Joker

5

dsafaniOct 4, 2019

I went to see joker expecting fun family fun.

Was there fun? Was there family? I'll just say this: For a family fun movie... this movie had minimal families, and un-fun. "Joker" is anything but. Most of his jokes involve mean bad thingsI went to see joker expecting fun family fun.

Was there fun?

Was there family?

I'll just say this:

For a family fun movie... this movie had minimal families, and un-fun. "Joker" is anything but. Most of his jokes involve mean bad things that I personally. don't. want. my kids. to know. about.

Example of how a scene COULD have gone

Joker: "Knock knock, it's me, the joking joker"
Man: "Who?? Get away, I don't know any joker"

This scene would have illustrated the nature of jokes.

The movie completely falls apart in the 78th act. "Joker" begins as a mild mannered man, but he ends as a medium tangy spicy mannered man. This was my favorite part of the movie -- the spice is just what I needed to spice up my life. That's when I made a realization -- am *I* the jokers? Let me explain...

On the surface, "Joker" seems like it's just a movie about the difficulties of clown. However, when you delve a little deeper, you'll realize that the movie theater seats are not comfortable and the arm rests do not raise. Most of the seats cannot even hold a large drink, so why even sell them in that theater?

Okay so now lets get to the negative part of the review. At exactly 1 hour and 38 minutes into the film, you can clearly see a baby smoking in the bottom right part of the screen. That's when I draw the line. A baby smoking? I then look over at my 38 year old baby and I see he picked up this trait from the movie. I don't want to spoil anything but I don't like the fact that he died at the end. Not even in a cool way. Dude just trips. Now if he tripped on a banana, then I would understand the joke. But now I sit here in my **** dimmly lit 400 sq ft apartment with my two kids and I am still trying to figure out what the joke was of this movie. Overall I think this movie is 10/10. I guess you could say that "joker" was a movie that really CLOWNED me?… Expand

0 of 25 users found this helpful025

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5

Godslayer79Oct 3, 2019

Joaquin Phoenix's performance was outstanding. The movie itself was average at best. There was a point in the film were the dark tone was too much, predictable and exhausting. The social commentary and study in the film was also exaggerated.

6 of 27 users found this helpful621

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5

elyoalejoOct 20, 2019

Trama compleja e interesante. Sobrevalorada por los medios. Le hace falta mucho.

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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5

XemnuzFeb 29, 2020

I dont even know what to say, it's just bad. I recently watched Once upon a time in Hollywood and now this, both critically acclaimed and liked by my friends. Personally I cannot think of more overhyped/rated movies purely based on the cast.I dont even know what to say, it's just bad. I recently watched Once upon a time in Hollywood and now this, both critically acclaimed and liked by my friends. Personally I cannot think of more overhyped/rated movies purely based on the cast. I also believe that Jaq Phoenix got an Oscar for his role, if thats the case, I've lost all faith in cinema.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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5

Space84rmOct 5, 2019

Il film nel complesso e un bellissimo film ma perde nel momento in cui capisci che il titolo joker è stato dato semplicemente per riempire la sala, se togliervi le ultime due scene finali che lo ricollegano al mondo DC l'avrebbero potutoIl film nel complesso e un bellissimo film ma perde nel momento in cui capisci che il titolo joker è stato dato semplicemente per riempire la sala, se togliervi le ultime due scene finali che lo ricollegano al mondo DC l'avrebbero potuto chiamare in qualsiasi altro modo e avrebbe avuto lo stesso identico risultato. Ottima recitazione e fotografia.… Expand

2 of 18 users found this helpful216

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5

andreaaleman1Jan 15, 2020

A little too emotional for me. Joaquin Phoenix is amazing but I cried a few times while watching!

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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5

KanjahliOct 4, 2019

This movie is the greatest thing I’ve ever witnessed in my entire life. I’m just thrilled with Joaquins performance

0 of 14 users found this helpful014

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5

Decimator94Oct 5, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was an OK movie, it was definitely not bad, but it felt shallow and empty. It was definitely saved by Joaquin Phoenix's performance. The backstory of the Joker feels kinda repetitive and takes too much time to get to the point everyone expects. Last act felt like it was no Joker at all but someone straight from Rupaul's Drag Race. Mannerisms were off the charts.

This movie just really had no point to exist, it showed us nothing new or nothing we didn't expect already. It's just a movie about already highly violent man, who blames the society (which is also depicted way over the top) for his actions. Cannot really recommend unless you like strong performances.… Expand

2 of 15 users found this helpful213

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5

RctOct 6, 2019

An amazing adaptation and much needed thorough, engrossing look into the backstory of one of today's most iconic villains. Such a relevant piece that connects characters to the real world better than most.

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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5

dan_murphy_93Oct 7, 2019

The acting from Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely incredible. It’s the perfect origin story for the perfect villain. Not a film for people who only want to watch happy clappy films.

3 of 13 users found this helpful310

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5

AlexCuencaOct 8, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ha sido una de las películas más esperadas y mejores comentarios ha recibido en esta temporada, muchos llegan a decir que es un obra maestra y pues si está película es muy cruda y pues muchas personas debieron identificarse con con la forma que (Arthur), se convirtió en el Joker, de una payaso no malo, pero que le iba mal y que poco a poco fue perdiendo la razón , una persona que consumía las medicamentos para el comportamiento, y cuando dejó de ser amable de desató toda una mente criminal, los asesinatos son crudos y fuertes algo que los espectadores, el detalles más jugoso fue cuando aparece Batman de niño y como un delincuente con máscara de payaso les dispara, la interpretación lograda del Guason es diferente a todo antes visto es un personaje rehumano, con el que una persona se puede identificar. 5 puntos bien merecidos… Expand

2 of 14 users found this helpful212

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5

elbkkOct 9, 2019

One of the best versions of Joker I’ve ever seen! The acting, soundtrack, writing, and cinematography are amazing

0 of 7 users found this helpful07

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5

EumermoOct 9, 2019

Atuação excepcional, imagem excepcional, roteiro muito bem feito, história foge do clichê, é extremamente bom

1 of 11 users found this helpful110

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5

ManormanOct 9, 2019

The movie felt like it had a lot of plot covinient moments and characters and by that I mean that stuff just happens to the main character for no reason at all except to artificially continue the plot in a cheap way not to mention a lot ofThe movie felt like it had a lot of plot covinient moments and characters and by that I mean that stuff just happens to the main character for no reason at all except to artificially continue the plot in a cheap way not to mention a lot of the characters are just there for again plot convinient.None of the characters except for ,Arthur, have any real significance or interesting stuff to them,They are litetarally just there to continue the plot in a cheap way that makes it very unsatisfying not to mention all Arthur does for most of the movie is nothing,most of the scenes in the movie is just there to purely show how oscar baity this movie truly is .This movie would lead you believe we'll see Arthur as a character but all we see are this style over substance scenes not to mention the dialoge is very weak in the beginning and only gets decent at the end and is not just the dialoge but the whole movie gets a little bit better towards the end and his so call transition through insanity isn't as good,for the simple fact that Arthur does absolutly nothing to tell us that he was even "normal" to beggin with.Theres absolutly nothing that makes this so call transition good because this movie does nothing with Arthur.The only real scenes where style and substance are somewhat balance are the scenes were Arthur is with his therapist.This movie is purely style over substance.… Expand

2 of 14 users found this helpful212

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5

sekharsingh88Oct 9, 2019

Bwst movie of joker, that depression thing has portrayed very nicely. Phoenix rhe character he played, no one could done it better.

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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5

Andromeda4482Oct 10, 2019

This movie lacks substance - Everything that was done right in the previous interpretations of the Joker wasn't present here. I found myself only enjoying the end of the film. This movie however does have some of the best cinematography I'veThis movie lacks substance - Everything that was done right in the previous interpretations of the Joker wasn't present here. I found myself only enjoying the end of the film. This movie however does have some of the best cinematography I've seen in a film this year.… Expand

2 of 15 users found this helpful213

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5

Jlg1303Oct 12, 2019

Excelente actuación pero trama muy plana y predecible. No deja ese sentimiento de fascinación que tanto se espera al ir al cine.

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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5

MuhammadElOrabiOct 13, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good acting but with an empty story , expected events and overdrawn direction
Totally I didn't enjoy although the high quality in the movie… Expand

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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5

Tucker53Oct 13, 2019

This movie was nothing like described. Very slow, no action for about half the movie. The ending was horrible. This movie was nothing like u would you would think a "Joker" movie would be.

