The highly anticipated sequel, Joker Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, premiered in India on October 2, 2024. While the film will have its global release on October 4, early reviews from fans and critics alike have been mixed to negative. Many viewers took to social media to express their disappointment, claiming the film fails to live up to the standard set by its predecessor.
Main Points
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Fans have been vocal about their feelings on X (formerly Twitter), with some labeling it the “worst movie of 2024.” A notable sentiment among viewers is that the sequel tarnishes the legacy of the original film. One user remarked, “If you’re a fan of the first movie DO NOT WATCH JOKER 2,” while another lamented that it was “criminally bad” and suggested those involved should be held accountable for its perceived failures.
Despite the harsh critiques, some viewers appreciated Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn. One fan noted that Gaga’s performance left room for a potential standalone film featuring her character, stating she had a “genius” understanding of Harley Quinn. Another user praised the film as a “poetic and romantic love story” intertwined with music, highlighting both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga’s performances.
The Musical Approach
Joker: Folie à Deux adopts a musical format that has drawn mixed responses. Critics argue that this decision detracted from the film’s overall quality. Beebom’s review described it as an “off-key musical disaster,” emphasizing that while Phoenix delivered a strong performance as Joker, Gaga’s portrayal seemed lackluster and overshadowed by her character’s musical demands. The review criticized the screenplay for lacking depth and coherence, suggesting that the ambitious vision of director Todd Phillips fell flat due to poor execution.
Conversely, some reviews highlighted that the musical elements added an intriguing layer to the narrative. According to Hindustan Times, Gaga’s character complements Phoenix’s Joker effectively, creating a dynamic that enhances their on-screen chemistry. The film explores themes of love and madness within a prison setting, showcasing how their characters’ tumultuous relationship unfolds through song.
I swe some folks online praising Joker 2. Nope. Joker 2 sucks. Fuck everyone inolved. It’s so bad that it ruins the original. If you see someone trying to tell you that it’s good immediately assume that they have zero clue about filmmaking and never listen to their suggestions…
— Jon Wood (@WoodBrosProd) October 1, 2024
Character Development
In Joker: Folie à Deux, Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) finds himself in Arkham Asylum following his previous violent escapades. The film portrays his interactions with Harley Quinn (Gaga), who becomes a pivotal figure in his life as they navigate their complex relationship amidst chaos. Critics noted that while Phoenix continues to excel in his role, Gaga brings a unique energy that adds depth to her character.
Joker Folie à Deux is not as good as the first but the musical part made it different and good, the ending was interesting idk how to feel but Joaquin Phoenix slaps as joker again and so does Lady Gaga with Harley. Movie had a basic plot about court but still entertaining. 7.5/10 pic.twitter.com/SvWzJi8NPZ
— Connor (@Condob__) October 1, 2024
The storyline attempts to provide closure for Fleck’s character arc while introducing new dynamics through Quinn’s influence. However, Beebom criticized this approach as lacking detail and coherence, ultimately leading to a disjointed narrative.
Joker Review – Extreme Depressing #Joker is a horrible film, only saving grace is the lead actor performance which is outstanding, rest all avoidable, but since its a English film made for high class audience it will difficult for almost everyone watching it in cinemas to call… pic.twitter.com/7rR1kBTAXJ
— Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) October 2, 2024
Critical Consensus
Overall, critical consensus suggests that Joker: Folie à Deux struggles to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor. While some viewers appreciate aspects of the film—such as its ambition and musicality—many agree that it fails to capture the essence of what made the original Joker compelling. The contrasting opinions highlight a divide among fans regarding whether the film successfully expands on its predecessor or diminishes its legacy.
As Joker: Folie à Deux continues to roll out globally, it remains to be seen how broader audiences will receive this ambitious sequel. While Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is widely praised, Lady Gaga’s portrayal and the film’s musical direction have sparked significant debate among viewers.
