Director Todd Philips and Academy Award Winner Joaquin Phoenix reunite for a follow-up to their billion-dollar-grossing 2019 hit, "Joker," in
"Joker: Folie à Deux" from Warner Bros. Pictures. Phillips pens the film's screenplay with Scott Silver.
Two years after causing havoc in Gotham City, which included the murder of talk show host Murray Franklin and a riot that culminated in the slaying of Bruce Wayne's parents, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is now a patient at Arkham State Hospital. His lawyer, Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Kenner), is preparing to go up against hotshot lawyer and newly elected DA Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey), who wants Arthur to pay for his crimes while advancing his career.
Arthur, amidst the daily bullying from prison guard Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson), finds an unexpected connection when he falls in love with fellow inmate Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga). As the two navigate their linked insanity, Arthur's followers start a movement to liberate him, adding a layer of complexity to his relationships.
From the moment Joker: Folie à Deux opens with an animated sequence in the style of Chuck Jones, it's evident that Todd Philips has taken a unique approach to the sequel. The film is a blend of an animated film, a non-traditional musical, and a mental health study, a combination that could have easily gone wrong. However, these elements, including the expected musical scenes, work well within the narrative structure.
While some viewers may take issue with the musical scenes, they do contribute to the narrative structure. Phoenix and Gaga both deliver strong performances, and their chemistry on screen is palpable. Brendan Gleeson &Catherine Keener also provide solid supporting work. However, the sequel misses more than it hits.
The main issue with "Joker: Folie à Deux" is not its departure from the depth of its predecessor but rather its tendency to drag on without capturing real interest. The pacing feels amateurish, and my spouse and I found ourselves checking our watches multiple times. The trial, which could have been a compelling centerpiece, is marred by monotonous prosecution performances.
Aside from a few instances where Arthur truly embraces his Joker persona and brief appearances by characters from the first film, most courtroom scenes are rather dull. It honestly felt reminiscent of observing a mock trial during law school. Lady Gaga tends to overshadow her co-stars; however, this ultimately leads to an ongoing narrative lacking in impactful moments. By the time we reach the conclusion of her arc with Arthur, I can already envision male YouTube commentators critiquing how the film depicts Arthur's masculinity.
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Joker" was its deliberate status as a standalone film intended to exist without sequels. The studio's objective was to establish "Joker" as the inaugural release of DC Black, a series of DC Comics-based films distinct from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) franchise. These films were designed to explore darker, more experimental themes akin to the content found in DC Black Label comics.
However, a sequel is inevitable when a film becomes the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time and holds the title for five years. Sadly, "Joker: Folie à Deux" screams cash grab and misses the mark.
Final Grade: C-
"Joker: Folie à Deux" is in theaters today.
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