As a die-hard fan of Batman comics and movies, I must say that Matt Reeves’ The Batman has truly outdone itself in delivering a gripping tale set in the dark corners of Gotham City. With its gritty realism and masterful storytelling, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the legendary The Dark Knight (2008).
At present, it’s hard to deny that The Joker shares a similar level of popularity with his longtime adversary, Batman. As evidenced by WorldCat, a library catalog spanning more than 170 countries, the DC villain has graced over 250 different productions across various media such as films, TV series, literature, and video games. In live-action performances, The Joker has nearly matched Batman’s appearance count, with numerous skilled actors bringing him to life on screen.
In various interpretations, Cesar Romero portrayed a humorous take on the character in the 1966 Batman TV series and movie, followed by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton’s Batman, Heath Ledger in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Jared Leto in the DC Extended Universe, Cameron Monaghan in Gotham, Joaquin Phoenix in the Academy Award-winning film Joker and its sequel Joker: Folie à Deux, and Barry Keoghan in The Batman.
As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but marvel at the fact that I’ve seen two different actors, Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix, bring the iconic Joker to life in ways that were recognized with Oscars. This makes the Joker one of only three fictional characters who have been honored by the Academy for multiple portrayals. The other two are Vito Corleone from the Godfather trilogy and Anita from West Side Story, both played by different actors as well.
On the other hand, incorporating the Joker into live-action films isn’t a surefire way to ensure high quality. Critics have had varying opinions on movies centered around the Clown Prince of Crime, and here is their ranking based on Rotten Tomatoes‘ Critical Tomatometer score.
8 Suicide Squad (2016)
26%
As a diehard movie enthusiast, I found myself captivated by David Ayer’s “Suicide Squad.” In this film, the cunning intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), in a brilliant move, devises a plan to utilize imprisoned villains for more noble purposes. With the void left after Superman’s demise, she manages to persuade the U.S. government to approve Task Force X – a team of super-villains, handpicked to tackle meta-human threats. Each member is kept under control by nanite bombs embedded in their necks. Later on, the enigmatic Joker (Jared Leto) makes an appearance, aiming to rescue his beloved Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) from Waller’s grasp.
A Weak Screenplay and an Underused Joker
In the consensus of Rotten Tomatoes critics, the film boasts a talented ensemble and abundant humor, but unfortunately, these elements aren’t sufficient to overcome the film’s shortcomings, which include a confusing narrative, underdeveloped characters, and disjointed direction. David Ayer made an impressive effort by casting big names like Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Ben Affleck, and Jay Hernandez, but it seems that he relied too heavily on the strength of his actors without properly shaping a compelling storyline. The plot could have been more cohesive, as demonstrated by James Gunn in the sequel.
In spite of a weak script, Jared Leto delivers a commendable performance as the Joker. It’s said that he employed method acting and spent time in isolation listening to gospel music from the 1920s. Regrettably, his character is not fully utilized, despite initial trailers hinting that the movie would primarily focus on him.
7 Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
33%
As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In “Joker: Folie à Deux”, I find myself ensconced within the cold, grim walls of an Arkham Asylum overrun by knife-wielding punks and merciless guards. While many of the inmates have surrendered to fear and despair, I cling onto hope as I endure the trial for the killings from the last film. Amidst this chaos, I forge a bond with Lee (Lady Gaga), but it all comes crashing down eventually.
Switch off the Music
As a movie enthusiast, I found Todd Phillips’ “Folie à Deux” to be an intriguing blend of a jukebox musical and courtroom drama, but it seems that this innovative approach has sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among fans. The film was intended to be groundbreaking, yet it appears to have fallen short on numerous fronts for many viewers. Despite Lady Gaga’s impressive vocal talents, the movie doesn’t quite hit the mark.
6 Joker (2019)
68%
The origin story presented in “Joker” is exactly what DC enthusiasts have long anticipated. This film centers around Arthur Fleck, a disheartened clown and comedian who struggles with his mental health, which eventually leads him to adopt immoral and nihilistic views. As misfortunes pile up for Fleck, he develops resentment towards the system. He then resorts to criminal activities, transforming into the notorious villain, Joker. His actions spark a violent uprising against Gotham City’s ruling class, symbolizing a countercultural movement.
The Joaquin Phoenix Show
In simpler terms, the reviewer stated that “Joker” offers an unsettlingly realistic backstory for its iconic protagonist, which serves as a powerful platform for the lead actor’s performance and a significant step forward for film adaptations from comic books. However, it did receive some criticism, reflected in its 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Remarkably, despite this score, “Joker” managed to secure 11 Oscar nominations and even won two, including the Best Actor award for Joaquin Phoenix – a role that many felt echoed Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker. Fans also praised his performance.
For the full 122 minutes of its duration, Phoenix stands as the film’s most solid foundation, and despite some weaknesses in the structure, he ensures the roof stays intact.
5 Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
71%
Zack Snyder’s Justice League was initially deemed unlikely. It was the fans who brought it to life. Following the disclosure that Warner Bros. executives had interfered with Snyder’s initial Justice League, fans clamored for his original concept, and they received it. In this adaptation, the Justice League endeavors to prevent Steppenwolf from annihilating Earth, on a mission sent by Darkseid. The Joker, absent in the original production, is present here in a Knightmare sequence, having been released from prison by Batman to assist him in retrieving a Motherbox.
