To say that this was a massive disappointment would be an understatement. Joker: Folie a Deux takes what was a solid comic book origin story that helped push the boundaries of the genre and ultimately turns it on its head in a deeply unsatisfying way. It's not that the mean leads were bad as they're unquestionably the films strongest element, it's that the material they were given doesn't connect well with the originals story that came out five years prior. The sequel has Arthur Fleck meeting the love of his life, Harley Quinn, during his court trial while being incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. Whereas the first Joker broke numerous box office records for an R-Rated film and broke new ground for the comic book genre with 11 Oscar nominations total, the sequel never comes close to the originals brilliance and even manages to undo some of the impact it left upon audiences. Despite the films enormous faults, it can't be said that the performances from its main leads isn't one of them. Both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga rise to the occasion and make the most of the source material, turning in strong performances regardless of the scripts shortcomings. Other noteworthy performances from Deux's cast includes Brendan Gleason as Jackie, an abusive guard at Arkham State Hospital, Catherine Keener as Arthur's lawyer, Maryanne Stewart, Zazie Beetz as Arthur's former neighbor, Sophie Dumond, and Harry Lawtey as newly elected D.A, Harvey Dent, who aims to bring Arthur to justice for his crimes.
Along with the performances, the cinematography stands out as being stunning much like the first film with it boasting a total 1980's vibe as well as some of the most visually striking images of the year. Even though the weakest element is undeniably its writing, there's no denying that the film is beautiful to look at, particularly the impressive animated cartoon sequence at the beginning or other visually striking moments featuring imaginary musical sequences with Joker and Harley. One glorified example of the films breathtaking visual landscape being displayed includes a super long take of Arthur escaping the courthouse after a car bomb explodes. Like the original, the sequel contains an unnerving score from original films composer Hildur Guonadottir. With the films key strengths being the chemistry of its main leads as well as its technical aspects, the writing and creative decisions chosen are ultimately what brings it down. The choice to present the story with a more musical approach doesn't sync with the rest of the films overall tone. The musical numbers shown feel joyless and cringe-worthy with them being completely irrelevant to the plot. The decision to also surround the story around Arthur's trial feels underwhelming as it halts the momentum that the first film built up, and even manages to harm it with its insulting end twist that makes audiences question the whole purpose of the first film then if what was shown turns out to be reality.
The first Joker appealed to audiences because it attempted to deliver a more tragic backstory for the infamous Batman villain while providing reasonings for his insanity. It was more about the darkness that breaks a person and how such an event can turn them into a monster while also being a condemnation of the wealthy and their facade about wanting to help the poor while simultaneously making it impossible for their lives to get better. Rather than move these themes forward, Folie a Deux chooses to subvert expectations in the worst way while appearing confused in regards to what it actually wants to be. The story appears fragmented with Arthur's trial feeling boring and a drag on the films already slow pacing. Whereas the first Joker felt solidly well-crafted despite taking much inspiration from the early works of Martin Scorsese (King Of Comedy and Taxi Driver specifically), the sequel feels much more predictable and feels like a hugely wasted opportunity with its talented main leads deserving much better. Audiences are better off just skipping this one and rewatching the original again as the story worked better as being a standalone film and got its points across much more effectively.
Final Verdict: Hands down the most disappointing film of 2024. SKIP IT.
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