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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5

JuneMinatsukiOct 19, 2019

The Joker: A Postmodernist Elegy of the Our Age of Spiritual Deficiency The Joker hype has been sweeping through various media for a while. The reviews are highly polarised. Before I heard people saying that you will either really love theThe Joker: A Postmodernist Elegy of the Our Age of Spiritual Deficiency The Joker hype has been sweeping through various media for a while. The reviews are highly polarised. Before I heard people saying that you will either really love the Joker, or really hate it. As someone who has been looking forward to the film ever since seeing the first trailer, finally yesterday I made my journey to the cinema and had a taste of the actual film. Well, in the end, I neither really love it nor hate it. If I have to describe my feeling, I would probably say…disappointed. So what is the Joker about? To sum up, it is a story about the absurdism of life, the death of hope, the absence of meaning, moral nihilism, political anarchy, and a celebration of chaos expressed and executed in an ultimate aesthetic ways via cinematic languages along with some of the most oppressive music I’ve heard in recent films. Much of these themes, if not all, reflect the fatal problematics of our post-modernist societies and cultures who envision the contemporary world as “an age of spiritual deficiency.” I don’t have any problems with films with a realist stand trying to explore the downfalls of our culture, society, and complexity of humanities. Actually I think that this is what good cinema should do. My problem with the Joker is exactly that it didn’t do any of these. Don’t get me wrong. I still think the Joker is a great art. Joaquin Phoenix’s acting is absolutely fantastic, the music and cinematography breathtaking. But it’s still poor character-writing in which the complexity of humanity is reduced to its pitiful negativities, as in the Joker, everyone is sick, mean and evil. The ones who see or believe in something good in life are either insane (Arthur’s mother and Arthur himself) or hypocritical (the upper-class men). The former was ridiculed and labeled funny, the latter only harvested social grudge. It is a sad movie. What is even sadder is the media sensation around the movie. Before the movie was marketed as an antithesis of the mainstream commercial films in the superhero genre. It is meant to be a “sub-culture,” a non-commercial thing. But ironically, look at it now! It is very much MAINSTREAM. Chatting with a friend who lamented over “the degradation of contemporary culture,” I also can’t stop thinking—what kind of society are we living in? What kind of mentality do our mass viewers have in order to “enjoy” and even “empathize” with such a depressing film? To give a final remark, I think the Joker is, although probably against its own will, a successful commercial popcorn movie, because there is no much there beyond the overwhelming sensual experience it evokes. Nevertheless, if one does think it is in any way different and more special than other commercial popcorn films, it is special only because it makes you feel so uneasy that you could hardly swallow any popcorns while watching it.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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5

andresyeikhaOct 21, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. the great joaquin phoenix and todd philips. don’t care about metacriticn audience decide… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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5

goyateOct 24, 2019

A film with a scenario in the era of time (Batman) and an extraordinary actor who does not reach the coronation hoped for. The atmosphere of Gotham is there in its framing and colors. However the length of the scenes are not enough to anchorA film with a scenario in the era of time (Batman) and an extraordinary actor who does not reach the coronation hoped for. The atmosphere of Gotham is there in its framing and colors. However the length of the scenes are not enough to anchor us in the character but rather to move us away to a denouement that happens only 3/4 of the film. I see it in the spirit of the batman of Nolan with a rise in power that could be interesting in the second part when he will totally insanity at work. To be continued… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

5

trustmyreviewOct 25, 2019

This movie isn't bad. but it's not great either. I fear that the high reviews for some people on here are solely based on the acting or on it's message, or just reactionary because of criticisms the movie has received—and I think these areThis movie isn't bad. but it's not great either. I fear that the high reviews for some people on here are solely based on the acting or on it's message, or just reactionary because of criticisms the movie has received—and I think these are flawed measurements. What are its merits and deficiencies? First of all, the acting is excellent. Joaquin Phoenix is a favorite actor of mine and he does not disappoint! I am amazed that he can capture a character so well. His portrayal of the Joker is brilliant. The Joker is sad and disturbing. At different times of the movie, you feel tremendous empathy for the Joker—clearly he's gotten a rotten deal out of life and is deeply troubled—and at other times, he's terrifying. Less impressive...The movie is kind of slow moving, but never boring, at least to me. As has been said by the director and others, this movie is not your typical "comic book" movie—if you go into it expecting lots of actions, bombs, shootings, car chases, etc—you will be disappointed. (I actually appreciated that about the movie!) There is some of that, but this is by far, more of a drama with very little humor at all. Also, it's not a feel-good drama, the kind that you will want to see again and again. Now in terms of what I think was missing in the movie...the so called "climatic, shocking, surprising ending" was predictable. To me, the ending had only two real possibilities and the one I suspected is actually what happened. The ending was the low point of Joker; it began to break down into predictable patterns when I listened to the conversation between Joker and character Murray Franklin. It mostly sounded like the typical diatribe you find on a liberal college campus these days. The world has been unfair to Joker and therefore Joker will get even with the world. And the subtle message is that his violence and terrorism is a bit justifiable—finally the "weak and ignored" get their revenge. It also turns the whole Batman story on its head—it makes Joker out to be the hero and Thomas Wayne (and all the rich and powerful) to be the villains and jerks of society. Certainly this is true of some rich and powerful people in our world, but it's this kind of broad brush approach that frustrates me in a movie and the message ends up sounding like a Bernie Sander's campaign speech (no offense intended to Bernie or his supporters). The ending had the potential to be something different, something unconventional—even ambiguous would have been good. (An illustration of what I mean from the Joker in the "The Dark Knight" movie: "Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just... do things." It was that frustrating ambiguity that made the Joker so interesting in The Dark Knight. He was evil to his core and we didn't need to feel sorry for him and we didn't need a justification for his insanity. The message: some people are just evil, without explanation. But in the movie, Joker, at its core, it sounded like a version of the same old retread theme we've been getting these days in shows and movies. All in all, not a bad movie, but I would say, save your money and rent it online cheaper when it comes out soon.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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5

JeremySlatherOct 27, 2019

While nicely acted, it is a bad script. The messages it tries to give demonize mental illness and it feels like a whining more than a "deep message". The music is not bad but obvious and mellow. It is too predictable and melodramatic. TheWhile nicely acted, it is a bad script. The messages it tries to give demonize mental illness and it feels like a whining more than a "deep message". The music is not bad but obvious and mellow. It is too predictable and melodramatic. The plot is as predictable as the music. It holds the hand of the viewer too much, and it wouldn't be as popular if the DC wallpaper wouldn't be there. It is a vanilla experience.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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5

TLG4250Nov 5, 2019

Film,what calls "The Joker",don't has nothing to do with origin Joker from DC Universe. This's only title,that gets main specific context of character.
Sure,pic has a perfect aesthetics,good cameraman's work,but...it's still a film with leftFilm,what calls "The Joker",don't has nothing to do with origin Joker from DC Universe. This's only title,that gets main specific context of character.
Sure,pic has a perfect aesthetics,good cameraman's work,but...it's still a film with left political agenda and view,which are talking about not existing "social injustice"...So,i can give this pic only 5.… Expand

0 of 6 users found this helpful06

All this user's reviews

5

natgreystarJan 14, 2020

This movie fell short of its potential, held back by a desperate attempt to push the story into the world of Gotham. It reeks of property cash in and that's what destroys the possibility for this being a great movie... that and the writersThis movie fell short of its potential, held back by a desperate attempt to push the story into the world of Gotham. It reeks of property cash in and that's what destroys the possibility for this being a great movie... that and the writers don't seem to understand character Arthur as they can't keep his profile straight. This COULD have been a masterpiece but they demolished everything they created with a search and replace of a dark grim reality with the words "Gotham", "Wayne", and "Joker". So it results with a rating of "yeah that was a movie" instead of "wow what a statement".

Everyone has their opinion of what this movie "is" but I'm going to tell you it's not about mental health, it's not about the character the Joker or the world of DC, it's not about an incel, and it's definitely not about social inequality. This is not your hero. It's not deep, it's not riveting, and it barely scratches the surface of what it's attempting.

This is failed character development in a movie that went from amazing to what the heck am I watching 50 minutes in. This movie was about making money. Plain and simple. The story is convoluted and confused. It NEEDS to be part of the DC universe and that is actually what ruins it. Reality is far more grim than Gotham and that alone pulls away any impact this movie had.

