As a lifelong fan of DC Comics, I must say that Joker 2 left me feeling rather disillusioned. Having grown up with the iconic villain as he was – an unapologetic, chaotic force of evil – seeing him try to redeem himself felt like a betrayal to his character.
The film titled “Joker: Folie à Deux” is currently playing in cinemas, but it’s extremely doubtful that it will earn a billion dollars like the original. Word of mouth has been completely unfavorable, and those who haven’t seen it yet might decide to keep their money. Critics have also been unforgiving, making this one of the few instances where audience opinions and professional reviews align. However, is the movie truly terrible? Although some criticism may be unwarranted, there are numerous valid concerns that fans have expressed about the much-anticipated sequel.
In this rephrased version, let’s say: The storyline of the sequel presents an improbable scenario where the main character encounters love while facing consequences for his past transgressions, particularly murdering someone on live television. He is detained at Arkham State Mental Hospital as he awaits sentencing. While there, he befriends Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, and a romantic relationship develops. However, instead of focusing on these promising plot elements, the movie delves into extraneous musical scenes and diminishes the essence of the Joker character.
Here’s what fans are justifiably angry about.
This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux
10 Folie à Deux Ruins Joker’s Ambiguous Plot
Numerous viewers have expressed their concern that the sequel lacks merit as it undermines the mystery of the original film by revealing that the events depicted were actually real. The 2019 film “Joker” played with the audience’s perceptions, hinting that certain occurrences may have only been in the title character’s mind. This ambiguity sparked a lively discussion among fans, with many speculating that the entire movie was a hallucination. A popular theory among fans proposed that Arthur had remained at Arkham Asylum throughout the film and the sequel served as his imaginative escape into an alternate reality where he had accomplished something. Regrettably, by being produced, the sequel invalidates this theory and confirms that the events portrayed in the original were indeed real.
There Is Power in Ambiguity
In a more casual, conversational style:
9 There Is More Focus on Arthur Fleck and Little Focus on His Joker Persona
In a departure from typical DC films, Joker: Folie à Deux predominantly delves into the life of Arthur Fleck rather than his Joker persona. Given that the first film had only limited Joker scenes due to its focus on backstory, it’s not unexpected that this sequel leans even further towards Arthur Fleck and his struggles. For a significant part of the movie, viewers may feel they are witnessing an extended prelude, hoping for a climactic payoff. Regrettably, this doesn’t materialize, and the film delivers mainly brief scenes featuring the Joker.
It Could Have Worked Better as a Non-DC Movie
In my opinion, as a cinephile, the latest sequel seems to have intentionally steered clear of the traditional DC comics narrative, with James Gunn explicitly stating it’s not a DC Studios film but rather a Warner Bros. production. This is quite daring, given that Gunn’s vision includes Elseworlds tales. And indeed, the filmmaker appears to be on point. Folie à Deux seems determined to break away from its comic book roots.
Todd Phillips’ concept of a character with intellectual disabilities who becomes a criminal yet discovers love amidst his redemption could make an impressive standalone movie, separate from the DC universe. This type of film often earns accolades. Nevertheless, convincing viewers that this individual is the Joker was questionable decision-making.
8 The Sequel Also Tries to Be a Legal Thriller but Fails in its Execution
In Todd Phillips’ “Joker” film titled “Folie à Deux,” he skillfully avoided creating a typical comic book movie. Instead, it blends action, drama, and music, with the latter being the genre most closely associated, but it also functions as a legal thriller – albeit an unsuccessful one. Similar to some self-assured characters in cinema, Fleck attempts to defend himself in court, only to reject his Joker identity and make a sensational exit from the courtroom. However, due to this character’s lack of competence, he is re-arrested once more.
Arthur Is Dismal in Court
A great legal thriller needs suspense, twists, and powerful dialogue to generate impact and authenticity. The sequel has a twist, but it fails in all other areas, hence it doesn’t pack a wallop. Instead of dialogue, the focus remains on music. Besides that, Arthur’s decision to represent himself also borders on cliché, as such a scenario has played out in multiple movies. Despite doing so, he doesn’t even prove himself an Arthur of all trades by coming out on top. He is found guilty. More could definitely have been done to make the legal storyline more intriguing.
7 This Joker Dies Without Achieving Anything, Making Him the Worst Version of the Character
Supporters are rightfully disappointed by the somber ending of “Joker: Folie à Deux“, where Arthur Fleck meets his demise. After escaping from court, Arthur is apprehended and subsequently imprisoned at Arkham Asylum. While inside, an inmate approaches him in a hallway and shares a wicked joke before repeatedly stabbing him in the stomach. Despite medical efforts, Arthur dies from his wounds, with the inmate carving a grin on his face while cackling insanely, which appears to be a nod to Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker.
The Joker Usually Does Better than This
As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder over the intriguing decision behind killing off Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, a character who had been lauded as a masterpiece since Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal. Now, imagine if this movie broke records and demanded a sequel? The question then arises, how would they proceed when we’re dealing with a universe that eschews the Lazarus Pit’s miraculous resurrection capabilities? That’s quite the plot twist!
A more disheartening aspect isn’t just the Joker’s death, but rather that the Joker perishes without achieving anything significant, which makes this portrayal of the character fall short. He doesn’t get to establish an empire or engage in battles against Batman or any other hero. For a villain who is supposed to be one of DC’s most formidable, his ending is incredibly underwhelming.
