After the mixed reception to the original Joker, which still went on to win Oscars, director Todd Phillips probably anticipated a similar reaction for the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. However, it’s doubtful that a disappointing rating on Rotten Tomatoes was part of his vision.
While this follow-up to Joker takes some bold turns, reimagining Joaquin Phoenix’s Clown Prince of Crime in a musical setting (though Phillips and the cast may prefer not to call it that), critics have found more flaws in the sequel than expected. The movie currently has a dismal 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Joker: Folie à Deux Gets Thrashed
Justin Clark from Slant Magazine criticized the sequel, stating that any attempts at creativity were “held cruelly underwater” due to uninspired direction, a weak storyline, and an unnecessarily harsh tone.
“Any effort by Folie à Deux to demonstrate cleverness, energy, or engagement is drowned out by its dull direction, weak emotional development, misplaced cruelty, and nihilism that makes Zack Snyder’s work feel like an episode of Bluey.”
Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth initially found the movie intriguing, but ultimately saw it as an aimless continuation.
“While initially captivating with its unconventional approach that defies expectations of a Joker sequel, the movie quickly becomes tedious, feeling like a pointless two-hour epilogue.”
Negative Reviews For Joaquin Phoenix’s Starrer
Eric Goldman scored the film 5 out of 10, commenting: “The movie starts off strong but becomes tedious. The musical sequences lack the impact they need, and the story turns into a slow-paced courtroom drama.” Similarly, Cody Leach harshly rated the film 1.5 out of 5, describing it as “a blatant cash-grab that only exists due to the success of the original. Despite impressive cinematography and production design, the film remains hollow and directionless.”
Tessa Smith of Mama’s Geeky felt the sequel rehashed much of the first Joker but did commend the lead performances of Phoenix and Lady Gaga.
“It repeats many of the same themes and events as the first movie but adds musical elements. While Phoenix and Gaga deliver excellent performances, the film ultimately falls short.”
Marco Vito Oddo from We Got This Covered criticized Joker: Folie à Deux for being “disjointed and sluggish” and failing to fulfill its potential.
“Todd Phillips’s attempt to merge courtroom drama with musical elements results in a disjointed and sluggish film that doesn’t capitalize on its potential.”
Despite the negative reviews, there were some positive, albeit lukewarm, takes on the movie. Dave Lee of Dave Lee Down Under enjoyed many aspects of the film but acknowledged its shortcomings.
“I loved a lot of the ideas the movie tried to explore, but I feel the ambitious swings didn’t really pay off, and the musical numbers fell flat. I’m leaning towards the positive, but recognize it’s a failed experiment.”
Carla Hay of Culture Mix found the movie to be “stylish and uneven” but still found elements worth appreciating.
“Joker: Folie à Deux is an uneven yet provocative musical that takes daring risks. The performances are fantastic, and the film explores themes of obsession, fame, and justice in a dark fairy tale style.”
Directed by Todd Phillips and featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, and Zazie Beetz, Joker: Folie à Deux continues to divide audiences and critics alike.
