OR

Email Address

Password

Forgot password?

Joker

Warner Bros. | Release Date: October 3, 2019

8.9	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 7524 Ratings

USER RATING DISTRIBUTION

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Stream On

Stream On

Stream On

Expand

Review this movie

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Please sign in or create an account before writing a review.

Check box if your review contains spoilers

0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

10

ajoneOct 10, 2019

Joker should be ranked #1 By UserScore Rankings for Current Movie Releases. May I ask why isn't Joker is NOT? Everyone I know only looks at the UserScore Rankings. How long will Joker be censored like this?

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

5

actiniumApr 12, 2020

/ .

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

1

bleemusDec 26, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Admittedly great acting by JP... but I don't need a 2 hour movie to continually remind me he can play a crazy guy and lost a bunch of weight for the role. His impressive skills are diluted by repetition, the movie just alternates between socially awkward scenes and shots of him shirtless so we can see his ribs.

The movie and story is extremely boring. The other characters in the movie could be replaced by cardboard cutouts, as they add nothing to the experience; the 'Fight Club girlfriend' was uninspired and a let down.

There aren't many movies that I wish I hadn't gone to see, and this is one of them.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

DeeGeeGeeFeb 6, 2020

An instant classic. One of the best films ever made. Dont listen to the woke crowd they dont know what art is.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

d0vla11Oct 4, 2019

Definitely a movie of the year. A masterpiece, a perfectly crafted story and characters.
It has no flaws. Top performance from Joaquin Phoenix.
Even with my 4 hours of sleep i just couldn't blink at all, the movie keeps you on the edge theDefinitely a movie of the year. A masterpiece, a perfectly crafted story and characters.
It has no flaws. Top performance from Joaquin Phoenix.
Even with my 4 hours of sleep i just couldn't blink at all, the movie keeps you on the edge the whole runtime.
And about the score of the movie, for a long time i've not heard this much emotional sound and perfectly fitting one for a character like Arthur Fleck.

One of the best DC movies ever. That's all. Watch it!… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

2

pjonssonFeb 19, 2020

This is going to be one of those posts where I go against the mainstream but my reaction when I watched this movie was: You got to be f… kidding me?

The only resemblance to the REAL joker in this movie is the name. As far as I am concernedThis is going to be one of those posts where I go against the mainstream but my reaction when I watched this movie was: You got to be f… kidding me?

The only resemblance to the REAL joker in this movie is the name. As far as I am concerned this movie is an insult to the fans of Batman and the REAL Joker.

The “Joker” in this move is a unintelligent deranged nutcase. There is a sob story in the background about how he became that way which is totally uninteresting.

The REAL joker is a intelligent criminal mastermind. I was waiting for this nutcase to actually become that for the entire movie. Spoiler alert, it never happened! This guy starts as a useless sobbing nutcase and he ends the movie as the same useless sobbing nutcase.

The movie has NOTHING to do with the real Joker. It is a blatant attempt to garner support for a unrelated psychopathic thriller by using the Joker name. If it would have been advertised as such I probably would have, if not liked it, so at least appreciated it for it’s qualities. It is indeed a well done movie technically and the main character is indeed excellently performed.

However, even if I try to distance myself from the deceitful Joker label, I find it overall boring, too long and really a movie about a psychopath probably made by someone with mental issues himself. But then that’s Hollywood today.

That the politically biased and elitist so called “critics” on sites like Rotten Tomatoes like it is not really surprising but I have to confess that I am somewhat surprised at the rave ratings by real viewers on some other sites.

