Joker: Folie A Deux (#605)


I am grateful that I saw my most recent film at a theater, which has a policy of free showings every Tuesday for senior citizens, because I would have resented strongly having to pay to watch this one. I would even have resented seeing it with my unlimited pass at Regal.  How they managed to write and produce a film this ridiculous starring Joaquin Phoenix is beyond me and particularly disgraceful when it was supposedly a sequel to a very successful film in 2019, which won two Oscars, one of which was awarded to Phoenix as best actor. The original was an exceptional psychological thriller.  I can't begin to describe JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX.  I might call it a musical because the principals were continually singing classic pop tunes such as "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and other memorable tunes, which had nothing to do with the plot.  It reminded me of a Bollywood film with its inappropriate song and dance sequences.  One could call it a comedy because some of the events were ludicrous, although it wasn't very funny and none of it made any sense.  And it certainly wasn't a drama nor a thriller or even a psychological thriller like its predecessor.  Poor Lady Gaga, despite a reasonable performance and always good singing, was stuck with the role of the Joker's (Arthur Fleck) girlfriend and half of the folie a deux, exhibiting the same psychosis as Fleck.  I am certain it will be a bomb, a loser at the box office, with only 33% of critics and 31% of audiences giving it a thumbs up.  I suggest you stay sway from this stinker, even if it was planned as a farce.  Joker failed at that as well. Most of the seniors left the theater shaking their heads.   

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