A Major Consolation
The movie stands out as a gleaming gem amidst the murky landscape of the DCEU. Batman embodies bitterness and pent-up fury, a hero acutely aware of the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. Snyder’s masterful use of CGI is another draw for this re-edited film, but it’s the compelling dialogue that truly holds everything together. This time around, we are treated to one of the most memorable lines from the Joker since Heath Ledger’s famous “Why so serious?”
“We live in a society where honor is a distant memory. Isn’t that right… Batman?”
Fans were right in requesting this specific adaptation, as even critics concur. The Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus highlights that the movie “delivers on its title with a wide-ranging edit that expands to reflect the director’s aspirations, pleasing fans who advocated for its creation.
4 Batman (1989)
77%
Initially, in the beginning phases of the Batman storyline, the Caped Crusader encounters minimal troubles. His adversities are primarily petty criminals and crime lord Carl Grissom. However, a significant challenge arises when Grissom’s second-in-command, Jack Napier, surfaces. Following an accidental plunge into a vat of chemicals, Napier transforms into the menacing villain, the Joker, unleashing chaos that compels Batman to take drastic measures to put a halt to his terrorizing reign.
Dancing with the Devil in the Pale Moonlight
Tim Burton’s Batman offers a unique twist on the classic story, with the review site labeling it as “a chilling, ghostly performance“. It excels as engaging dark entertainment, despite Jack Nicholson’s Joker sometimes stealing the spotlight from Batman. To be fair, this film deviates from previous portrayals of the characters that fans were accustomed to. The Caped Crusader is more somber and strategic in his actions, a trait that has persisted on screen since then. In contrast, the Joker approaches every situation as if it’s a game, with Jack Nicholson relishing every moment in each scene.
According to most reviews, it’s noteworthy that the villain steals the show from the hero – and that’s a positive aspect of it. Fans have shown an equal affection for this new portrayal of the Joker compared to Heath Ledger’s iconic version.
3 Batman: The Movie (1966)
81%
Wow, what a thrill! The first Batman movie, titled “Batman: The Movie“, is based on the much-adored TV series with the same name. In this film, Batman (played by Adam West) and his partner Robin are on a mission to thwart villains from the Rogues Gallery, such as the Joker, who have discovered a method to turn the entire population into powder for ransom. The movie was released two months following the Season 1 finale and features almost all of the original TV cast members, except for Julie Newmar as Catwoman, who is replaced by Lee Meriwether in this adaptation.
Gotham Is One Huge Amusement Park
Just as the TV series “Batman: The Movie” maintains a light-hearted approach, it’s described on Rotten Tomatoes as a masterpiece that “turns camp into an art form, reveling in its playful, self-aware humor at every turn.” In this adaptation, Gotham City seems more like a caricature of its original mythos, with the Joker serving as the focal point of the amusing antics.
The movie stands out in numerous aspects as well. It boasts an array of sleek gadgets and machinery, much of which has seen its last day in action – like the Batcopter, Batboat, and Batcycle. Moreover, while it maintains a comical undertone, it delves deep into weighty geopolitical issues, such as the Cold War, and presents a character who is a power-seeking president.
2 The Batman (2022)
85%
In my movie-loving perspective, Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” presents a fresh take on a younger Dark Knight, just starting his crime-fighting career in its second year. As I delve deeper into the city’s underbelly, uncovering rot that even taints my own family, a new threat emerges. This ruthless killer, reminiscent of the Zodiac, is mercilessly striking at the city’s elite, demanding my attention and action. The film concludes with an intriguing cameo by Barry Keoghan as a chilling, Arkham-bound Joker.
As Dark as Gotham Gets
As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for this captivating DC tale. It delves deep into the struggles of rookies and the harsh realities of Gotham’s populace, just as effectively as it dissects the criminal psyche. The raw, unpolished ambiance perfectly complements its gritty backdrop, tone, and ruthless survival vibe.
In the heart of the story, Reeves masterfully weaves a web of suspense as the Riddler dances on the edge of capture, leaving us wondering if more villains will surface. The tantalizing hint of the Joker’s arrival serves as a chilling reminder that Gotham’s troubles are far from resolved. Dark and strikingly authentic, The Batman casts light into the shadows of the superhero world. Rotten Tomatoes praises it as “one of the Dark Knight’s grittiest, and most daring live-action adventures,” and few would argue against that assessment.
1 The Dark Knight (2008)
94%
The film titled “The Dark Knight” serves as an exemplary guide on crafting a successful sequel. Although “Batman Begins” was well-received, it didn’t create much buzz. However, its follow-up turned out to be quite impressive. In this story, Batman, portrayed by Christian Bale, collaborates with Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to maintain law and order in Gotham City. Subsequently, a notorious criminal mastermind, who calls himself the Joker (Heath Ledger), arises, aiming to challenge Batman’s limits by threatening the city.
A Flawless Production From a Great Filmmaker
Without a doubt, The Dark Knight is widely regarded as one of the finest superhero movies ever made. Countless critics have weighed in on it, and the majority agree that it’s flawless. Essentially, this movie transcends being merely an enjoyable comic book adaptation; instead, it delivers a deeply engaging crime epic. That assessment is spot-on.
In terms of visuals and action, Christopher Nolan nails it all in this piece. Plus, he had the good fortune to work with Heath Ledger, whose exceptional skill and commitment truly elevated the project. Many tales are told about the great lengths the actor went to embody the villain, and while Gotham’s citizens might have had mixed feelings, we will always be grateful for his performance.
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2024-10-19 04:02