For an "origin story" the movie spends only 10ish minutes establishing who Arthur is, only to completely pivot away from that and demolish his character with decisions he would never make. It abandons the plot of his own character for a tie-in with Thomas Wayne repeatedly, which feels forced and unwanted. If you cut out all of the Gotham references and change the ending it would be a much better film, but it would have made less than half the money and not had a gaggle of fanboys drooling over it for two years.

Is this movie worth watching? Sort of. It's not "good" because of everything I mentioned and the script is just not great. It gets mental health completely wrong. It has bad character development. Literally nothing makes sense and no one in this movie has any importance or relevance outside of Arthur, who the movie establishes as two maybe even three different characters. It falls way short of establishing social equity and the importance of humanism.

Anyone giving this over an 8 is merely grasping at the straws meant to build this into a failed version of the DC character Joker. Anyone actually analyzing this movie and the characters for what they are would rate this below a 7. It's bad writing. It's bad character development. The plot is convoluted. It's a cash in. Most of all it's an art house film trying to be mainstream that doesn't know it is badly written. Todd Phillips knows how to do one thing right, make money off of stupid people. His history of movies definitely proves that.

In the end this movie will get undeserved awards for all of the wrong reasons and critically acclaimed for a sad reach that writers need to be liked and get clicks. In the end this was not a great movie and it will be forgotten and left behind. I think the fact it's getting a sequel actually proves this is a cash-in and not worth your time. This should have made its statement, should have been a real world not a fictional one, and it should have been left there.

Joker can be summed up in one word I went to over and over again
... desperate.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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5

OldHowieNov 22, 2019

Dark and slick reminds me of Drive don’t expect batman this is the psychological working of a damaged brain leading to the Joker. Cool film

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

ivanchanelNov 23, 2019

I don’t understand why everyone likes the movie so much! Personally, I did not like him. Poor selection of music, a boring plot, predictable plot twists. I understand that this is the prehistory of the original joker, but where is his ****I don’t understand why everyone likes the movie so much! Personally, I did not like him. Poor selection of music, a boring plot, predictable plot twists. I understand that this is the prehistory of the original joker, but where is his **** character? where are the **** jokes? In general, I’m not happy with the film, I wanted to fall asleep 20 minutes after the start of the film… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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5

SteamprankerFeb 2, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is actully has some incredible visuals and camera work, but plot is a mish-mash of Scorsese movies. Luck of story and character originality is what makes it movie-for-one-evening.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

All this user's reviews

5

KalamirDec 20, 2019

It's a decent movie. But attaching it to the DC universe is just a scam to draw attention to it and increase income. Now people will repeat the stupid things they saw in the cinema (whoever watched knows what I mean). Well, I still haven'tIt's a decent movie. But attaching it to the DC universe is just a scam to draw attention to it and increase income. Now people will repeat the stupid things they saw in the cinema (whoever watched knows what I mean). Well, I still haven't got a good adaptation of the comic, because this film definitely can't be treated like that. I am against.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

NickTheCritickNov 3, 2021

Phoenix is wonderful as usual, but the film is all based on his interpretation but honestly I don't see the director's hand. The camera is there and professionally follows the character but there is not even a shot that can catch me. For myPhoenix is wonderful as usual, but the film is all based on his interpretation but honestly I don't see the director's hand. The camera is there and professionally follows the character but there is not even a shot that can catch me. For my tastes the film failed, just thanks to Joaquin Phoenix's performance this movie results to be barely watchable.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

TVJerryOct 8, 2019

Joaquin Phoenix is the latest prominent actor to put their twisted spin on the Batman villain.This version takes a look into the genesis of the notorious psychopath. He works as a clown by day, while aspiring to be a stand-up comic. ManyJoaquin Phoenix is the latest prominent actor to put their twisted spin on the Batman villain.This version takes a look into the genesis of the notorious psychopath. He works as a clown by day, while aspiring to be a stand-up comic. Many blows (both physical and mental) conspire to create the twisted soul that evolves. Phoenix goes all out, creating a creepy character without much empathy. More important, this film is a profile of a disturbed mind, not the typical DC Comic adventure. There's no "action" and a few flashes of violence, but MANY more moments of the actor working hard for his Oscar. Unfortunately, the movie's script and overall vibe downgrade it from being brilliant or even mildly compelling to mostly insufferable.… Expand

2 of 19 users found this helpful217

All this user's reviews

4

judahjsnOct 7, 2019

Phoenix's performance is incredible but it's wasted on this fake deep and immature movie. It's seems irresponsible to handle such weighty topics as mental illness, class warfare and domestic terrorism with an approach this fake deep. ThisPhoenix's performance is incredible but it's wasted on this fake deep and immature movie. It's seems irresponsible to handle such weighty topics as mental illness, class warfare and domestic terrorism with an approach this fake deep. This feels like a treatise on anarchism written by a high schooler. Many people are calling it one note and it's true that it is one long minor chord. But it's also tonally inconsistent with itself. Violence is handled with ultra-realism. Everything else is distorted into a melancholy comic book-like sepia to the point that life has no grace notes and everything is dirty and cloudy. You could make the case that that's a representation of the Joker's mental state – he repeatedly says in the film that he's never experienced a good moment in his life. But does that even make sense? If all of his feelings are sour, then that's his baseline. How does he qualify experience as negative if he has nothing better to compare it to?… Expand

3 of 20 users found this helpful317

All this user's reviews

4

NearOct 8, 2019

Underwhelming. It is a really competent movie, the acting and musics are very solid. It's not about how it is done, it is about what it is done. It's a +2 hour movie that could have really been one hour and a half. I got bored halfwayUnderwhelming. It is a really competent movie, the acting and musics are very solid. It's not about how it is done, it is about what it is done. It's a +2 hour movie that could have really been one hour and a half. I got bored halfway through, which is a really bad sign. I get that this is an origin story, but I would have liked to see a little bit more of the Joker and less of Arthur.… Expand

2 of 17 users found this helpful215

All this user's reviews

4

RyconOct 3, 2019

Authentic Joker portrayal that seemed more like Hitchcock than a DC universe. Dark tones pulled me into Joker’s free fall into madness. Phoenix deserves an Oscar...as well as other actors in the movie..DeNiro! This movie is just lights outAuthentic Joker portrayal that seemed more like Hitchcock than a DC universe. Dark tones pulled me into Joker’s free fall into madness. Phoenix deserves an Oscar...as well as other actors in the movie..DeNiro! This movie is just lights out dark; Phoenix is emaciated and haunted by psychotic delusions; his reality is not reliable...not funny...theater was quiet...wow..it’s a dark uncharacteristic Hitchcock movie in a DC universe… Expand

3 of 30 users found this helpful327

All this user's reviews

4

xanderdeenOct 3, 2019

The film is ambitious and this is the best Joaquin has been since Inherant Vice, but the film itself is too self important and trying too hard to be edgy.

5 of 40 users found this helpful535

All this user's reviews

4

moviemitch96Oct 4, 2019

Given my constant disappointment with most of DC's films recently, I was skeptical from the get go about this film. I'm definitely burnt out on origin stories lately, and furthermore, I've always liked Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, but IGiven my constant disappointment with most of DC's films recently, I was skeptical from the get go about this film. I'm definitely burnt out on origin stories lately, and furthermore, I've always liked Joaquin Phoenix as an actor, but I wasn't too sure if he'd have what it takes to get this iconic role just right, something only 'The Dark Knight's' Heath Ledger has managed to do so far in my opinion. After seeing this... I can confidently say that I really could've done without this film. I found myself thoroughly unimpressed with just about every scene, moment, etc. The entire film felt sleazy to a fault, seeming content to wallow in its own filth and misery. In addition, the film definitely seemed like it was short on ideas, which would explain why half the film seemingly consisted of scenes of Phoenix doing nothing but dancing, laughing manically, and acting like a fool. It really felt like nothing more than an excuse for him to act like his usual weird self for two long hours. For those hoping that he'd live up to the hype that he supposedly surpasses Ledger's performance as the Joker, in my eyes, it's no contest. Ledger is still far and out the superior performance. I could tell Phoenix was having fun with his take on the character, but that's about it. Overall, not only did this film feel quite unnecessary, to me, it was also self-pitying and forgettable.… Expand