Honestly, I was expecting to be disappointing by this movie. Then I am always cautious about movies getting rave reviews, especially from the previously mentioned totally useless and crappy “review” site. I did not expect this level of disappointment though. Epic fail as far as I am concerned.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

8

SeppsOct 25, 2019

We had a very good time at Joker. It's got a solid plot, a very strong performance from its titular protagonist and showed restraint from jump-scare violence or most of the stunts you might expect from a movie like this. I look forward toWe had a very good time at Joker. It's got a solid plot, a very strong performance from its titular protagonist and showed restraint from jump-scare violence or most of the stunts you might expect from a movie like this. I look forward to seeing it again.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

6

o_retyMar 20, 2021

Americans and their pathetic attempts at building a mythology. Apart from the "twist" with the black girl, thanks to the unreliable narrator shtick, nothing resembling any sense whatsoever ever happens in this movie and all this convolutedAmericans and their pathetic attempts at building a mythology. Apart from the "twist" with the black girl, thanks to the unreliable narrator shtick, nothing resembling any sense whatsoever ever happens in this movie and all this convoluted drama doesn't work on me, at all. And don't think the programming is off here. You see, violence is fun. It will make all of your problems go away. Also, aren't people crazy? Unhappy for no reason. And life is a failed comedian stage. And you're the comedian.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

WilliamgoyOct 4, 2019

A masterpiece of realistic acting, in depth character development, and real world parallelism. Joker is the must-see movie of the year.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

BongoBeatsOct 4, 2019

Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie IBest movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.Best movie I r8 8/8 m8.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

Kuro94Oct 8, 2019

I don't even think this film deserves a lot of negative reviews by critics. It's obviously a masterpiece in terms of cinematography, scores, Joaquin's performance and the plot it delivers

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

10

AbinjosephOct 10, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My favourite movie. It's just awesome and I really don't care what the critics say.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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

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

All this user's reviews

9

ScatChefFeb 3, 2020

The best part of the film was where I was judging Joaquin Phoenix for not being 'together'. I know a lot of mentally ill people and I judge them too harshly... not that their mental health excuses them for saying/doing mean things but I couldThe best part of the film was where I was judging Joaquin Phoenix for not being 'together'. I know a lot of mentally ill people and I judge them too harshly... not that their mental health excuses them for saying/doing mean things but I could always be more compassionate.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

8

FelpsGPFeb 5, 2020

Joaquin Phoenix's acting is obviously the center of the movie as the plot revolves around the slow paced decay of Arthur (a.k.a. Joker) mixed with the acceptance of himself. you can't really predict where the movie is going to take you, butJoaquin Phoenix's acting is obviously the center of the movie as the plot revolves around the slow paced decay of Arthur (a.k.a. Joker) mixed with the acceptance of himself. you can't really predict where the movie is going to take you, but that's the point. There's no hero and villain, this is not a standard comic book movie as it's closer in "style" to Birdman than to The Dark Knight. The idea here is to build a character, is to give a reason and an explanation to the mysteriousness of the Joker's past.
The role of the joker is one the most serious (pum kind of intended) nowadays and requires a lot of dedication from the actor as well as the writers and directors (otherwise you get Suicide Squad Joker) as you need to feel in the shoes of Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson and although I don't believe Joaquin Phoenix's Joker is the best here, he did his research and really commited to the role and the result was so good that it's worth being mentioned alongside these names.
Joker is not a perfect masterpiece, but it's worth every Oscar nomination it got, especially for best actor. I definitely recommend watching this movie.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

10

RandiveFeb 8, 2020

The best acting I’ve ever seen. With Joaquins performance, its a movie with emotion. Audience rating should be taken more seriously.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

9

miguelclearyJul 30, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. We all know critic reviews are worthless. Most critic sites are paid off to give good reviews, which is something everyone has been aware of for a long time.

The movie is fantastic. Its too real. We see a seriously mentally ill man being cast aside by society. After losing his access to therapy and medication, we see him slowly descend into darkness. The tone of the movie is largely dark and sinister. The turning point is when he decides to commit suicide. The elated giddiness of an mentally ill person finally making this decision is only relatable for someone who has gone through the same thing. He takes power into his own hands. The music and lighting becomes more cheery. The second turning point is near the end, when he realizes once he has taken the power back over his life and finally feels happy, he no longer wants to die.

