Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s Joker, has landed with less than stellar reviews, leaving fans and critics divided. Despite initial excitement, the Rotten Tomatoes score for the movie has raised concerns about its overall impact and reception.
As of early October 2024, Joker 2 holds a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score of around 39%, marking a significant drop from the expectations set by its Oscar-winning predecessor. This decline in approval has generated a wave of skepticism, especially considering the critical acclaim Joker received when it was first released (The Independent) (CINEMABLEND).
What’s Behind the Disappointment?
One of the primary factors contributing to the underwhelming response is the film’s unusual genre shift. Director Todd Phillips took a bold creative risk by turning Joker: Folie à Deux into a musical. This decision has proven polarizing, with many audience members expressing confusion and dissatisfaction with the change in tone (The Independent).
Lady Gaga, who stars as Harley Quinn, was reportedly encouraged to “sing poorly” for her role, adding to the peculiar dynamic of the film (CINEMABLEND). While some appreciated her performance, others felt the musical numbers were unnecessary and detracted from the film’s gritty atmosphere.
Critics have described the sequel as “profoundly stupid” and “chaotic,” noting that the musical interludes often interrupt the flow of the narrative rather than enhancing it (The Independent) (CINEMABLEND). This reaction has left many wondering if the decision to blend musical elements with a psychological thriller was a misstep.
Audience and Critical Reactions
While some fans were hopeful the sequel would build on the psychological depth and tension of the original, many found themselves disappointed. Audience reviews have been harsh, with comments like “ridiculously unnecessary and boring” and “such a disappointment” dominating the discussion (CINEMABLEND). Fans who were expecting a continuation of Arthur Fleck’s dark, introspective journey instead felt that the musical elements diluted the film’s tone, making it feel disjointed and out of place (The Independent).
Critics from major publications have echoed these concerns. The New York Times noted the inconsistency in the film’s execution, describing it as “half-baked and half-hearted,” while others have pointed out that despite Joaquin Phoenix’s compelling performance, the film fails to deliver a cohesive or impactful story (The Independent).
The Impact on the Box Office
Despite the lukewarm reviews, Joker: Folie à Deux still draws attention thanks to the star power of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, as well as the legacy of the original film. However, the negative word-of-mouth and critical reception are expected to affect the movie’s box office performance. Early indicators suggest that while hardcore fans of the first film may still flock to theaters, general audiences might be less inclined to watch it due to the critical backlash (CINEMABLEND).
Conclusion
With its Rotten Tomatoes score hovering around 39%, Joker: Folie à Deux has failed to live up to the high expectations set by the original. While some critics have found redeeming qualities in the performances and certain aspects of the storytelling, the overall consensus is that the film’s experimental approach—particularly the musical direction—did not resonate with most viewers. As it stands, the film’s reception casts doubt on whether this bold creative risk was worth taking, leaving fans wondering if a more traditional sequel would have been more successful.
Whether Joker: Folie à Deux will manage to overcome these early setbacks remains to be seen, but for now, the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t inspiring a lot of confidence in its future success.
Dwayne Paschke specializes in writing, management, development, design and Search Engine Optimization. Although he has worked for 8 years in the industry, he never found an ideal person to work with as a partner. Later, he found Sebastian Pearson, and they both found specific understanding between them. Both of them divided their tasks in this project and are running this venture successfully.