2 of 22 users found this helpful220

All this user's reviews

4

MaxPayneIsGodOct 29, 2019

Joker is a somewhat unnecessary take on one of the world's most famous comic book villains.
Phoenix is very, very good and he will at least get an Oscar nomination for his Travis Bickle-esq downward spiral.
Something bothered me about thisJoker is a somewhat unnecessary take on one of the world's most famous comic book villains.
Phoenix is very, very good and he will at least get an Oscar nomination for his Travis Bickle-esq downward spiral.
Something bothered me about this movie right from the get go.
It was dark, very, very dark, "Gritty" and grim, but most of all it was totally devoid of fun
There was no menace, he was portrayed as nothing but a social outcast, a damaged, demented character with no charisma.
Charisma is who The Joker has always been, Nicholson, Hamill, both of their "versions" were much more endearing, menacing and dangerous. Phoenix is just a psycho who's been pushed too far.
The social commentary is there in spades and is frankly over the top. Its too dark, predictable and honestly not that good.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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4

Megajohn85Oct 3, 2019

A Martin Scorsese film with a Joker DLC skin slapped on. Hardly original. I know Phillips said King of Comedy and Taxi Driver were influences for the film but damn He really must be a lazy screenwriter/director because this film leans tooA Martin Scorsese film with a Joker DLC skin slapped on. Hardly original. I know Phillips said King of Comedy and Taxi Driver were influences for the film but damn He really must be a lazy screenwriter/director because this film leans too hard on trying to be a Scorsese film.… Expand

4 of 34 users found this helpful430

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4

ThomasCJOct 11, 2020

Ok. Finally saw it. I’m baffled. By how overrated this movie is in any way. Is it an Oscar worthy master piece? No. Is it a painful, dark, emotional movie about the down-trotten?No. Is it a dangerous alt-right movie? No. Is worthy of all theOk. Finally saw it. I’m baffled. By how overrated this movie is in any way. Is it an Oscar worthy master piece? No. Is it a painful, dark, emotional movie about the down-trotten?No. Is it a dangerous alt-right movie? No. Is worthy of all the controversy? No. Is it a revolutionary, life changing movie for some parts of the culture war? I dont see why. It’s ok I guess and Phoenix’ performance is great. Thats it. He’s mentally ill, his life moderately sucks, he kill some people, the story is pretty meh! I don’t get the fuss.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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4

LordIllQuillOct 8, 2019

From the second Joaquin Phoenix appears onscreen, you see how hard he's "acting" and can predict everything that's going to happen in the film going forward. If all you wanted in a Joker film was a crazy guy in face-paint doing bad things inFrom the second Joaquin Phoenix appears onscreen, you see how hard he's "acting" and can predict everything that's going to happen in the film going forward. If all you wanted in a Joker film was a crazy guy in face-paint doing bad things in the name of a half-baked philosophy that boils down to "everyone is mean, and all mean people should die," then this is the movie for you. But if you wanted a Joker that's complex and menacing (a la Heath Ledger) this is a waste of time. Would this Joker walk into a room full of criminals and "make a pencil disappear"? No. This Joker has no skills, no intelligence, nothing that makes him likable or even intimidating. In fact, if you take away his gun, this Joker is just a punching bag. What kind of arch-enemy for Batman is he supposed to be? There were so many opportunities to make Joker more than just the one-dimensional psychopath everyone sees him as. Why not make him a master chemist who was underestimated and disregarded because of his "mental condition"? That could have explained the Laughing Gas, the acid, and the other deadly devices the Joker uses. Instead, we got this lazy homage to people who want to burn the world down because others don't fall over themselves to be their friend. It was marginally entertaining, hence the 4, but I couldn't even sit through to the end because it's so predictable and uninspired.… Expand

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

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4

PaulxavierfosteOct 14, 2019

Kritik an Gesellschaft gut, Joaquin Phoenix geil, der Rest nicht... Leider, ich bin sehr enttäuscht

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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4

RedizOct 4, 2019

It was an awesome drama with some elements of the comics. Great movie overall.

0 of 19 users found this helpful019

All this user's reviews

4

User6IOct 4, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wanted for this movie to be great, it could have been good, instead it was almost too boring ,being saved by it's confusing plot. I understood what it wanted to portray. Unfortunately all the numerous great things about this movie didn't helped. The movie didn't need more action, it could have been even more chaotic and confusing, but even as it is, it needed something "violent" or something special at the beginning that would have kept me invested.The IP has so much potential, the movie could have been going in so many directions...
Arthur is not or it is a tragic and very unLUCKY man and that's ok but not very interesting... One important note here is my problem with the conclusion of this story: how is this weak and sick man supposed to be the antagonist of batman or even of a policeman. Such a disappointment.… Expand

2 of 21 users found this helpful219

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4

RaytheOct 4, 2019

It is nothing but a bore and is hiding behind the fame of ledgers joker the influence of taxi driver and the Phau intellectualism of a first year philosophy major at college the cinematography and acting is good though.

2 of 22 users found this helpful220

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4

Agnew77Oct 5, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie has me battling with myself. I went in expecting to see the Joker from Batman, instead i saw a man suffering a mental breakdown. If the movie I had paid to see was titled as so I would be standing up shouting from the rooftops about the movie that portrayed the descendence of a mind into a place of despair. The acting would be top level and the feel and pace of the movie would have been perfect. Phoenix's portrayal is fantastic and is at times purposely cringe worthy watching. That being said I had went to watch a portrayal of Batmans arch nemesis The Joker. This was not even close to the character, he wasnt smart, in fact he appeared to have a learning difficulty, he was in no way close to the Joker of the comic franchise. As for the Batman timeline, the movie made no sense at all. It portrayed Bruce Wayne as 10 yrs old and Joker as approx 40yrs old. Joker shud be retiring when Batman gets going. As for the Wayne family name this movie doesnt treat it like the shining beacon in society, with suggestions of affairs and Thomas Wayne's public suggestion of Society being clowns.

This movie was as far as it could be from being a Batman movie

If u want to watch a movie about a man having a mental breakdown. Its well acted and directed, its pace slow enough to watch the breakdown happen in great detail.
As a movie its depicting that its 8 possibly 9/10

BUT it was supposed to be about the Joker, and if you want to watch the Joker from Batman then this isnt the movie for you, you should go and re watch Heath Ledger give a masterclass in the Dark Knight.… Expand

8 of 29 users found this helpful821

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4

tim27577Oct 5, 2019

Joker is a movie that thinks it has a lot to say and fancies itself The Social Commentary Of Our Time, but in reality it’s a mishmash of Hot Button Social Issues without anything interesting to say at all. So, in that respect, it’s theJoker is a movie that thinks it has a lot to say and fancies itself The Social Commentary Of Our Time, but in reality it’s a mishmash of Hot Button Social Issues without anything interesting to say at all. So, in that respect, it’s the perfect movie for 2019. Joker is our comeuppance. WAKE UP AMERICA!… Expand

2 of 18 users found this helpful216

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4

AAguil00Oct 5, 2019

A great work of art and cinema. Emotional, great performances, a journey into madness that challenges the viewer.

2 of 19 users found this helpful217

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4

ofnir22Oct 10, 2019

Not great. Not terrible, Just another movie. As a villan lacks of his hero counterpart. as an antihero its just ok. the main problem for me is the bad character evolution during the movie. phoenix perfomance is pretty good, the are some goodNot great. Not terrible, Just another movie. As a villan lacks of his hero counterpart. as an antihero its just ok. the main problem for me is the bad character evolution during the movie. phoenix perfomance is pretty good, the are some good dialogues and i think the controversy of violence in the movie is just ****… Expand

2 of 15 users found this helpful213

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4

Loro_dramaFeb 19, 2021

É um filme q não traz nada de novo, quem nunca viu um personagem q é marginalizado pela sociedade e q tem problemas mentais?
Quem nunca sentiu pena de um personagem?
É um filme longo e cansativo

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

JerryTyOct 15, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Inconsistent with the movie itself and other Batman movies. Pathetic reasons to build the character that would make the joker the formidable enemy he is supposed to be. Bad sense ofexcusing his killing spring.… Expand

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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4

LarslarsmainOct 16, 2019

I thought it was a little TOO dark. And honestly got a little bored. It could be seeing a third joker character in less than 5 years has made this less interesting.

