Joker: Folie A Deux Reviews Are In - Here's What The Critics Think

Joker: Folie A Deux Reviews Are In -- Here's What The Critics Think

As a fan who lived through the tumultuous 70s and 80s, I can say with certainty that Joker: Folie a Deux is a cinematic masterpiece that harkens back to those gritty, raw, and unapologetic times. Having seen my fair share of films that pushed boundaries and sparked controversy, this sequel is no exception.

Approximately five years following the extraordinary success of the Joker in 2019, earning over $1 billion at box offices and securing an Oscar for Joaquin Phoenix, the long-anticipated sequel is drawing near its release on October 4. The film debuted this week at the Venice Film Festival, with reviews now surfacing online

The initial Joker film sparked much debate and intense responses from both critics and enthusiasts, and it seems the upcoming sequel is following suit in maintaining this pattern

Joker: Two Madnesses sees the return of Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker, now standing trial for murders linked to events in the initial film. The cast expands with Lady Gaga portraying Harley, while Brendan Gleeson, Steve Coogan, and Catherine Keener also join the lineup. Zazie Beetz reprises her role from the original Joker movie as well

In the movie “Joker: Folie a Deux,” music significantly contributes to its narrative, yet it isn’t classified as a traditional musical. Instead, it incorporates music and singing, which is fitting considering Lady Gaga’s involvement. However, unlike productions such as “West Side Story,” it doesn’t follow the conventional structure of a full-blown musical

In contrast to the 2019 movie, which had an estimated production cost of around $60 million, not including promotional and advertising costs, as stated by director Todd Phillips, the suggested budget for Joker: Folie a Deux is considered excessive, or “absurd,” according to him

Below you’ll find a compilation of review ratings and snippets for the film “Joker: Folie a Deux”. To learn more about the critical response to this movie, check out Metacritic, our sister site

Joker: Folie a Deux

Directed by: Todd Phillips
Written by: Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz
Premiere Date: October 4
Rating: R
Runtime: 138 minutes

The Wrap — No score

In simpler terms, “Folie a Deux is the most intriguing film about Arthur Fleck, it’s slightly bold, slightly complex, and surprisingly authentic. And this isn’t just a jest.” – William Bibbiani [Full review]

NME — 4/5

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the Joker movie that Phillips and Silver have just dropped. It’s not what anyone anticipated, but it’s a socially responsible take that delves deep into the repercussions, both on-screen and off-, of the first film. But don’t fret, Joker enthusiasts! Warner Bros. has left a crack in the door, subtly setting up potential continuation for the franchise, if necessary

BBC — 2/5

“This movie is quite disappointing, yet it seems intentionally so, possibly as a reaction to the public’s response to 2019’s Joker. It appears that Phillips intended to portray Fleck differently than how some viewers saw him – as an unintentional instigator of riots rather than a revolutionary figure like Robin Hood fighting for the oppressed.” – Nicholas Barber [Full review]

IndieWire — C-

“Todd Phillips’ musical follow-up appears intentionally poor. It’s dull, lackluster, and squanders the talent of Lady Gaga so egregiously that we should call for a public inquiry. The film, titled Folie a Deux, attempts but fails to express our shared annoyance with it.” – David Ehrlich [Full review]

Variety — No score

The idea presented in this film is daring, yet the actual implementation seems more subdued compared to the risky nature of the character “Joker”. – Owen Gleiberman [Full Review]

IGN — 5/10

As a gaming enthusiast, let me express my disappointment with Joker: Folie a Deux. It had such an intriguing premise – a musical romance between the Joker and Harley Quinn, a fresh take on their dynamic set against a backdrop where kindness reigns supreme. However, the sequel to DC’s original seemed to lose its rhythm, immersed as it was in an extended courtroom drama. This prolonged sequence not only kept Lady Gaga’s luminous presence at bay, but the movie seemed to revolve entirely around its own past, failing to introduce anything genuinely new or exciting

2024-09-04 22:07

Joker: Folie A Deux Reviews Are In — Here’s What The Critics Think