A powerhouse duo – Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga headlining the latest sequel. What could go wrong? I think you may be surprised…
Its predecessor, ‘Joker’ – the 2019 psychological thriller loosely based on DC Comics characters, is a phenomenal film. Dark, somewhat humorous at times but emotionally relatable; touching upon many subjects including mental health, abuse, social status and more. An impactful movie that resonated with many in addition to its comical references for DC fans.
So when we heard that a prequel was in the making, with a Lady Gaga portraying the Joker’s love interest, Harley Quinn; many were excited with high hopes due to the undisputed quality and outstanding performance embodied through Joaquin’s detailed and superior craftsmanship.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ – where do I begin? I booked tickets a couple of weeks in advance due to escalating excitement and FOMO – the simple result of marketing strategy and what can I say, I’m a sucker for a good trailer!
A few days before attending the cinema, I heard that it’s meant to resemble a musical, but again i thought possibly critics may have been harsh and it’s probably a slight exaggeration….
All I can say is thankfully, I bought a great big popcorn and slushy to prize myself away from 2 hours of boredom, one kernel at a time.
When I tell you every 3 minutes was either lady Gaga singing; a duet with Joaquin; and even the joker tap dancing. I repeat, tap dancing. Those are two things I never thought I’d say together in the same sentence. They were belting out notes and vibrato reminiscent of ‘A Star Is Born – Joker Edition’. I couldn’t believe my eyes… or my ears. Is this the joke?
I found myself laughing at the scenes I’m witnessing, whilst questioning my deepest regrets in life… this being up there with one of the worst.
I couldn’t make it up, how could it go from the original 2019 film to this? This farcical, amateur, stage school spin-off has made the Joker into an Andrew Lloyd Webber styled villain. I’m surprised they didn’t supply cue cards to make the experience interactive. The majority of this movie was a PG at a push. High School Musical has more edge.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Lady Gaga as an artist is fab. Multitalented and an all-rounder. The Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix is genius, faultless portrayal. But the two don’t mix. It’s like chalk and cheese. A Star Is Born was a great watch, but it’s impossible to mix the two plots to make a coherent movie.
Maybe I should’ve researched the genre of film beforehand but by assumption, I thought it’d be similar to the 2019 version which is categorised as a thriller. But upon further inspection it’s listed as a ‘jukebox musical/thriller’, which I didn’t even think was possible, my error for the lack of due diligence, clearly.
A huge disappointment and I’m pretty sure Gaga sang more verses than scripted lines. It was a huge Gaga promotional piece; self-indulgent project. If I were Joaquin, I would’ve read through the plot and direction the movie was predicted to take and I would’ve cut my losses.
They’ve not only made a financial loss from the budget, but a mockery of the Joker and the mysterious enigma he is. It makes you query the DC franchise. They’ve taken what made the Joker a classic blockbuster, into ‘The Sound Of Music’ with a twist.
It’s most disappointing and if you’d like my advice? Save your money and time, you can stream Lady Gaga’s latest album ‘Harlequin’ from the comfort of your own home. Trust me, it’s an accurate representation of the film and possibly more enjoyable since you’re not witnessing unbelievably bad drivel on the big screen. What makes it worse if that they almost tripled the budget for this latest film compared to the first. They can’t successfully break-even as of yet. Most the film was set in a so-called prison so don’t ask what the budget was spent on… Gaga’s, astronomical hourly rate?
If you’re into musicals all day everyday, this is your film. Problem here is, majority of theatre fans wouldn’t appreciate seeing graphic imagery of bodily harm.
It’s a combination which personally, doesn’t work.
But on the upside, I did enjoy my popcorn. Regretfully, I didn’t count each which would’ve made the time fly by. But since the wet paint was drying in the cinema foyer, I would’ve preferred to watch that. At least there’s a purpose to it.
What do you think? Have you seen any of the Joker movies? Are you a DC fan? And most importantly, sweet or salty popcorn? Trust me, you can tell a lot about someone by their popcorn choice you know. Comment below!
Beauty File 
The last time I like anything Joker was the original Batman series. It’s become far too creepy for me. 💀
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It was terrible, I repeat – terrible. I’ll never get those hours back. If you’re into a theatrics and a sing-a-long instead of a classic DC origin, this is the movie or should I say ‘concert’, for you😂.
I’m glad you won’t waste your time like I did mine. It was a painful watch!😂🤍
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This shows how far out of the loop I am when it comes to contemporary culture (as opposed to contemporary geopolitics).
I didn’t even know that Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga had made a movie together until I read your review just now.
The last time I watched a movie which had the Joker in it was one in which Jack Nicholson played the Joker 🃏.
Of course I had heard of later films such as one with Heath Ledger (which I believe was made in 2007) and the 2019 version with Joaquin Phoenix for which he won an Oscar.
I haven’t watched the Oscars in years but I did read about Joaquin’s acceptance speech for his 2019 performance as the Joker.