3 of 11 users found this helpful38

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4

kotlohOct 20, 2019

Я настолько запутался в отношении к этому фильму, что просто напишу юмореску:
Физики-ядерщики шутят: "К лицам, проживающим в радиусе 20 км от места взрыва обращаться с приставкой "пошёл нахуй", в радиусе 10 км — "что ты здесь делаешь, ты что,Я настолько запутался в отношении к этому фильму, что просто напишу юмореску:
Физики-ядерщики шутят: "К лицам, проживающим в радиусе 20 км от места взрыва обращаться с приставкой "пошёл нахуй", в радиусе 10 км — "что ты здесь делаешь, ты что, ебанутый?", в радиусе 5 км — "от тебя гавной воняет, даже из телефона чую"… Expand

1 of 11 users found this helpful110

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4

goikyOct 20, 2019

People praising this movie as the movie of the year or will be talked about for decades could not be sucking Todd Phillip's dick more. The story and pacing drags, gets boring at times, and although the final act is great the build up isn'tPeople praising this movie as the movie of the year or will be talked about for decades could not be sucking Todd Phillip's dick more. The story and pacing drags, gets boring at times, and although the final act is great the build up isn't worth it. There are some scenes and little choices that make you appreciate the thought that went into this movie, but those moments are scarce and like looking for a needle in a haystack. Phoenix's performance may save this film from getting any lower than it got, but as a Joker fan it's just straight up disappointing to watch. I would not watch it again! It genuinely makes me sad because this movie has a lot of potential but it just fails so spectacularly that it's hard to watch or think about. I like Joker (the character) a lot. Possibly my favorite villain of all time. This movie? Sucks.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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4

OdoneodJan 8, 2020

Script was not worthy of Phoenix who obviously worked hard, incredibly hard, on transforming his body. Deniro added nothing to the film... He is out of touch with America and reality...as too many Hollywood actors, directors, producers andScript was not worthy of Phoenix who obviously worked hard, incredibly hard, on transforming his body. Deniro added nothing to the film... He is out of touch with America and reality...as too many Hollywood actors, directors, producers and the like are. I would love to reintroduce...or introduce...the out of touch with the working class. I will gladly take any Hollywood personnel to meet real people, real soldiers (Go Army)..(even would get brother and sister Marines, Seamen, Airmen, and our less celebrated, extremely talented, and equally important Coastguard) so we could all sit down for a powwow... PS Has Quentin Tarantino made any movies that haven't lowered morale standards?… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

All this user's reviews

4

TurboSquirtleJan 21, 2020

Anybody saying this movie is a masterpiece is reacting to the professional critics emotionally. Now I can get why some people might like this movie but I just couldn't enjoy it. It was too dark and depraved. What an awful movie to releaseAnybody saying this movie is a masterpiece is reacting to the professional critics emotionally. Now I can get why some people might like this movie but I just couldn't enjoy it. It was too dark and depraved. What an awful movie to release into the world. Joaquin Phoenix gave an excellent performance though and to some credit, it's just not my taste.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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4

ferrisbApr 15, 2022

First half was not exciting really, not much happened, it was fine, but the last 45 mins was a lot better, with some really enjoyable moments

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

3

ExploganOct 4, 2019

Phoenix acts his ass off and does a great job, but the film itself is pretentious garbage with nothing to say. It was like a film school major saying "LOOK HOW DEEP I AM" while shouting talking points and not following any of them up withPhoenix acts his ass off and does a great job, but the film itself is pretentious garbage with nothing to say. It was like a film school major saying "LOOK HOW DEEP I AM" while shouting talking points and not following any of them up with context. Like they throw out buzzwords about the mental health system, antipsychotics being bad, the majority vs the 1% etc and just doesn't really say anything or follow through on any of the ideas. Hope you like slow motion 'dancing' because there's a lot of it here.… Expand

8 of 60 users found this helpful852

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3

tdebugJan 7, 2020

This is one rare case when I mostly agree with critics. Unfortunately I found this movie quite dull and artificial. Sure Batman movies are all fairy-tail type of stories, but we know that and that what it makes the story special. Joker isThis is one rare case when I mostly agree with critics. Unfortunately I found this movie quite dull and artificial. Sure Batman movies are all fairy-tail type of stories, but we know that and that what it makes the story special. Joker is pretending to be real story which is dark and unpleasant to see most of the time.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

All this user's reviews

3

blacksunNov 11, 2019

Yes, Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor. Also, the direction and cinematography in this films is very good. But what's the takeaway here? The Joker is crazy. Yeah, we know. We knew that already. Joaquin Phoenix is a good actor? Yeah we knewYes, Joaquin Phoenix is a great actor. Also, the direction and cinematography in this films is very good. But what's the takeaway here? The Joker is crazy. Yeah, we know. We knew that already. Joaquin Phoenix is a good actor? Yeah we knew that also. If anything, it's an essay on mental illness. At a time when we need more compassion and resources towards mental illness, the film shocks the viewer in to out-right fearing it. Sure, maybe that's not the intention, but that's the result. Or maybe it's just a movie about a comic book character and I shouldn't take it so literally. Either way, it's not something I'd recommend to people, and I won't watch it again. In the end, it's just not fun. Go watch one of the many other (superior) Joaquin Phoenix films instead.… Expand

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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3

UrikaiOct 30, 2019

How it's possible that a mental disorder ends in a brilliant, creative and funny criminal mind?

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

All this user's reviews

3

AvodeskormOct 9, 2019

You're straight-up lying to anyone and yourself if you say "This is my favorite movie." Either that or you haven't seen enough movies to know how unimaginative the direction, cinematography, writing, acting, etc. is. Joaquin Phoenix isYou're straight-up lying to anyone and yourself if you say "This is my favorite movie." Either that or you haven't seen enough movies to know how unimaginative the direction, cinematography, writing, acting, etc. is. Joaquin Phoenix is overrated. I'm gonna go watch Taxi Driver again, to rinse Joker from my conscious memory.… Expand

4 of 29 users found this helpful425

All this user's reviews

3

ImUrHuckleBerriOct 6, 2019

One of the few movies I have been too where I felt bored but held out hope for some excitement. There a couple scenes of excitement and that is purely it. No real action or excitement. While the plot goes through his history and how he cameOne of the few movies I have been too where I felt bored but held out hope for some excitement. There a couple scenes of excitement and that is purely it. No real action or excitement. While the plot goes through his history and how he came to be. It's just utterly empty and not interesting. I think Phoenix played the character they made greatly. It's just the writing and lack of intrigue and excitement is grossly lacking.… Expand

5 of 37 users found this helpful532

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3

thabudOct 7, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Greatly shot greatly acted but the plot becomes horrid after first half, basically becomes a comicbook movie :)… Expand

1 of 25 users found this helpful124

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3

conottOct 8, 2019

If I was the Joker, I'd want to murder the writer and director. I can't wait for all of the wannabe nerds to try to explain how deep this shallow try-hard attempt at filmmaking was by Todd Phillips, and somehow not just a complete mess of aIf I was the Joker, I'd want to murder the writer and director. I can't wait for all of the wannabe nerds to try to explain how deep this shallow try-hard attempt at filmmaking was by Todd Phillips, and somehow not just a complete mess of a movie. Joaquin Phoenix was it's only saving grace. His performance and technique were solid, but the writing was hot garbage and the direction was absolutely terrible. Just laugh-out-loud awful at times. Over-stylized, heavy-handed, and took itself WAY too seriously given the low competency of writing/directing behind this production. I feel bad for Phoenix to have been attached to a steaming pile like this. Oh well. Despite Joker being a critical failure, at least Jouquin will probably still have a big payday with comic book culture being as devoted as it is.… Expand

9 of 50 users found this helpful941

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3

DarthNihilusOct 14, 2019

I was cautiously optimistic when this movie was announced. The Joker has always been one of my favorite comic book characters. I've always known Joaquin Phoenix to be a phenomenal actor so I was interested to see what he could bring to theI was cautiously optimistic when this movie was announced. The Joker has always been one of my favorite comic book characters. I've always known Joaquin Phoenix to be a phenomenal actor so I was interested to see what he could bring to the character. After watching the film, I can't explain the amount of disappointment I felt. The movie itself is an incredibly slow burn that takes quite a bit of patience to endure. This movie is extremely loosely connected to the Batman mythos and that is putting it mildly. The title of the film is probably the only thing "Joker" about this movie. The film portrays itself as a deep, methodical view on mental health struggles and how society treats those that struggle from them. This would have been a better film if it was not in any way connected to the comic character. Not basing this portrayal on any story from the comics was a very bold move and one that made me worried and rigtfully so it would seem. The movie doesn't really know what kind of story it wants to tell. I wouldn't call this an origin story since Arthur Fleck is in no way the Joker that we all know and love. He is like the Party City version of the beloved character. Imagine if some fanboy tried to emulate what being the joker is like for college film project and that's what you get with this film. I felt like I had wasted two hours watching this disaster. The only bright spot in this movie would be Phoenix's acting. He did the best with what the script gave him.… Expand

