambition and performances, many reviews have been equally scathing. Manohia Dargis of The New York Times called the movie a “half-baked, half-hearted musical,” while Audrey Fox of Looper went even further, labeling Folie à Deux as a “chaotic, profoundly stupid mess.” Richard Roeper of The Chicago Sun-Times also criticized the sequel, remarking that it “feels like we’ve seen this show before, only without the musical numbers.”
Even positive reviews acknowledged the film’s divisiveness. The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab awarded the film four stars, praising the brutal ending and Phoenix’s powerful portrayal of Arthur Fleck, but these positive takes are clearly in the minority.
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga Shine Amidst the Chaos
Despite the widespread criticism, Phoenix and Gaga’s performances are consistently praised. Joaquin Phoenix once again brings an unnerving intensity to the role of Arthur Fleck, while Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn (or Lee Quinzel) adds a fresh dynamic to the character. Some critics highlighted the chemistry between the two leads as one of the film’s strongest elements. For instance, one reviewer wrote, “Gaga and Joaquin shine as The Joker and Harley Quinn,” while others commended Gaga for her musical performances despite the controversial format.
Phoenix’s physical transformation for the role is another standout. Known for his dedication, Phoenix underwent significant weight loss to reprise his role, though he admitted that the preparation for the sequel felt “more complicated” due to the extensive dance rehearsals that accompanied the film’s musical sequences.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores Reflect a Growing Discontent
The film’s rapidly declining Rotten Tomatoes rating has become a topic of discussion, with Folie à Deux dropping to 39% on Rotten Tomatoes as more reviews pour in. This is a significant departure from the first Joker, which went on to earn 11 Academy Award nominations, two wins, and over $1 billion at the box office. The lower score reflects widespread frustration with the film’s unusual genre shift. Verified audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes have also been harsh, with many accusing the film of being “boring,” “tedious,” and “a pointless sequel.”
User reviews have frequently highlighted how the musical elements felt out of place in the Joker universe. One audience member, Stefan G., praised Phoenix and Gaga but criticized the film’s “anticlimactic” ending. Another user labeled the film a “folly of a movie,” feeling that the musical numbers “halted the film” rather than advancing the plot.
Box Office Woes and a $190 Million Gamble
The film’s unusual genre mix and polarized reception have raised concerns about its box-office potential. Joker: Folie à Deux reportedly had a budget of around $190 million and is tracking for a modest $50 million opening weekend, far below what might be expected for such a high-profile sequel. Given that the film needs to gross an estimated $475 million to break even, the negative word of mouth could severely hamper its financial success.
Director Todd Phillips, who had initially captured lightning in a bottle with Joker (2019), has hinted that this may be his last venture in the DC universe. He recently stated that his “time in the DC universe” is done, signaling that he may be distancing himself from what is turning out to be a highly contentious sequel.
A Divisive Finale to a Bold Franchise
Joker: Folie à Deux is undoubtedly a polarizing film, with its bold attempt to merge musical elements with dark, psychological drama alienating many fans of the original Joker. While Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s performances are widely praised, the film’s tonal shift and clunky execution have left audiences frustrated and divided. The film’s falling Rotten Tomatoes score only highlights its mixed reception, with many questioning the necessity of this sequel.
For some, it’s a creative misfire that tarnishes the legacy of the original film, while others find merit in its ambition and artistry. Whether it becomes a cult favorite or fades into obscurity as a failed experiment remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that Joker fans didn’t get the sequel they were expecting.
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