Joker 2: A Divisive Sequel That Misses the Mark
“Joker: Folie à Deux” was one of the most highly anticipated films of the year. Fans were eager to see Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as the iconic villain. The original “Joker,” released in 2019, became a cultural phenomenon. It earned over $1 billion at the box office and received 11 Oscar nominations. Expectations were sky-high for the sequel.
But when the reviews for “Joker 2” started pouring in, it became clear that the film had missed the mark. With a disappointing 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from professional critics, the movie failed to live up to its predecessor. The once-celebrated Joker now seems to have lost his spark.
Critics’ Take: A “Rotten” Score
Rotten Tomatoes is a go-to platform for gauging movie reviews. When a film earns a “rotten” score, it means that less than 60% of critics have given it a favorable rating. “Joker: Folie à Deux” received a score of 39% based on 166 reviews. This is a sharp drop from the 69% “fresh” rating of the original.
Critics have been vocal about their disappointment. The general consensus is that the film failed to capture the essence that made the first one so impactful. The decision to make the sequel a jukebox musical has also been divisive. Many felt that the musical sequences distracted from the dark and gritty narrative that defined the first movie.
Audience Reaction: The Popcornmeter Tells a Similar Story
Rotten Tomatoes isn’t just about critics. The site also features a “Popcornmeter,” which was previously known as the Audience Score. This metric reflects the audience’s reception of the film. A low Popcornmeter score means that viewers, like the critics, didn’t enjoy the movie.
As of now, “Joker 2” has a Popcornmeter score of 38%. This number is shockingly close to the critics’ rating, showing a rare alignment between professional reviewers and everyday moviegoers. For a movie with such a massive fan base, this is a major blow.
What Went Wrong with Joker 2?
The original “Joker” was a masterpiece of character study. It explored Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness with raw intensity and emotion. Phoenix’s portrayal of a man grappling with mental illness was both haunting and mesmerizing. But “Joker: Folie à Deux” takes a different approach. It embraces a musical format, incorporating song-and-dance numbers that seem out of place for the character and the story.
This creative choice left audiences confused. Fans were expecting a dark, psychological thriller. Instead, they got a film that felt disjointed and uneven. Critics noted that the musical elements were jarring. The sequences often interrupted the flow of the narrative and detracted from the overall impact.
One reviewer even described the movie as “a beautiful mess.” Another critic said, “The film dances around while the story remains still.” These comments reflect the lack of cohesion and direction in the sequel. The ambition to try something different is commendable, but it seems that this gamble didn’t pay off.
Lady Gaga’s Role: A Silver Lining?
One aspect of “Joker 2” that received praise is Lady Gaga’s performance. She plays Harley Quinn, a character previously portrayed by Margot Robbie in the DC Extended Universe. Gaga’s interpretation of Quinn brings a fresh energy to the film. Critics acknowledged her commitment to the role and noted that her chemistry with Phoenix was intriguing.
However, even Gaga’s performance couldn’t save the movie. Many felt that while she added some verve to the film, it wasn’t enough to compensate for the lack of a compelling storyline. Her portrayal of Harley Quinn was seen as a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster film.
Comparing Joker 2 to the Original
The original “Joker” was groundbreaking in many ways. It wasn’t a typical superhero movie. Instead, it was a deep dive into the mind of a man who felt disconnected from society. The film was praised for its gritty realism, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes.
In contrast, “Joker 2” is more flamboyant and experimental. The shift in tone has left many fans bewildered. The original film’s success was rooted in its grounded approach and character-driven narrative. But the sequel seems to have traded substance for style. This departure from the original’s tone is a major reason why many critics and fans have been left disappointed.
A Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
Making a sequel to a film like “Joker” was always going to be challenging. The first film set a high bar. It captured the zeitgeist and resonated with audiences worldwide. For “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the filmmakers took a risk by opting for a different genre and style.
The musical sequences in “Joker 2” have been a major point of contention. Some critics argued that they were unnecessary and slowed down the pace of the film. Others felt that the music added a surreal element to the movie, aligning with the chaotic nature of the Joker’s character. But for many, this experiment backfired. The sequences felt more like interruptions than integral parts of the story.
The Box Office Impact
Despite the negative reviews, “Joker 2” is likely to perform well at the box office, at least initially. The hype surrounding the film, coupled with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s star power, will draw audiences. However, the negative word-of-mouth could affect its longevity in theaters.
The original “Joker” was a box office juggernaut, grossing over $1 billion. It remains to be seen whether the sequel can come close to that figure. With such a polarized response, it’s uncertain if “Joker 2” will have the same staying power.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media has been buzzing with reactions to “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Fans have expressed their disappointment, stating that the film didn’t live up to the hype. Some felt that the movie tried too hard to be different, while others missed the psychological intensity of the original.
Many fans were excited to see Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn. While her performance received praise, fans were let down by the overall execution of the film. Several moviegoers mentioned that the musical sequences made the film feel slow and unfocused.
One fan tweeted, “I went in expecting Joker and got a Broadway show instead.” Another commented, “The film had so much potential, but the musical scenes just didn’t fit.”
Should You Watch Joker 2?
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Joker character or Joaquin Phoenix, you might still want to watch “Joker 2.” There are moments in the film that showcase Phoenix’s brilliance as an actor. His portrayal of the Joker remains compelling, even if the story falls flat.
Lady Gaga’s performance as Harley Quinn is another reason to give the film a chance. She brings a new dimension to the character, making her portrayal distinct from Margot Robbie’s version. For fans of Gaga, her performance alone might be worth the price of admission.
But if you’re expecting a film that captures the intensity and depth of the original “Joker,” you might be disappointed. “Joker: Folie à Deux” is more of an experimental piece than a true sequel. It takes creative risks that don’t always pay off.
The Future of the Joker Franchise
With such a polarizing response, the future of the Joker franchise is uncertain. Warner Bros. took a bold step by greenlighting a sequel that deviates so drastically from the original. It’s unclear whether they will continue with this new direction or go back to the drawing board.
For now, the Joker remains one of the most fascinating characters in the DC universe. The success of the first film proved that audiences are interested in complex, character-driven stories. But “Joker 2” shows that even beloved characters can falter if the execution isn’t right.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
“Joker: Folie à Deux” was a chance to explore the Joker’s psyche further. With Phoenix and Gaga on board, the potential was immense. But the film’s execution left much to be desired. The musical elements felt forced, the story lacked direction, and the overall impact was underwhelming.
For fans of the Joker, this sequel will be a tough pill to swallow. It’s not the follow-up many were hoping for. While there are some redeeming qualities, particularly in the performances, the film as a whole doesn’t live up to the standards set by its predecessor.
The Joker is a character that deserves depth and complexity. Unfortunately, “Joker: Folie à Deux” doesn’t deliver on that promise. It’s a bold experiment, but one that ultimately falls short.
As the credits roll, fans are left wondering: Where does the Joker go from here?
