Movie Review - Joker: Folie a Deux
Joker: Folie a Deux somehow manages to deliver one of the worst franchise movies in 2024.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aBOnVAnC1mrkYpK8kydxs?si=wXAxxgCsSd-M8GME7wt9_A
Lucky us, we got a sequel to the cinematic incel power ballad Joker. The first movie was a great example of representation for people with a persecution complex and the sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux, is all about that group's biggest nightmare: being held accountable for their actions.
Without getting too deep into spoilers (check out the embedded podcast for that) this movie is an absolute dumpster fire. Lady Gaga is present but not given a ton to do to the point where she is basically an object for Arthur to desire. The movie looks like this was done cheaper than the original when it somehow cost $200 million ($10 million more than Dune Part Two). The musical numbers are boring and uninspired. The plotholes from the first are larger and more prevalent than the first but without the potential narrative device from the original to explain them away (those things happened in Arthur's delusion, not real life) is not only not present here but explicitly revoked from the previous movie.
The only reason this movie is not a two is because there are a few moments that work. Specifically, the scene where Arthur goes full Joker in the courtroom and puts on this ridiculous Southern accent mocking films like Inherit the Wind as he acts as his own attorney feels like a legitimate Joker moment. Aside from that, there isn't too much to like about this movie and, mercifully, this seems like the end of the line for this version of Gotham City. Had Madame Web not come out this year, Joker: Folie a Deux would be the worst franchise movie of 2024, and even then I can see the value in watching Madame Web for the unintentional comedic value. Wait for this to hit Max if you have any morbid curiosity but this is not worth watching otherwise.
★★★
Joker: Folie a Deux
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Written by: Scott Silver and Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson, and Catherine Keener
Rating: R
Release Date: October 4th, 2024
