The announcement of the much-awaited sequel to โJokerโ sparked excitement among fans and critics, who anticipated yet another remarkable film experience.
The initial release in 2019 achieved remarkable success, grossing over $1 billion at the box office and securing two Academy Awards, one of which was for Best Actor.
Given the impressive track record, the inclusion of Lady Gaga in the cast of โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ appeared to be a surefire success. However, the sequel has left audiences in shock, though not in the manner that many anticipated.
Initial feedback from the Venice Film Festival has been diverse, ranging resulting in a dull response to the film. However, as the film received a wider viewership, it encountered a more critical response.
At present, โJoker 2โ holds a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is notably lower than that of its superhero peers. Surprisingly, even โMorbiusโ and โMadame Webโ, which received negative reviews, are positioned higher.
The film achieved a historically low score in audience reactions on opening night, marking a significant downturn for adaptations in the comic book genre. โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ has been assigned a โDโ rating, in contrast to the originalโs more favorable B+ score.
The latest figures from the box office reveal a concerning trend for โJoker 2โ. The initial release raked in an impressive $235 million during its debut weekend, whereas the follow-up gained a total of $121.1 million globally.
Recent updates indicate that the film has incurred a significant loss of $70 million, marking a sharp decline for a production that was anticipated to perform exceptionally well. Cinema showings, which used to be bustling with enthusiastic audiences, are now surprisingly empty of fans.
As viewers seek to make sense of the filmโs disappointing results, attracting theories have surfaced. On various social media platforms such as X and Reddit, fans are pondering the intentions of director Todd Phillips.
There are speculations that Phillips might have intentionally undermined the film as a bold reaction to the controversies surrounding the original. The 2019 โJokerโ encountered backlash for supposedly appealing to incel culture, a point that Phillips openly defended.
There is a theory gaining popularity that the sequel was deliberately crafted to be less appealing as a commentary on the fans who glorified Arthur Fleckโs violent character. Supporters argue that the lack of anticipated intense moments was intended to challenge their expectations.
Rather than focusing on intense brutality, โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ embraces its musical aspects, offering a striking difference from the original film. This change has frustrated numerous fans who anticipated a comparable tone and intensity.
One viewer commented, โThis is exactly what Todd & the cast wanted. There is significant backlash regarding the film as it utterly dismantles the enchanting world established by its predecessor. Some observers pointed out the absence of โmurders, explosions, and fire.โ
In the face of criticism, a dedicated group of advocates maintains that the film has been misinterpreted. They argue that it purposefully challenges the viewers who misunderstood the initial entry, positioning it as a daring creative decision.
Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola praised Phillips for his ability to anticipate and exceed audience expectations. He characterized the directorโs strategy as bold and applauded his willingness to embrace challenges.
Regardless of the intention behind it, โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ stands out as one of the most controversial sequels in recent times. Opinions are sharply divided, with some hailing it as a misunderstood masterpiece and others declaring it the worst film of 2024.
As it faces challenges at the box office, the discussion intensifies. Fans and critics are questioning whether Phillipsโ bold decision was a brilliant strategy or a risky bet that has dramatically failed.
Feature Image Credit: (Youtube/@Warner Bros. Pictures)
