Review of "Joker 2" – A Disappointing Follow-Up to a Brilliant Original
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| Image Copyright: Warner Brothers, Warner Bros Pictures, DC and DC Studios |
Acting and Performances:
There’s no denying that Joaquin Phoenix once again gives a powerful performance as Arthur Fleck. His portrayal of the Joker still exudes the same chilling intensity that made the first film remarkable. However, no matter how strong the acting was, it couldn't save the movie from a plot that felt more disjointed than cohesive. Often during Joker: Folie A Deux by talented actors, fellow supporting characters are underutilized and one-dimensional as if they were merely added to fill the space around Phoenix's Joker rather than contribute to the narrative.
Storyline and Direction:
One of my biggest grievances with "Joker: Folie à Deux" lies in its direction. What was once a grounded, character-driven exploration of mental illness and societal neglect has now turned into a muddled narrative that struggles to find its footing. The sequel attempted to tackle multiple themes but never fully committed to any of them. This lack of focus led to a film that dragged on at times, feeling more like an overly long character study that forgot its main story.
The pacing was uneven, with moments that built tension but failed to deliver any satisfying payoff. Instead of feeling gripped by the story, I found myself checking the time, waiting for something substantial to happen. The original film thrived on its ability to keep the audience on edge, but this sequel loses that magic, turning what could have been an intense follow-up into a drawn-out experience.
Visuals and Cinematography:
Visually, "Joker: Folie à Deux" retained some of the haunting, beautifully bleak aesthetics of the first movie "Joker". However, even the cinematography felt like a retread of familiar territory. Where the first film used its visuals to complement the slow unraveling of Arthur's mind, the sequel's use of similar techniques felt more of the same rather than offering something new or innovative. It lacked the sharpness and originality that made the original film’s visuals stand out.
Music and Atmosphere:
The score for "Joker: Folie à Deux" did its best to create the same sense of dread and discomfort that was so effective in the first film. While it hit the right notes in some scenes, it often fell flat in others. The atmosphere, which was supposed to be oppressive and dark, ended up feeling almost monotonous at times, contributing to the overall sense of boredom that plagued large portions of the movie.
What Could Have Been:
There were several moments throughout the film where I found myself wishing things had been different. I wanted to see more development of the supporting cast, more focus on a central theme, and a plot that flowed more naturally from scene to scene. The Joker is such an iconic character with so much untapped potential, and it’s disappointing to see that potential wasted on a movie that feels like a shadow of its predecessor.
Instead of expanding on what made the original so successful, "Joker: Folie à Deux" doubles down on the same tricks, but with diminishing returns. I longed for deeper character arcs, more engaging storytelling, and a sense of growth from the first film – but sadly, those elements were missing. It felt like a missed opportunity to take the Joker’s story to new and unexpected places.
Final Thoughts:
"Joker: Folie à Deux" ultimately feels like an unnecessary sequel to a film that stood perfectly on its own. Where the first movie left a lasting impact with its raw portrayal of a man descending into madness, the sequel feels hollow by comparison. Despite some standout moments and strong performances, it’s hard not to feel let down by a film that could have been so much more. For me, "Joker: Folie à Deux" ranks as one of the biggest disappointments in comic book movie history, since "Madame Web" which was released earlier this year and it’s likely the least enjoyable film I’ve seen this year. I give it a 2.5 out of 10.