He felt ignored by society and once he takes a stand against the absurdity of it, he sees there are other people just like him. They see him. The negative reviews are by the exact same people the movie is calling out. Or they expected another generic action movie and got a dark drama.

This movie didn't have to be about Joker. It honestly takes away from it. I'd say that is the only flaw. The writing and attention to detail is fantastic. Joaquin Phoenix is fantastic. Just watch the movie, its great.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

6

Johnnybravo8125Oct 3, 2019

Very few parts felt like he was the Joker. The build up is slow and drawn out. Easily could have been thirty minutes shorter. The acting is great but the character is poorly written.

8 of 33 users found this helpful825

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

6

EqFistOct 3, 2019

Is it a Joker ?!

No, and again no ... Only the name is left of the character. Absolutely boring and dull film. Probably at Batman vs. Superman level. The atmosphere is extremely repulsive, depressing, which contributes to the unremarkableIs it a Joker ?!

No, and again no ... Only the name is left of the character.

Absolutely boring and dull film. Probably at Batman vs. Superman level.
The atmosphere is extremely repulsive, depressing, which contributes to the unremarkable and the same type of soundtrack and painful florist from which gives death.

The film is a hodgepodge from Taxi Driver and King of Comedy, which is extremely unsuccessful, it can be seen that Phillips is impotent in terms of ideas, this is evidenced by the weak script of the film, which works only because it shows the realities of the world. I personally was not interested in looking at it, because it’s already been wiped into holes.

The game is partially saved from despondency by the game of the Phoenix, it is not in vain that they consider him a good actor, but it could not do without replay, he does not pull on Oscar. The Ledger version is extremely far away.

As a result, we have a noticeably overestimated film, which in fact is one-time. There is no desire to review.… Expand

8 of 35 users found this helpful827

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

0

batuuOct 31, 2019

This movie is so boring and not innovative. people gets hype that is all. There is nothing about with Joker's origin. Joker has mental illness. Not a 'like we all know' criminal mastermind.

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

All this user's reviews

0

KubatheLostOct 31, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The music, cinematography, and the lead actor were incredible! The plot, pacing, and the idea that this was so supposed to be the Joker is the real joke here. Practically nothing was portrayed correctly in this movie from the comics or even other films or cartoons, and all that could be forgiven if they at least captured the essence of the character however they did not. He was never really funny (even though comedy is subjective as Arthur states himself) he isn't really a criminal he just kind of stumbles and fumbles through every situation, and most importantly he wasn't smart or conniving. This is supposed to the legendary, the infamous, the iconic villain of Batman in the future? A weak, pathetic, mentally ill clown that can't even keep a job or take care of his mother. Everything is handed to this character through plot driven circumstances. Oh the crowd just happens to get riled up just in time so he can slip through and meet Thomas Wayne. He didn't rile up the crowd, or plan a diversion how did he get a service outfit to blend in? Oh it was just laying around in a service closet just his size. The real Joker is smart and that is what allows him to go to to toe with the greatest detective of all time. He doesn't just get the luckiest circumstances in the world and just happens to beat Batman. He plans and schemes and puts on a show and actually knows how to be funny if he wants to be. The only reason I think this has good reviews is because my generation doesn't know the characters, and joaquin phoenix is an amazing artist bringing the role he was told to play to life. If this was a random movie about a random clown with mental illness and tragic story it would be a decent movie. As a movie supposedly portraying the Joker it was the worst movie DC has made so far. It was a movie made is if they don't understand their own character or why he is even so iconic or infamous in the first place. Sincerely a huge Joker fan… Expand

3 of 14 users found this helpful311

All this user's reviews

0

jaquez84Oct 6, 2019

If you are looking at this film as an extreme warning against ignoring the struggles of everyday life and of ignoring struggles of people with mental disabilities then congratulations.

As a film, as a piece of art meant to entertain, thisIf you are looking at this film as an extreme warning against ignoring the struggles of everyday life and of ignoring struggles of people with mental disabilities then congratulations.

As a film, as a piece of art meant to entertain, this was a joke. Pun completely intended.

