Following a wave of excitement, โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ, the much-awaited sequel to the 2019 โJokerโ, has officially premiered in theaters. However, the response is not aligning with what the creators likely anticipated.
A project that initially sparked excitement with its daring revision of the Joker has ultimately fallen short of expectations, leaving fans feeling let down. There is a growing call for refunds from many individuals.
Viewers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the film. The film has received an unexpectedly low score of 39% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Five years following the originalโs triumph, anticipation reached unprecedented levels for โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ. Todd Phillips is back at the helm, with Joaquin Phoenix stepping into his Oscar-winning role once again.
The original โJokerโ achieved over $1 billion in global box office revenue and sparked worldwide discussions regarding its intense and somber depiction of Arthur Fleck. Nonetheless, a significant number of people are now arguing that this follow-up was unnecessary.
Critics have expressed strong opinions regarding the filmโs perceived lack of necessity. Some have even labeled it as โpathologically unnecessary.โ
Johnny Oleksinski from โNew York Postโ expressed that โJoker 2โ comes across as โa sequel we didnโt need.โ A number of reviewers shared this perspective.
The inclusion of musical elements in โFolie ร Deuxโ has sparked considerable debate among audiences. Viewers were taken aback by moments featuring Phoenixโs Joker and Lady Gagaโs Harley Quinn bursting into song.
Although a few might admire the daring stylistic decision, the majority considered it inappropriate. The film was anticipated to expand upon the intricate psychological elements of its predecessor.
Audiences swiftly turned to social platforms to voice their dissatisfaction. One fan wrote: โWhy is โJoker 2โ so bad? This is the first time Iโve ever felt the urge to request a refund for a movie.
A different viewer expressed dissatisfaction: โThe musical elements seem forced and disrupt the flow.โ A total waste of time.โ
Analysts reached a consensus on this evaluation. Robert Kojder of โFlickering Mythโ described the film as โcrushingly boring.โ
Some individuals noted that the musical direction seemed to lack focus. It took away from the opportunity for a more profound examination of the Jokerโs psyche.
Nonetheless, the performances by Phoenix and Lady Gaga have received significant acclaim. Gagaโs portrayal of Harley Quinn stood out as a highlight in the film.
Despite commendable performances, the script remained criticized for lacking direction. The narrative appeared disjointed and lacking a clear path.
It wasnโt only supporters who felt disappointed. Reviewers expressed strong disapproval in their evaluations.
Kevin Maher from โThe Times UKโ characterized the film as โmessy, lifeless, and derivative.โ Jo-Ann Titmarsh from โThe Evening Standardโ described it as โuninspired and slow-moving.โ
Nicholas Barber of the โBBCโ observed that although the film aimed to be bold, it ultimately came across as โirritatingly smug.โ Numerous reviewers expressed that the film failed to deliver any pleasure.
Richard Lawson from โVanity Fairโ characterized it as โstartlingly dull.โ He asserted that the film appeared to show a lack of respect for its viewers.
One particularly damning review from โCinema em Cenaโ suggested that โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ โmakes the original film worse in retrospect.โ
There were additional concerns beyond the negative feedback. Initial box office figures indicated that the film was not meeting expectations.
โThe Hollywood Reporterโ highlighted that it garnered just $7 million during Thursday previews. This figure marks a notable decrease compared to the initial โJokerโ, which earned $13.3 million.
Early forecasts suggested the film was set to earn approximately $70 million during its debut weekend. However, considering the response, that figure might drop to around $50 million.
Regardless of its box office performance, the filmโs conclusion ignited intense discussions. The concluding moments left numerous fans feeling exasperated and unfulfilled.
One viewer commented: โThe shock value ending is worse than I expected. It feels like they threw it in for the sake of it, with no real payoff.โ
The filmโs lack of closure or significant development for Arthur Fleck only heightened the letdown. Supporters found themselves bewildered and unfulfilled.
Some viewers, however, presented an alternative perspective on the film. Some questioned whether the filmโs unsettling and unappealing qualities were intentional.
One fan explained: โThe fact that people thought Arthur was their champion in the first movie but now see him as a nobody is pretty funny.โ It is yet to be determined if this perspective will become more widely accepted.
In the expansive world of cinema, where follow-ups frequently carry significant anticipation, โJoker: Folie ร Deuxโ appears to have missed the mark. It has unfortunately fallen into the disappointing realm of sequels that fail to meet expectations.
There has been a surge of calls for refunds across social media platforms. Viewers argue that the movie did not justify the cost of the ticket.
Feedback varied from the uninspiring storyline to the perplexing musical sequences. One fan summed it up: โโJoker 2โฒ was awful. 0/10, I want my money back.โ
As the excitement fades following the release of โFolie ร Deuxโ, one canโt help but wonder: Was this sequel destined for failure from the beginning? Or did it merely fall short of the monumental legacy established by the original โJokerโ?
In any case, both fans and critics are clearly not satisfied. Many express disappointment over the time and money spent on a film that seemed unnecessary from the very beginning.
Feature Image Credit: (Youtube/@Warner Bros. Pictures)