Rated R
Opens: October 4, 2024
Kevin says Joker: Folie À Deux kinda rocks!
In 2019, Todd Phillips’ JOKER offered a look into the mind of a killer from DC’s Batman comics.
Now, JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX continues the story of Arthur Fleck as he faces Gotham’s justice system. In Arkham Asylum, he meets the mysterious Harleen Quinzel, and she latches onto him for his infamy.
There are some very strong elements here, including compelling performances by both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. The grim cinematography has a beautiful, gritty look. And the movie channels films like THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST.
However, it also stumbles by not quite nailing the homage like the first film did with Scorsese’s TAXI DRIVER and THE KING OF COMEDY.
Purporting to be a musical version of a twisted romance, the songs are well constructed but overstay their welcome. And that’s a shame because those are some of the best moments in the film. Unfortunately, they put a drag on the bloated running time, which clocks in at well over two hours.
Ultimately worth a look, but loaded with problems, JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX gets three playing cards out of five. I’m Kevin Carr, and that’s the way I see it.
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