The joker some how manages to be as boring as a movie as it is twisted. Even the darkest parts of the film fall flat because of its sedated pace. Even if you are trying to make a statement, your film still has to be good. You don’t get a pass on being entertaining for the sake of having a message. I know pretentious people will claim the movie was entertaining in an attempt to be deep. The only person who could genuinely like this film is Joaquin Phoenix playing Arthur Fleck playing Arthur Fleck. I would say people struggling to find someway to like this movie is a whole lot more dangerous than monotony.

As as a score I give this a slow shot to the head full of regret. More valuable than the price of the ticket, is the time spent watching this movie and the several hours wondering why, how this could ever be made. I will never get back the time i’ve wasted back but hey “that’s life.”… Expand

14 of 67 users found this helpful1453

All this user's reviews

5

katezoeOct 12, 2019

Worth seeing because of the performance by Joaquin Phoenix who will get an Oscar nomination. Movie about a what makes a psychopath....been done before and nothing new is revealed.

3 of 15 users found this helpful312

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

All this user's reviews

1

bosrs1Mar 19, 2021

With all the accolades Mr. Phoenix received for this film I really wanted to like it and I really tried to watch it with an open mind. But honestly, I just can't do it. My wife and I have sat down 3 times now trying to get through this movieWith all the accolades Mr. Phoenix received for this film I really wanted to like it and I really tried to watch it with an open mind. But honestly, I just can't do it. My wife and I have sat down 3 times now trying to get through this movie and we just can't do it. It's a slog that never really caught our attention. Maybe it's because it featured the Joker and we were expecting a certain type of movie, that this is clearly not. Or maybe it's because the story itself just wasn't terribly engaging. I can see why Phoenix received awards, his acting was stellar. But the movie itself... it's a stinker.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

All this user's reviews

6

SgtviperOct 13, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was interesting to see the Joker get a standalone film. I feel as if people over hyped the film not to say it was bad. There were some scenes in the film that felt unnecessary but what made it worth it was exposure of Arthur's mentality. The idea of having a monster come from a society that is supposed to be normal was exceptional. The constant laughing was somewhat annoying though I'd let that slide. Another thing worth mentioning was Arthur killing his adoptive mother, it wasn't dramatic enough. I will give the writers praise for how Thomas Wayne and Arthur met, simply gold. I understand that most of the way how the character was used wasn't based from the comics but it's fun to see things from a different perspective. If there is a sequel to be intact in the future, moving the storyline from the comics wouldn't be bad as long as it's not too far from the source.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

All this user's reviews

0

BroyaxFeb 23, 2020

Ce type-là, ce clochard, ce pauvre hère lamentable, ce simple maniaco-dépressif est censé... être... le fameux, l'illustre Joker ?! les bras m'en tombent ! mais de toute façon, c'est quoi ce film social à la mords-moi-le-noeud où il ne seCe type-là, ce clochard, ce pauvre hère lamentable, ce simple maniaco-dépressif est censé... être... le fameux, l'illustre Joker ?! les bras m'en tombent ! mais de toute façon, c'est quoi ce film social à la mords-moi-le-noeud où il ne se passe strictement... rien ? à part une sorte de soubresaut au bout d'une heure et demi... et encore !

C'est quoi ce misérabilisme à deux balles ? franchement, ça fait pitié, le Joker fait pitié, tout le film fait pitié... et c'est carrément insultant pour le personnage lui-même qui n'avait jamais demandé pareil traitement... Non, le Joker, c'est Nicholson dans Batman : frappadingue, taré, excentrique, drôle, cinglé, très dangereux et le genre de type qui a du charisme à revendre dans sa folie psychotique...

Ce n'est pas cette larve qu'on constate et voit et méprise dans ce pseudo-film psychodramatique qui se regarde le nombril à dormir debout pendant deux heures ! non seulement, c'est chiant mais c'est surtout carrément insultant pour l'un des meilleurs méchants de la culture populaire.