3 of 23 users found this helpful320

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3

TheFrogMay 18, 2020

What a huge disappointment, I was expecting so much more!
The movie sets out to sell me a point that's already sold, namely that a society that forgets and marginalizes have-nots is a bad idea, even leaving ethics alone. People robbed of allWhat a huge disappointment, I was expecting so much more!
The movie sets out to sell me a point that's already sold, namely that a society that forgets and marginalizes have-nots is a bad idea, even leaving ethics alone. People robbed of all hope and with nothing to lose, will not play by the rules, it's something Dickens made crystal clear in "A Tale of Two Cities" almost two centuries ago.
And yet the protagonist almost manages to sway me towards the despicable Thomas Wayne's selfish, paternalistic plutocracy. Fortuna may be Imperatrix Mundi, but you are rarely completely powerless in the face of events. Arthur is unlucky, but not as much as he thinks. Just like you are not fit to be an angel for Victoria's Secret if you are an obese, ugly, middle-aged man, you are not fit to be a stand-up comedian if you are a tragically unfunny guy, with a condition that makes you break up in laughter at the worst possible moment. Wanna make one of those schmaltzy, inspirational movies about pursuing a dream in the face of adversity? Well, the people in those, WORK HARD to fulfil their dream. Arthur does absolutely nothing but wallow in excessive self-pity, while smoking one cigarette after the other after the other after the other after the other... does he accept any job to make ends meet, while perfecting his act? Oh noes, that would be sooo below him. He's "made to spread joy onto the world", so he should be handed his dream on a plate. And hey, he's too busy pitying himself to get a new job, after he lost the one he had because of *his* incredible stupidity. But no, it's not his fault, right? It's society's, and mainly rich people's, so he's perfectly right in spending his days crying and smoking and laughing maniacally.
Really, I'm so angry that a perfectly valid message gets wasted this way! If you really are interested in some good and lucid social analysis, I suggest you watch something by Ken Loach, it's a world apart in quality.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

3

NmiltonOct 13, 2019

To say that Todd Phillip’s ‘Joker’ is a dangerous movie is to give it too much credence, but it is a deeply offensive one. Ultimately, it’s just a silly superhero origin story, but it’s presented in such a ‘realist’ style, and so forcefully,To say that Todd Phillip’s ‘Joker’ is a dangerous movie is to give it too much credence, but it is a deeply offensive one. Ultimately, it’s just a silly superhero origin story, but it’s presented in such a ‘realist’ style, and so forcefully, that people might actually take it as a serious movie. It has all the style and surface veneer of a classic 1970s movie, as has been pointed out by numerous reviewers. Visually, it can’t be faulted for its cinematography. It’s the script and characterisation that are lacking. Nobody would go into a film based on a comic book expecting a serious character study, but, by tackling the genre in the style of such a movie, that is what you are falsely enticed to expect. Unfortunately, that is not what you get. The viewer is presented with a mentally ill man, living with his disabled mother, who becomes a deranged serial killer who incites mass violence. This could have been an in-depth psychological exploration of one man’s descent into the maelstrom, that gives the viewer some insight into how a corrupt and insensitive society can push a vulnerable individual over the edge, as those well-known seventies movies did to some extent. Such a narrative requires nuance, sensitivity, compassion and tact, or risk demonising the vulnerable. The very lack of any of the aforementioned does just that – it sets back the mentally ill fifty years or more. What we have here is a series of episodic vignettes – admittedly in the style of a comic book – in which, through a series of gross oversimplifications, the put-upon protagonist slowly loses his grip on reality and descends into graphic violence. Each prior vignette is treated in such a superficial manner that they serve merely as lame justification for the gory set pieces.

Joaquin Phoenix’s performance is intense and physical, but, in the absence of any human depth, proves to be nothing more than a leering caricature. Lingering, over-stylised shots of his manic posturing does not equate to a meaningful performance, however fully the actor has thrown himself into the part. Instead, when the movie reaches its riotous denouement, rather than a criticism of the society that led to his downfall, we are presented with a film that seems to celebrate and encourage the very ills that incites his violence. Points of comparison are ‘Assassination Nation’ and, to a lesser extent, ‘Spring Breakers’. It is this very confusion, simultaneously vilifying the vulnerable and championing them as an anarchic anti-hero, undercutting the capitalist ruling class, that serves to further stigmatise the mentally ill. At the risk of sounding alarmist, younger viewers - older teenagers and those in their early twenties - the very audience that such a film is aimed at, or anyone else with a naïve lack of understanding of mental health, for that matter, could come away from this movie with less empathy for the isolated and marginalised than they went in, thinking the film is cool, when it’s far from that. For that reason, it is reckless and misjudged, but what should we expect from the director of puerile frat movie ‘Old School’ and laddy stag film ‘The Hangover’?… Expand

3 of 21 users found this helpful318

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3

ebelivetOct 8, 2019

Inutilmente manierista. Il regista ha vinto per il.solo fatto di avervi fatto vredere che sia un capolavoro cosa che non è. Insopportabile tutto questo type di fronte a qualcosa di normale.

3 of 25 users found this helpful322

All this user's reviews

3

jaredwallace91Feb 9, 2020

Even from an art standpoint this movie doesn't hold up much. It has nothing new to say for commentary on society and adds nothing new to the Joker story.

5 of 15 users found this helpful510

All this user's reviews

3

kirkenderOct 20, 2019

Nope. Joker is a mish-mash of all sorts of other, better, movies and themes. It's painfully unaware of it's woefully ignorant political and cultural nature. It thinks it's art masquerading as a superhero villain origin story, but it's just anNope. Joker is a mish-mash of all sorts of other, better, movies and themes. It's painfully unaware of it's woefully ignorant political and cultural nature. It thinks it's art masquerading as a superhero villain origin story, but it's just an uninformed mess. Mental health, Abuse, Violence, Bullying are all topics it fails to understand, instead relying on cliches and tired white male drama. Oh, a supervillain is created from an abusive home, some bullying, and the loss of a job? Then everyone would be a supervillain, eff off. Joaquin Phoenix is a complete mess, not able to keep his own interpretation consistent from moment to moment in the same scene. It's a painful wreck, and offensive to anyone who's ever actually dealt with mental health and/or abuse issues. In the back of my mind I feel like this was the first movie written by an AI computer program. Utter trash.… Expand

4 of 24 users found this helpful420

All this user's reviews

3

jackronnerOct 26, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's no denying the depth of Phoenix's performance, but it boils down to watching an entire movie featuring a tortured soul's life coming apart. It is slow and grating, with some nod to the origin and interrelation of the Joker and Batman, but it's not worth the wait in the dark of the theater of of the Joke's life. There is no real rhyme or reason to his elevation to folk hero for his murders, other than to introduce a "commentary" on the media's (now the internet's) sudden ignition of wildfires of celebrity and the "Resist" movement in a bid for contemporary relevance. They should have introduced testimony from the woman on the train as to the dark side of the three "preppy" victims in order to make some sense of the riots, etc. Without it, there's no reason for the uprisings. Plus, I've got to say that the level of violence is way below what I expected in light of the controversy preceding the film's release. I was actually just at the point of asking the usher how long was left in the film (I was thinking of leaving) when it ended. Should have asked earlier.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

All this user's reviews

3

lascottlaOct 8, 2019

Joaquin Phoenix was the only good thing about this movie. Poor writing, awful directing and a god awful ending that feels like it’s written & directed by a 13 year old on his fifth Red Bull. The two clear conclusions I came to after watchingJoaquin Phoenix was the only good thing about this movie. Poor writing, awful directing and a god awful ending that feels like it’s written & directed by a 13 year old on his fifth Red Bull. The two clear conclusions I came to after watching this flick are that Joaquin Phoenix can give a solid performance in just about anything and that Todd Phillips is definitely NOT a good director.… Expand

