Joker: Folie à Deux lands soft Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of release

As a long-time fan of the Joker and musicals alike, I was eagerly anticipating the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux”. However, after reading the mixed reviews, it seems that this sequel may have missed its mark for me.

Joker: Folie à Deux has received a soft Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of its release.

This week sees the launch of the much-awaited follow-up to Todd Phillips’ blockbuster from 2019, but based on the combined assessments from critics collated by the website, a mere 54% of the reviews have been favorable.

Instead of following the same genre as its original, which shares similarities with films like “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy,” being psychological thrillers, the sequel departs and takes on a different form, becoming a jukebox musical.

The part that has sparked the most disagreement among critics appears to be this one. While some argue that the musical segments are excessive and detract from the narrative, others feel they could have been more extensively used.

Joker: Folie à Deux lands soft Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of release

Here’s what some of the reviews have said:

Slant – 1/5

In examining its narrative, the film ‘Folie à Deux’ consistently fails to shine due to dull direction, weak emotional development, an overly harsh tone, and an overwhelming nihilism that makes Zack Snyder’s work appear as lighthearted as a ‘Bluey’ episode.

Blu-ray.com – 4/10

The movie feels like an adult-oriented reinterpretation of the final episode of Seinfeld, and it delves into the depths of these damaged characters, but it just repeats psychological analyses from the original film. Despite having excellent technical aspects such as sound and cinematography, these elements only carry the story so far. Unfortunately, this version of Joker doesn’t introduce any new or captivating ideas to a plot that was already concluded five years ago.

FandomWire – 7/10

Joker: Folie à Deux is a collection of concepts that fall short. It’s a daring attempt and one of the most ambitious comic book films yet, but its disjointed narrative and inability to fully embrace its musical elements weaken it. Despite this, it presents a hauntingly beautiful tale with an exceptional ensemble cast, and Phoenix delivers another outstanding performance that cements his career.

Joker: Folie à Deux lands soft Rotten Tomatoes rating ahead of release

CinemaBlend – 3.5/5

The dramatic twists persist, and once again, an uncomfortable vibe has returned. The film, surprisingly chosen from a musical genre, seems to make a statement about its own audience’s response to the preceding installment. This time around, some of these bold moves go too far, overshadowing the movie’s strongest aspects.

Collider – 4/10

In “Folie à Deux,” the concept appears to be only partially developed. The songs consistently clash with the raw authenticity that director Phillips aims for in the movie. Even during the fantastical musical sequences, which allow some deviation from the film’s overall style, Phillips fails to deliver the expected sparkle and pizzazz that would enhance Joker’s character. Fleck performs an impressive tap dance, but the film lacks any notable choreography otherwise.

The sequel to “Joker,” titled “Folie à Deux,” is set to hit theaters on October 4th. Meanwhile, you can already own or stream “Joker” on Blu-ray or various streaming platforms.

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2024-10-03 01:48