Ce film, cet ersatz de film n'a absolument aucun intérêt et le gars Phoenix s'est avili et ridiculisé là-dedans comme un pauvre tocard. Totale perte de temps.… Expand

3 of 16 users found this helpful313

All this user's reviews

0

kmlthrNov 2, 2019

I can't understand all the fuss made about this movie, it didn't go to my expectations, it's more of a drama than a comedy, it's trying so hard to make sense, but it just cant, i didn't like the two personalities switching : Joker must onlyI can't understand all the fuss made about this movie, it didn't go to my expectations, it's more of a drama than a comedy, it's trying so hard to make sense, but it just cant, i didn't like the two personalities switching : Joker must only be Joker, not some crazy who doesn't know how to speak, joker can play with people's minds, he is a player, not some crazy criminal killing people just like that for no reason… Expand

3 of 16 users found this helpful313

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

All this user's reviews

1

LucasMoltoOct 22, 2019

Awful movie. Just misery porn 4 upper class airheads. Absolutamente torpe, abyecto y carente de sentido del humor.

4 of 22 users found this helpful418

All this user's reviews

6

TejasNairOct 9, 2019

Despite the hardcore and jumpscare violence, the so-so portrayal of mental illness and its consequences when it goes untreated, the eerie score played on repeat, great dialogues 90% of which are polished as punchlines, the brilliant backstoryDespite the hardcore and jumpscare violence, the so-so portrayal of mental illness and its consequences when it goes untreated, the eerie score played on repeat, great dialogues 90% of which are polished as punchlines, the brilliant backstory of the DC universe, and a charming performance (of a life time) by Joaquin Phoenix, Joker was an underwhelming crime drama for me. TN.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

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

6

DaUnknownCriticOct 4, 2019

Joker has problems. Pun intended. And I’m not referring to Arthur Fleck, -Todd Phillips’ latest incarnation of the Clown Prince of Crime – but the picture itself.

As if the weight of 80 years in print or 5 decades on the screen weren’tJoker has problems. Pun intended. And I’m not referring to Arthur Fleck, -Todd Phillips’ latest incarnation of the Clown Prince of Crime – but the picture itself.

As if the weight of 80 years in print or 5 decades on the screen weren’t oceanically crushing enough, we now are served another incarnation of an antagonist as ubiquitously immortal as Moriarty or Hannibal Lecter. What more can be said? Is there any meat left on the bones of the mythology?

If one were to believe the marketing, we’re going to see a Taxi Driver meets The King of Comedy meets The French Connection. Sounds great, right? It would be, but it was marketing.

What Joker does deliver is a thin screed on mental illness in an even sicker society. This society in decline has sensibilities contemporary to our own, despite the trappings of the 1970’s which seem like an aesthetic afterthought. Those versed in Batlore are presented Warner Brothers intellectual property anchors to orient themselves in the expanding cinematic graphic novel universe, but they are halfhearted name dropping at best. Trappings.

At the heart of Joker is Arthur Fleck – ironically named. Joaquin Phoenix is masterful, more charming and sad than haunting. Despite his valiant energies, he’s not given much with which to work. Often times, he’s left to his own devices to soft shoe it to bridge scenes. No joke – Phoenix does quite a bit of improvisational dancing in Joker. Phillips and Scott Silver’s script give Phoenix very little to do other than riff on a psychological tick for two hours.

Arthur Fleck is a mental illness cliche. Abused, medicated and neurotic. There is no arc for Fleck. Fleck lurches from one unfortunate circumstance to another. There’s no growth, no descent into madness – just an already poor, disturbed, delusional Arthur. We are never given any reason to empathize with Fleck. An excellent counterpoint to this character is another Phoenix played, Theodore Twombly in Spike Jonze’s superior Her (2013). Twombly is equally marginalized like Fleck, but Jonze and Phoenix give us little glimpses of the character’s humanity in the midst of his existential horror. We never get those in Joker. We, like Arthur, receive unsatisfactory reveals with epic portent and paltry emotional punch.

