The buzz surrounding Joker: Folie à Deux, the much-anticipated sequel to 2019's Joker, has not matched the overwhelming hype it initially drummed up. Despite returning to the dark, twisted world of Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and introducing Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, early reactions suggest this film may be more of a missed opportunity than the groundbreaking follow-up fans hoped for.
Directed by Todd Phillips, the film follows Arthur Fleck as he awaits trial for his previous crimes. Touted as both a musical and love story, it boldly diverges from its predecessor’s gritty psychological drama style, aiming to deliver something entirely different. While the first film was lauded for its deep exploration of its main character's descent, the sequel attempts to incorporate musical elements along with court drama, leading to mixed reviews.
Critical assessments have been decidedly harsh. The sequel currently holds the unfortunate title of possessing the lowest CinemaScore rating for any comic book film, after receiving a dismal "D" from audience feedback. This starkly contrasts with the original's solid "B+" score. Audience members who were intrigued by the potential of this new take on beloved characters seem to be feeling let down by Phillips’ adventurous shift to more musical numbers and the tonal changes inherent therein.
Writer and film critic Owen Gleiberman from Variety articulates this sentiment succinctly. He noted, "Joker: Folie à Deux may be ambitious and superficially outrageous, but at heart it's an overly cautious sequel." This critique indicates not only disappointment but also hints at the film failing to grasp the raw energy and unpredictability of its predecessor.
Fans of the original Joker may be put off by the film’s bold musical twist. While some might find these elements refreshing, many have expressed dissatisfaction, contrasting it with the psychologically gripping portrayal of mental health issues so artfully delivered by Phoenix's performance the first time around.
Interestingly, the films’ musical approach is being received with skepticism. Critics have pointed out how the musical numbers—though inventive—could feel excessive or out of place, perhaps overshadowing the darker themes the franchise is known for. The original film's grounded approach to Arthur’s struggles resonates with many viewers, making the abrupt shift to song and dance jarring for some.
Luke Y. at The Baylor Lariat remarked on this transition, stating, "Even Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn couldn’t save face for this lacking film." Gaga's character, named ‘Lee’ instead of Harley, has garnered scrutiny for not embracing the depth and complexity fans expected. Instead, she appears to be relegated to supporting roles within non-diegetic musical scenes, which fail to advance the plot meaningfully.
This points to another criticism leveled at Folie à Deux: its narrative structure. Take, for example, the courtroom scenes meant to drive home the film’s themes about identity and duality. Critics argue these moments often feel like padding rather than substantial storytelling. Matthew Ponticelli at Brig Newspaper noted the film's failure to explore Arthur's internal conflicts effectively, focusing instead on repetitious themes without offering new perspectives.
Notably, audiences and critics remain divided on whether the sequel warrants their time or curiosity. Some suggest fans of the original may find enjoyment, but many critics assert it does little to differentiate itself from its predecessor, reiteratively tackling issues of mental health without breaking new ground. Still, there are some who argue the film provides significant visual merit, especially during its musical segments. Ponticelli found the cinematography especially adorned during the musical interludes, offering glimpses inside Arthur's mind—a creative flourish fans might appreciate.
Contrasting opinions also pervade viewer sentiment. Some who anticipated Folie à Deux with excitement have expressed their disappointment, citing how the sequel does not build on the original’s success but instead feels more like rehashing familiar topics. This lack of innovation has left many feeling like they are watching the same story play out without any real escalation or development.
While some aspects of the film appear to be received positively—particularly the performances—much of the praise for Gaga feels muted, with many fans lamenting her limited role on screen.
Hopelessly muddled, and potentially only appealing to specific niches, purposefully abstracts from both the comic roots and the deep narrative the first film focused on. Critics from Kabooooom have contentious feelings about the film’s direction, asserting Phillips seemed reluctant to wholly embrace the comic book source material, instead opting for personal flair—though many fans seem to believe the soul of the comic series remains disregarded.
On the bright side, the relationship dynamics between Arthur and Lee offer fleeting moments of charm and emotional connection. But with many critics noting overarching flaws, from poor pacing to unimaginative plot twists, even these moments fall short of the dramatic depths explored previously.
Overall, the feedback indicates disappointment is rife, and the film does not resonate with the audience as its predecessor did. Reviews are overwhelmingly negative across the board, leading to speculation about the fertility of DC's cinematic universe moving forward. Buzz has been subdued, falling short of the fervent debates and enthusiastic discussions ignited by the original film.
Initial curiosity may urge audiences to visit theaters, but the early sentiment suggests many may feel justified to bypass this prospective train wreck altogether. The general audience response has been underwhelming, marked by mutterings of dissatisfaction and regret.
Fresh concepts for comic book films continue to be slow to emerge, and with Joker: Folie à Deux now facing outright derision from many fans and critics alike, the question remains: could this flagging sequel be indicative of broader issues within comic adaptations? More than just curiosity, expectant fans are voicing their needs for impactful narratives and heartfelt performances beyond the material this sequel has delivered. With any luck, these cries may finally inspire change within the genre.