11 of 60 users found this helpful1149

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3

CityOfGeekOct 3, 2019

A longer version of this review appears on my site.
If Todd Phillip’s Joker has anything going for it, it is an attempted down-to-earth take on super-villainy in a world we know will eventually be filled with spandex and superheroes, freeA longer version of this review appears on my site.
If Todd Phillip’s Joker has anything going for it, it is an attempted down-to-earth take on super-villainy in a world we know will eventually be filled with spandex and superheroes, free from the constraints and expectations of comic book trappings. This trash-strewn Gotham City of 1981 invokes a dirty, grimier period of cinema and city. In that end, Lawrence Sher’s cinematography nails the feel of the films the movies desperately wants to emulate. It’s far away from the cheery and essentially light MCU and it’s more dour than the much maligned other DC films, none of which really connect to Joker. This is fine. This is still Batman’s world, but not any version seen previously. In case you thought this stand on its own, there are many direct connections, all forced and inspiring everything from a “really” look to my eyes rolling hard.
Joker aka Arthur Fleck has no power in life except accidentally starting a revolution with shooting three Yuppies in self-defense. Stripping away the theatricality of the Clown to attempt to present a story of that One Bad Day that made the villain is a refreshing take. But, It is rather unnecessary. It’s been said that Joker is what it would look like if Scorsese tried his hand at a comic-book movie. Joker is someone who saw Scorsese films, particularly Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy but doesn’t understand why they work. As Scorsese often does, Joker presents a villain as a hero in his own story. His heroes are often far from good people. That’s why we love to watch Travis Bickle or Jordan Belfort. We get into the head of someone we cannot truly identify with as they tell us their actions are justified. But we also know teye aren’t. They are kept an arm’s distance away, with a level of satire or social-commentary. However, Joker leaves out the satire, presenting Fleck as a direct protagonist: a man who cracks after being broken by the system. He’s had enough, and society must crumble.One feels we’re meant to follow his action as justified and ultimately the “hero” Gotham needs and deserves. There is a kernel of truth and reason mixed in. The system fails those who need it most. Fleck loses access to his medication and social worker when the social worker’s entire department is closed for budget cuts. We live in a world where people in need, whether it be from mental illness, addiction, or poverty. These people keep finding their support cut off, and society then get upset with bad things happen.
This is lost in a mishmash of undercooked and misguided ideas. Fleck is a manifesto of the angry male loner. He works an underwhelming job as a party-clown. He lives with his mother in his forties. He desires the woman down the hall, but she barely knows his name – and considers him to be a threat. He’s told he creeps people out, and not to talk to their kids. He just can’t get a break. The whole world is against him, no one listens to him Everyone but his mother is the enemy. What’s worse, his actions are blamed on mental illness, directly stated in the climax, giving more backing to presenting the mentally ill as a threat rather than regular people.
Phoenix is forced to try to make a compelling performance from this. He’s a fantastic actor who gives care to his roles. He’s saddled with a script that gives little. He surely gives an interesting performance in the same way Jack Nicholson does as Jack in The Shining. Both of these are starting at 11, already lost-causes, two seconds away from violence. There is no arc. Performance wise they can be moved around their films with no difference in how they are behaving. The character’s an empty cipher meant for the viewer to pour into. For an origin story, there is precious little true backstory. A moment of abuse, a life-time of caring for his mother, and a mention of committal. Who is Fleck, really? Phillips doesn’t care. Joker is a tone-deaf film, providing either wrong-headed commentary directly or underdone ideas it feels are grander. Through all its pomp and anger and muddled messaging, Joker doesn’t work. It’s dull and repetitive, slogging on from one scene to another, powered by an awkward and on the nose script. Any time the hammer Phillips wields hits the nail, it is purely by accident. There are moments that almost work, where a glimmer of a good film shines through and where it almost feels poignant with something to actually say. But each time this occurs it’s soon lost in the weeds.… Expand

8 of 63 users found this helpful855

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3

JakeHyleJan 4, 2020

This takes the idea of darker, gritter, 'more realistic' version of DC characters that we saw with the with the Christopher Nolan Batman movies to a pointless extreme. "Joker" strips everything away from what makes this character the Joker,This takes the idea of darker, gritter, 'more realistic' version of DC characters that we saw with the with the Christopher Nolan Batman movies to a pointless extreme. "Joker" strips everything away from what makes this character the Joker, and leaves nothing but a mentally unstable and angry person from which to make a movie about. If this move wasn't titled Joker you would never even know it's about Batman's nemesis. Boring, Over indulgent, pretentious. A single actor cant save this movie.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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3

GuizinFeb 8, 2020

Except for Phoenix's actuation and the responsibility of DC and Warner Bros. to bring us a good movie (cinematographic quality), this is garbage. I totally agree with the review of The New York Times: it's incoherence and violence for free.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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3

RwolfBonerushOct 6, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly this is a mess of a film, extremely predictable plot and cringe worthy moments though out the film. Movie goes dark for the sake of dark without every really having a reason why.… Expand

3 of 35 users found this helpful332

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3

FanDeMike13Jun 14, 2020

The only thing salvageable is Phoenix's performance. The rest is great disappointment

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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3

JlealOct 5, 2019

The movie is vapid in its own special way. It asks you to dissect it while you watch, and then simultaneously punishes you for looking for depth. If you want a movie about a guy going insane because of society, just watch Taxi Driver, ToddThe movie is vapid in its own special way. It asks you to dissect it while you watch, and then simultaneously punishes you for looking for depth. If you want a movie about a guy going insane because of society, just watch Taxi Driver, Todd Philips obviously did.… Expand

8 of 46 users found this helpful838

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3

ishan139Oct 7, 2019

Everyone is talking about nominating Joaquin phoenix for Oscar but he has not done anything great apart from brayying and delivering flat dialogues. No one can replace Heath ledger's performance! The story doesn't have much to surprise youEveryone is talking about nominating Joaquin phoenix for Oscar but he has not done anything great apart from brayying and delivering flat dialogues. No one can replace Heath ledger's performance! The story doesn't have much to surprise you and infact there is no story at all. It is all about narcissism, gluttony and psychofanaticism.… Expand

2 of 30 users found this helpful228

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3

samcritic91Oct 12, 2019

Acting wise movie is awesome but it has no any ideal story.not even any morality...gives wrong msg to society and total nonsense theme of movie....for a normal viewer movie is may be between 5 to 6...but according a critic it should be below 3....

3 of 27 users found this helpful324

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3

nateconn92Oct 13, 2019

Joker was a disappointing movie. The origin story was not interesting. I could not find myself caring at all about the Joker. I do not recommend seeing this movie.

2 of 20 users found this helpful218

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3

ShahafOct 14, 2019

The characters isn’t there.. and it. Sad movie about white man being sad. With that being said the acting is amazing

2 of 18 users found this helpful216

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3

HotpoyOct 30, 2019

Not interesting, a failed attempt to explain the Joker's sick mind. They passed away.

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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3

DavinchiNov 4, 2019

Slow film. And dangerous for some insane persons. However, Joaquín Phonix Is The best of The film. There are so much better films.

1 of 10 users found this helpful19

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3

SarahWillaimsonNov 5, 2019

This movie is not as original as people are claiming, there have been a number of films like it which are much better most notably Taxi Driver and the King of Comedy. I'm assuming most of the people claiming this to be the best film ever haveThis movie is not as original as people are claiming, there have been a number of films like it which are much better most notably Taxi Driver and the King of Comedy. I'm assuming most of the people claiming this to be the best film ever have seen little more than comic book superhero movies and big-budget popular film series, therefore I understand why this film may seem different but hopefully, this allows these people to see more films and realize how good the art of filmmaking can be .… Expand

4 of 14 users found this helpful410

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3

foss1kNov 24, 2019

havent seen worst joker then this one. The creators neglected his cleverness, dangerous and other things. I hoped to see how a guy will become the most dangerous criminal in Gotham. but what i've seen. Some guy with laugh disorder kills fewhavent seen worst joker then this one. The creators neglected his cleverness, dangerous and other things. I hoped to see how a guy will become the most dangerous criminal in Gotham. but what i've seen. Some guy with laugh disorder kills few people and gets to madhouse beacause of because of resentment of surrounding world. Just weak guy. yeah there's a story but you've forgotten who joker is!!! I'd prefer 10th time rewatch Dark Knight instead of this long story of nothing which make me feel sorry for main charachter... This is not Joker.… Expand

5 of 13 users found this helpful58

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3

CristianfuentesDec 23, 2019

A depressing slog, a missed opportunity. Under developed and miscalculated plot, denigrates the black people too. As the only girl available to this psycho is indeed a black girl...