Joker also lacks unifying tonal elements. Phillips can’t seem to decide if Joker is a moody, introspective independent character study or if it wants to wax epic. A solo cello pervades throughout the score, but at key moments Hildur Guðnadóttir seems to dial it up to full Zimmer. The production design is as anachronistic and as disjointed as the score. Everything feels dressed up, the elements are there but the mise-en-scène is missing. This world is too much our own. Joker is one of those rare pictures where the sum of its parts don’t equal the whole. I couldn’t help but think, why wasn’t it shot on film stock using vintage lenses? Though there is not much CGI, Joker is very crisp, very digital and that works against it.

One thing that does work is the vintage music. One can imagine the creative possibilities of what wanted to be a lyrical, musical picture edited around classic songs. That was a glaringly missed opportunity.

Zazie Beetz is all but an afterthought in this picture, a wasted talent and a virtual plot device.

Phillips’ Coup de Gras in this disjointed ramble through mental illness mythology is an equally disjointed monologue at the end. I’ll not spoil it, but it’s a cheap, self conscious, point blank expository shot at society. There’s no teeth to it, it’s not menacing at all. It’s banal and abrupt. For those that wish or worry that this film will be the Anarchist, Alt-Right or Incel manifesto … don’t. This film just isn’t that smart or that creative. There’s a denouement, but there’s not much to it other than cinematic padding.

If you pay close attention, you’ll see little homages to The King of Comedy, The Dark Knight, Psycho and Network. They’re not egregiously plagiaristic, just flair for the sake of flair. The Era of Easter Eggs needs to end.

On the up side, the 20 minutes of trailers prior to Joker was exciting. A breath of fresh, serious cinematic air after a long hot Summer of Spandex.

On a scale of 5, I give Joker a 2.75 and charitably round it up to 3.

I’d wait for a $2.99 Amazon Prime rental for this one, folks. Hell, maybe just wait for Netflix.

As old blue eyed Sinatra said, That’s Life.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

All this user's reviews

0

BlancobuffaloJan 9, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Far and away the most overrated film of our time. The writing is terrible and pretentious. Joaquin Phoenix is my favorite actor and this is by far his worst performance ever. It's just one long joke at the expense of anyone who paid to see this.… Expand

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

All this user's reviews

0

CarlosSrFeb 1, 2020

Worst garbage movie I have ever seen.
I don't understand the good reviews. Probably paid reviewers.
One and a half hours into the movie and it is dragging and dragging. So boring ans senseless it is not even funny.

2 of 11 users found this helpful29

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

6

abdallah9luluOct 5, 2019

i think it is overrated its a good movie nevertheless with great scenes but not good enough to deserve all that praise

3 of 17 users found this helpful314

All this user's reviews

0

Archer6065Oct 27, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie sucked was a wasted of time. Save your money and eat more chicken… Expand

3 of 17 users found this helpful314

All this user's reviews

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

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

0

joashMay 30, 2021

Wanna hear a joke? This movie. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA, also, society I'm right?

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

All this user's reviews

9

JoeiOct 12, 2019

Too much violence. Movies with super villains are supposed to be to be family friendly

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

All this user's reviews

0

CrimsonFlushOct 3, 2019

Remake of Taxi Driver with clown makeup, Phoenix acting can't save this hollow husk of a movie. Would have been better as an off broadway single man performance with just Phoenix on stage for 2 hours ranting an raving about how terrible lifeRemake of Taxi Driver with clown makeup, Phoenix acting can't save this hollow husk of a movie. Would have been better as an off broadway single man performance with just Phoenix on stage for 2 hours ranting an raving about how terrible life has treated him.… Expand