6 After a Strong Introduction, Lee Quinn Doesn’t Do Much in the Second Half
As a movie critic, I must say that the decision to cast Lady Gaga as Lee Quinn was an inspired choice, given her past as a pop star and her Oscar-winning role in the musical “A Star Is Born”. Gaga delivers captivating performances that leave audiences wanting more, but unfortunately, the script does not fully develop her character.
Quinn Deserves Better
In an optimal scenario, Lee would have teamed up with Arthur immediately upon his release and embarked on a criminal adventure together. Given that fans haven’t had a satisfying depiction of this Joker-Quinn relationship in the live-action DC universe (as Suicide Squad lacks rewatchability), such a collaboration would have been intriguing.
Unfortunately, Lee isn’t seen much throughout the story, only resurfacing in the final act to break up with Arthur because he abandoned his Joker identity. However, this portrayal of Quinn doesn’t suggest she’ll become a criminal mastermind, as one might expect from her past. Instead, it appears that she’s more of a manipulative partner and has never shown signs of being a criminal in the past. It’s puzzling why she seems disillusioned with Arthur for choosing to be good-natured.
5 Random Plot Points Are Dropped and Never Picked Up Again
In the movie “Joker: Folie à Deux,” there are numerous plot holes that can be found. For instance, Lee Quinn claims to be pregnant with Arthur’s child, but this topic is barely addressed later in the story. Even when she departs from him, she doesn’t mention the baby she allegedly carries. Additionally, after admitting to killing a sixth person, Arthur encounters no repercussions for his actions.
More Questions Than Answers
The follow-up, consequently, leaves viewers puzzled with numerous unanswered questions. It remains uncertain as to why Arthur continued his relationship with Quinn despite her admission of deception in all matters. Similarly, we are not provided with a satisfactory explanation for Quinn’s relentless pursuit of Arthur. Additionally, there are queries regarding Arthur’s escape plan. One might speculate that the character could have chosen a safer location to avoid being apprehended once more, suggesting that Todd Phillips and his team may have approached the sequel in a lackluster manner, neglecting the intricate details.
4 The Musical Numbers Don’t Drive the Plot
In the movie Joker 2, there’s an abundance of singing, but it seems unnecessary, serving more as a stylistic choice to give the film a sense of intellectual superiority over its content. Throughout the extravagant, widely publicized jukebox musical, characters frequently interrupt dialogue with songs and dances to convey messages. However, these musical interludes don’t advance the storyline. Instead, they primarily function as pauses rather than stepping stones towards more engaging plot developments.
It’s All for Show
As a movie enthusiast, I was taken aback when they decided to turn the sequel into a musical. While the first film had captured many hearts, not everyone is fond of musicals.
3 There Is No Update About Bruce Wayne
In the 2019 movie “Joker”, Arthur comes to believe that Thomas Wayne is his biological father. He goes to Wayne Manor, where he encounters a young Bruce Wayne at the gate and oddly curls his fingers into a grin. Alfred Pennyworth then escorts Arthur off, and from thereon, the fate of Bruce remains unknown to the audience, particularly following the tragic death of his parents.
Will Batman Ever Exist?
There is an argument for Bruce Wayne not being an essential part of the story, hence leaving him out is somehow justifiable. However, a minor update is still required. After all, Bruce, and his Batman alter ego, are why fans care about this universe in the first place. A shot of a young Bruce, accompanied by Alfred, in or out of the courtroom would have been satisfactory. Ideally, fans would have loved a proper confrontation between Phoenix’s Joker and a grown Bruce Wayne down the line.
2 The Two-Face Reveal Is Unnecessary Since There Isn’t Meant to Be a Follow-up
In the sequel to “Joker“, District Attorney Harvey Dent is determined to keep Arthur behind bars for a significant period. He rejects the defendant’s plea of insanity and employs all means possible to portray him as a detestable individual in court. Towards the end of the film, the transformation into Two-Face occurs. Following an explosion, Dent’s face is disfigured on one side, signifying his full metamorphosis into the infamous villain known as Two-Face. However, is this transition essential?
Two-Face Has No Place in the Story
Despite the thrill of seeing Harvey Dent’s metamorphosis, it holds no significance since Phillips and his crew foresaw that there wouldn’t be a sequel after Arthur’s demise. So, why create the illusion of Two-Face? It appears we will never uncover whether he managed (or even attempted) to navigate Gotham’s criminal underworld, given his reputation for imprisoning numerous criminals. A spinoff could have been an option, but considering the movie’s poor reception, it seems highly unlikely that Warner Bros. executives would ever consider it.
1 Joker 2 Tries to Redeem the Joker… Yet He Is an Irredeemable Character
The term “Folie à Deux” can be rephrased as “a shared madness.” In this context, it refers to a situation where two individuals (in this case, the defendant and Lee Quinn) are involved in an absurd and delusional quest for redemption, despite the defendant’s heinous crimes such as murdering someone on live TV and suffocating his own mother with a pillow. The defendant attempts to justify his actions by minimizing his mistakes and seeking leniency from the judge, jury, and audience, but ultimately fails in his pursuit of redemption.
The Joker Is More Interesting When He’s Bad
Arthur’s character is such that he would be more appealing if he had made amends for his past wrongdoings. However, the courtroom explosion incident (though not entirely his doing) momentarily changes him, but he swiftly returns to his negative traits afterwards, leading to his downfall which includes being abandoned and killed. Since his debut in Batman #1 in 1940, The Joker has consistently been an individual who refuses to express remorse, and this trait remains unchanged even today.
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2024-10-15 01:32