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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3

SootballJan 12, 2020

Joaquin Phoenix did a stellar job conveying crazy, but the weak & predictable writing disabled my ability to suspend disbelief as the movie slogged through the same formula ad nauseam. A series of unfortunate events and the resulting heavyJoaquin Phoenix did a stellar job conveying crazy, but the weak & predictable writing disabled my ability to suspend disbelief as the movie slogged through the same formula ad nauseam. A series of unfortunate events and the resulting heavy handed depiction of "crazy" got dull fast, leading up to an ending that made little sense in the context of the first half of this film. Would not watch again.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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3

MasoodFerasatiFeb 17, 2022

Joker... An empty and empty movie that is not worth watching! ... I do not know what the director intended to make this film ?! Maybe he wanted to ruin our happy memories with Master Heath Ledger... A dull narrative that even hurts theJoker... An empty and empty movie that is not worth watching! ... I do not know what the director intended to make this film ?! Maybe he wanted to ruin our happy memories with Master Heath Ledger... A dull narrative that even hurts the enthusiasm of the audience! ... The only positive point of the movie is the relatively good Wakin Phoenix game, which in my opinion is not worth it in the face of thousands of negative points! Alas, I live in a world where the Joker is the pamphlet of the top 250 movies in history and people who know nothing about cinema have revealed this calamity! ... Finally, I want to say that it is better to know the meaning of cinema and not make a masterpiece from the garbage of cinema!… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

MercyinYouMar 19, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've given this movie a 3 for the three good things about it: It rightfully killed the run of the stupid Jared Leto Joker. Phoenix's performance is excellent. The film is "well-made," but this is not a movie of substance. The movie is not a good talking point for mental health. The movie is not a good start for a discussion on society, rich vs. poor, etc. This is a stylized empty film that looks like many better Scorsese films but has an outline instead of a plot. It made money because it has a tangential relation to the DC universe. It really feels like these Batman references were added later to sell the movie. The movie would be basically the same with these elements removed. At least with the Batman attachment Bill Finger will get credit and money will finally go to his estate.

This movie alludes to things like the Goetz shooting but removes the element of race from it, which is one of its most important factors. That is typical of this movie, it superficially brings up issues to justify the violence. This movie brings up the need for better treatment for the mentally ill but by using the abuse of the mentally ill as the justification for the Joker's actions, it does a disservice to the mentally ill. Most violent crimes are not committed by the mentally ill but if we delve into these any of these issues then it would be harder to convince the audience to sympathize with Arthur Fleck once he becomes a mass murderer with no remorse. The movie is inviting us to be comfortable with the villain and root for him. There are many movies that make for an uncomfortable experience. They depict relentless cruelty and depravity. You don't feel comfortable at the end credits. But Joker does that and that alone. It's a shallow take on society and how it fails people with a little "Batman" thrown in. When the movie shows that Fleck is a completely unreliable narrator the audience has to question how much is real and how is in much is in Fleck's head. Leaving everything ambiguous is great for covering up many plot holes and looking profound. "Joker" is a sleek veneer of a picture made to look arty. That's all. But it won two Oscars and made over a billion dollars. A sequel will be out soon. So for most, the end justifies the means.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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2

LamontRaymondOct 3, 2019

I have no idea what the jurors at Venice were smoking when they picked Joker for their grand prize because this sucker is a snore-fest, from beginning to end. There’s nothing exciting about it – there’s only a modicum of violence (if youI have no idea what the jurors at Venice were smoking when they picked Joker for their grand prize because this sucker is a snore-fest, from beginning to end. There’s nothing exciting about it – there’s only a modicum of violence (if you want violence in a much better movie, go see the latest Rambo). And Phoenix doesn’t hold a candle to Heath Ledger’s Joker. I mean, in that movie, there’s a palpable sense of dread throughout. You could cut the tension with a knife. This one? It’s just there. Inert. Tedious. I checked my watch maybe 4 times, which is bad. Whoever has been calling this movie “dangerous”, or a movie of its time…. Please. I’d love to see a movie in which people so fed up over political talk all day and all night go out and cause mayhem. There’s nothing remotely like that here. And let me take a moment to call out DeNiro. He’s entirely mis-cast. What’s more, he totally mailed this performance in. Maybe he saved his best (or even “good”) stuff for The Irishman. The only really good performance in this film is by the actress from Atlanta. Actually, Paperboy from Atlanta is also very good in a tiny role. I was pumped up to see this – what a letdown. Now let’s bring on the quality – The Lighthouse, Parasite, and Marriage Story.… Expand

12 of 87 users found this helpful1275

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2

movieboyNov 9, 2019

Kind of like a derivative Taxi Driver fused with Clockwork Orange, only slightly made watchable by Phoenix playing a crazy person. Basically a pointless exercise with no redeeming value.

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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2

NekatorOct 15, 2019

Horrible dissapointment as a Batman or Comic movie at all... in the end it´s a mediocre, overhyped drama about a sick psycho loser.

1 of 16 users found this helpful115

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2

gxm143Feb 1, 2020

Extremely disappointing. Phoenix's performance is spellbinding, but totally overwrought. In the end, a boring film. And don't rely much on the user score, it's the result of an organized campaign. Bots and everything. 2000+ reviews, really?

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

Hawk321Apr 10, 2020

Not a good movie YET !
Perhaps the movie will become good if I can watch all (potential) successors of it once.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

FelicityFenwickOct 3, 2019

What a buzzkill. You could hear a pindrop (and a few snores) in my theater. Why bother putting police officers at the exits of this movie when people are yawning on the way out? And why use Pink and Blue Boy in his apartment? oddWhat a buzzkill. You could hear a pindrop (and a few snores) in my theater. Why bother putting police officers at the exits of this movie when people are yawning on the way out? And why use Pink and Blue Boy in his apartment? odd choices. JP doesn't hold a candle to Ledger or Romero.... maybe a little better than Nicholson, but that movie sucked the big one. If the Academy awards this because of the hype after having face-palmed The Dark Knight, you'll know that that event isn't worthy watching again.… Expand

7 of 63 users found this helpful756

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2

Khalid43Oct 6, 2019

I was dissapointed, the hype for the movie was too much, i thought the film will be a great one, the only good thing is the acting, just that

5 of 37 users found this helpful532

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2

seogyeOct 8, 2019

Есть на руси такая пословица - смех без причины - признак дурачины. В общем не понимаю что все так восхищаются этим фильмом. Джокер в вселенной ДС - это криминальный гений, который просчитывает на 10 шагов вперед. Тут этим и не пахнет, этоЕсть на руси такая пословица - смех без причины - признак дурачины. В общем не понимаю что все так восхищаются этим фильмом. Джокер в вселенной ДС - это криминальный гений, который просчитывает на 10 шагов вперед. Тут этим и не пахнет, это скорей медицинский фильм про историю болезни. Замените джокера любым другим персонажем, я имею в виду, например, на Петю, или Машу, то фильм нисколько не поменяется. Будет в кадре бегать Петя или Маша или Джокер, смысл не поменяется.… Expand

2 of 23 users found this helpful221

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2

KenRAug 6, 2020

How easily pleased have people become? When a ‘major’ movie is this simplistic and obviously just another copy of many other overrated downers – it leaves someone needing to explain how this nonsense then goes on to rate a ridiculous 11 OscarHow easily pleased have people become? When a ‘major’ movie is this simplistic and obviously just another copy of many other overrated downers – it leaves someone needing to explain how this nonsense then goes on to rate a ridiculous 11 Oscar nominations? Who can truly take the Oscars seriously any longer? Joker is a typical super-ugly, comic book R Rated serial killer story - which grinds its endless way through non-stop, grotesque situations of the most maudlin kind. We’ve already seen this character (somewhat over-played by Phoenix) far too many times in the past. Even the dark, sleazy settings don’t invite interest, and has left many viewers wanting it all to end quickly but no, it drags on for over two hours, feeling painfully more like three. Then there’s the casting of an over-used De Niro, intended to help capitalise on some of those ‘gangster- obsessed’ Scorsese offerings. Many paid to see this over-hyped lowbrow tosh, expecting to experience a masterpiece - only to wish they could get back their time and money for better use. If uninspired morbidity is your thing, you’ll get a bellyful – otherwise, stay well away and watch this junk fade into the obscurity it deserves, hopefully, along with the copycat movie makers. The final images this movie creates of carnage on the streets of America, looks more like the sorry, robotic BLM mayhem that’s reducing the USA to a decaying mess. Just what the CCP and others would be quite happy to see – Civil War. Such a pitiful shame and a sick joke.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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Joker

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