12 of 76 users found this helpful1264

All this user's reviews

1

jokersucksOct 7, 2019

I want to know which movie all these users went to because this movie sucked royally. I would have rather sat in my car outside the movie theater for 2.5 hours staring at a bush. I will say that Joaquin Phoenix did a good job being a nut jobI want to know which movie all these users went to because this movie sucked royally. I would have rather sat in my car outside the movie theater for 2.5 hours staring at a bush. I will say that Joaquin Phoenix did a good job being a nut job but that's as far as this goes. I wish I could get my $75 back along with the time. I feel like a poor excuse of a father after subjecting my teenage such to such a **** factory of a flick. Damn you Rave cinema for not having 3 seats together for IT. Damn you to hell!… Expand

6 of 39 users found this helpful633

All this user's reviews

0

sendaniDec 3, 2019

i donot love nolan movies , but after see the joker movie , now i am nolan fan ,joker its so bad. todd philips just normal director in hangover genre

2 of 13 users found this helpful211

All this user's reviews

0

ultramandynaDec 21, 2019

Come film a se potrebbe andare ma come joker e inesistente, ogni cosa che fa del personaggio il suo punto di forza e azzerato, il regista in maniera incompetente fa capire che nemmeno sa di chi sta parlando, un insulto

2 of 13 users found this helpful211

All this user's reviews

1

EtykutOct 8, 2019

Simply boring.

Uninspired social commentary, with half baked ideas and little to keep the audience engaged. Sadly there is little reason to see this film - the entirety of its nuances and messages (which in principle would be interesting)Simply boring.

Uninspired social commentary, with half baked ideas and little to keep the audience engaged. Sadly there is little reason to see this film - the entirety of its nuances and messages (which in principle would be interesting) may be experienced in the trailer.… Expand

6 of 40 users found this helpful634

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

0

Cfabe2Nov 6, 2019

Could not even sit through it, it was the most depressing movie I have ever seen.

3 of 20 users found this helpful317

All this user's reviews

1

YossariansOct 11, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Silly, ridiculous, pretentious, trite film with great acting. It would have been better if they take it out the fact that Arthur became the Joker and just had him become a serial killer.… Expand

5 of 34 users found this helpful529

All this user's reviews

0

Sam-CollinsOct 5, 2019

One word..
Pathetic.
This movie is an insult for The Joker characters and to DC Comics fans! Seriously.. Do you think that The Prince of Crime of Gotham city needs your sympathy!

9 of 63 users found this helpful954

All this user's reviews

0

PanhalimOct 5, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Joker is boring and ruin ur day don’t watch u will leave the theather that what I have to say about this film… Expand

6 of 42 users found this helpful636

All this user's reviews

0

kkletaOct 11, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. only the part he killed his friend and let other one go is good. otherwise it is a complete trash.… Expand

6 of 42 users found this helpful636

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

All this user's reviews

1

emmavmmOct 13, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The ‘Joker’ is a disturbing movie. The storyline is easy to understand but there where a lot of inappropriate jokes. These jokes where for example: he just killed someone and he tells the other person that he’s a good guy and he will not get killed. Which made everything weird about the movie, also because people really thought it was funny. I think that it brings the wrong ideas to solve that problem (the rich stay rich, the poor stay poor).
The actors and visuals are really good. That made it seems very realistic and also grose because when he killed someone I couldn’t watch it. It’s very uncomfortable to watch and afterwards the feeling haunted me. It wasn’t like an horror movie that you’re scared and people also pass away, it was just very different than that. It gave a weird feeling because there are people at the moment that think like him, which is kind of scary. I do not recommend to watch it. If you do wanna watch it, I would wait until it airs on tv, that way you don’t spend your money on it.… Expand

3 of 21 users found this helpful318

All this user's reviews

0

MarshmollowNov 3, 2019

Terrible just terrible either it’s killing every sense of its him laughing for 30 minutes straight actors voice is very annoying as well i do not recommend I wanted to leave the theater right when the movie started

