First ‘Joker 2’ reviews range from ‘brilliant’ to ‘punishment’

The world premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked some mixed reactions, with critics divided on Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker and Lady Gaga’s take on Harley Quinn.

Initial Reactions

Director Todd Phillips’ sequel to the 2019 Oscar-winning DC Comics blockbuster Joker made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, where reviews ranged from strongly positive to downright critical.

Critics’ Reviews

IndieWire’s David Ehrlich was not impressed, describing the film as deliberately boring and a form of punishment for the audience. He criticized Phillips for underutilizing the talented cast, including Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn.

Similarly, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian felt that the film missed the mark, lacking depth and failing to bring anything new to the character of the Joker.

BBC’s Nicholas Barber called the film a dreary slog, while Owen Gleiberman of Variety suggested that the new narrative diminishes the Joker’s mystique, making him less compelling this time around.

Praise for the Film

Despite the criticism, Pete Hammond of Deadline praised the movie for its musical elements, calling it a brilliant return to the world of madness. He also commended Lady Gaga for her low-key portrayal of Harley.

The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney also highlighted the film’s musical numbers as a strong point, wishing there were more of them to elevate the overall experience.

What to Expect

Joker: Folie à Deux follows Arthur Fleck’s return as the Joker, now confined in Arkham Asylum where he meets Harley Quinn. Together, they embark on a destructive path through Gotham City, accompanied by elaborate musical sequences.

Conclusion

While opinions on Joker: Folie à Deux are divided, the film promises an intriguing blend of chaos, music, and madness in the world of the Joker and Harley Quinn.

FAQs

Q: When does Joker: Folie à Deux open in theaters?
A: The film is set to premiere on October 4th.

Q: Who plays the character of Harvey Dent in the film?
A: Harry Lawtey, known for his role in Industry, portrays Harvey Dent in Joker: Folie à Deux.

Q: What was the reception of the original Joker film by critics and audiences?
A: The original Joker film received mixed reviews from critics but was well-received by audiences, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office and earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor.

Credit: ew.com