I don’t remember what the exact quote was but I do remember Joaquin Phoenix made some sort of political statement in his acceptance speech that I strongly disagreed with.
And I remember thinking after reading it, “What a moron and an imbecile this Joaquin Phoenix is.”
As are most Hollywood celebrities when it comes to politics (the only ones I generally agree with are Jon Voight and Mel Gibson).
They should just keep their mouths shut about politics since they seem to know sweet F.A. about it.
And speaking of sweet, I like my popcorn 🍿 salty.
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Haha don’t worry, this is a loop I wish I never knew or heard about!
I had hoped it’d be a powerhouse duo but instead being an all-time flop.
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal was simply genius and Heath Ledger’s depiction was remarkable and the versions I’m most familiar with.
Yes, I can understand it’s far easier to applaud an actor for their work but not so much their personal beliefs as at the end of the day, it’s their job. One’s craft shouldn’t be used as an opportunity to propel their political agenda’s and/or views.
Ohh no, salty popcorn shouldn’t be allowed! Whoever invented it needs to be assessed I tell you😂🍿🤍
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Oof. How can anyone mess up a Joker story? It’s an incredibly creative and intriguing character!
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Precisely! And with tap-dancing of all things🤦♀️. From now on, I will rethink any DC related choices from this point forward👎
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Have you noticed how many directors now steal from one another in modern movies (as opposed to the days when actors and actresses kept their clothes on and could act?) In the movie ‘Save the last Dance’ great movie storyline but Julia Stiles was badly cast – they should have picked a dancer/actress, dancers move differently on stage – watch Julie Andrews how she moves around the stage even when not in a musical. Julia Stiles never looked comfortable in the roll, and wooden in other parts.
But where was I – oh yes, in the final dance routine she falls – and we are left to wonder will she carry on or bail out. Enter Sean Patrick Thomas (brilliant actor and looks so natural on stage).
In ‘Flashdance’ we have the ice skater – she falls and never recovers. In the final dance number at the audition Alex falls – we are left to wonder if she will cop out. What made ‘Flashdance’ such a successful movie was they used a brilliant dancer for the dancing, a gymnast, a break dancer, and Jinnifer Beals who was just a sweet pretty girl that the camera loved, blended them all together and it worked.
Again another modern movie – ‘Chalet Girl’ the two Bills – Bailey and Nighy when you see these names in a movie you can’t go far wrong. Again we get her failing to qualify – will she overcome – or go home empty handed.
Not that I mine the same scenarios being used – just wish they would try something new, but I am from the old school of film goers so top of my list will be Humphrey Bogart – Lauren Bacall – Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn – in too many great movies to mention – unfortunately now we have something resembling a video game with actors in it. I can not remember whish on of the Star War movies but it was 18 months into filming before one word of script was writen.
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Haha I’m ashamed to admit I love ‘Save The Last Dance’, it’s a classic! Yes it’s cheesy and possibly even cringeworthy at times, but hey, it’s heartwarming and a feel-good movie with a good, positive message… or so I thought. Haha maybe I’m the only one as I have recommended that movie to others and they have been left disappointed too. I do agree, Julia Stiles was somewhat robotic and stiff throughout, but I thought that made it even better, I perceived it as the punchline almost!
Yes, I do agree. Movies like ‘Flashdance’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’, you were sold the story by the sheer talent of the actors that were the heart and soul of the story.
This Joker film had no story. The actors had nothing to sell other than a bunch of sing-alongs. The concept was poorly thought through, unfortunately the one main addition to the lineup was Lady Gaga, who is an entertainer. ‘A star is born’ was great in my opinion, the joker is not meant to be on broadway.
So many great actors you’ve mentioned, I don’t know what’s happened to Hollywood. It’s like the artistry’s been sold to the lowest bidder!
Thankyou so much for sharing such knowledge on this subject, Walter! I much enjoyed your informative perspective😊🤍
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thank you..I have been thinking abot seeing, and yes Lady Gaga is a treasure, but for me there’s only one Harley, Margot Robbie is the only one…
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This is exactly what I heard about this movie….boring! Luckily it’s not the type of movie that would have tickled my fancy anyways.
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Beyond boring, dreadful! Haha, by the sounds of it you have better taste than me when it comes to films, I’ll take your advice next time!😊🤍
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Salty popcorn all the way!!😂
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Noooooo!!!👎 hehe
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On a serious note, mainstream figures have a way of ruining the originality of a film storyline. Coming To America 2 is also a vivid example.
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Yes! It ruins the uniqueness. Quirks are ironed out, too palatable and too blasé.
100%!
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When I first saw the preview this movie, l said to myself and im not kidding, “This movie is going to be a flop!” Why? Because in my humble opinion Lady Gaga wasn’t a good choice and she overdoes it most of the time, lol! Also I wasn’t sure why it was a musical but then I was like they’re Utilizing Lady Gaga’s incredible voice. However, I just didn’t see her as Harley Quinn. So, I didn’t want to see the movie 😕. I see it was right
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