3 of 21 users found this helpful318

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

5

DominArsenOct 27, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A particular film because it is an author film sold as a blockbuster under 17 years old. The plans are slow, working just like the light and the angle of approach not to mention the environments and the different places. This is the story of a character coming to embrace the madness of the world to make something of coloring red. The film is particularly good for his illness and is done in a rigorous way. Nothing has the area to be left to chance .. But I do not find this film excellent. It fits like a very good anti-hero movie such as we rarely see today alongside super-hero movies breaking the box office. The success of this joker can be because it fits in a time when the forbidden becomes allowed -17Ans, but especially that compare to what can do Marvel or DC; tries a sneakier and cinematic approach. Finally it may be the only movie that shows the cinema that we could see people fan of superheroes. That says a lot about our time. Thank you

Un film particulier, car c'est un film d'auteur vendu comme un blockbuster moins de 17ans. Les plans sont lents, travailler tout comme la lumière et l'angle d'approche sans compter les environnements et les différents lieux. C'est l'histoire d'un personnage venant embrasser la folie du monde pour en faire quelque chose de colorier en rouge. Le film rend particulièrement bien sa maladie et le fait surtout de manière rigoureuse est prolongé. Rien n'a l'aire d'être laissée au hasard.. Pourtant je ne trouve pas ce film excellent. Il s'insère comme un très bon film d'antihéros tel qu'on en voit rarement aujourd'hui à côté des films de super héros qui casse le box-office. Le succès de ce joker vient peux être du fait qu'il s'insère dans une époque ou l'interdit devient permis #-17Ans, mais surtout que comparer à ce que peux faire Marvel ou DC; tente une approche plus sournoise et cinématographique. Finalement c'est peux être le seul film qui montre ce qu'est le cinéma qu'on pu voir les gens fan de super héros. Cela en dit long sur notre époque. Merci accompagnatrice… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

6

Chrisjohnson01Oct 7, 2019

While the performances, music and the overall shot composition are pretty great, The script really holds the film back. There are so many moments where the film makes massive leaps in logic that made me feel more confused and frustrated thenWhile the performances, music and the overall shot composition are pretty great, The script really holds the film back. There are so many moments where the film makes massive leaps in logic that made me feel more confused and frustrated then enthralled in the narrative. Arthur's motives are defined in the loosest possible terms and do not match what the end of the film is trying to say about this version of Gotham. I would recommend that you go and see it for yourself, but if all you have is a slight interest in the film, you may be able to just wait until it releases on blu ray… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

6

GeziOct 7, 2019

Good stand alone film but as an origin story for one of the most diabolical villain minds ever, it lacks.

It is well done but repetitive. There is a minor arch in the character but mostly it is the story of a suicidal smoker

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

1

Cevans1855Nov 15, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. People keep saying this is a phenomenal portrayal of people with mental health problems. It’s not it’s damaging and not like any people I’ve come across. The vast majority of people who have been hurt in childhood and suffered trauma do not hurt anyone. The only person they hurt are themselves because they struggle to deal with the trauma they have and they are often not getting the support they need. To suggest trauma means you can go crazy and commit horrific crimes is rare and unfair to people with mental health issues. The film is also boring.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

0

alisasDec 16, 2019

superestimado, desenvolvimento lento, cenas desnecessárias, um completo nada cheio de críticas vazias e superficiais

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

0

danielcaseyJul 7, 2021

Lazy & dim. But at least it drags on for hours. Even if we ignore the fact that this is a Taxi Driver wetdream at every moment the story is stilted (yet overwrought?). This is a sad trash film

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

0

SydmwswyJun 23, 2022

Not Just artificial but only full of boring tallks from batman the killing joke
Toxic movies that I hate forever I really believe that films like this harm not only the cinema but also our world First of all, it was the only DC movie I'veNot Just artificial but only full of boring tallks from batman the killing joke
Toxic movies that I hate forever I really believe that films like this harm not only the cinema but also our world First of all, it was the only DC movie I've seen that tried its best for the weaving philosophy. I'm sure many people know that this movie is an exaggerated movie, but what's worth noting is that not only the hero of the film does not understand classic comedy movie but chooses a bad movie to get emotional. Because that movie has nothing to do with his world. No matter how hard the movie tries, it can't get anything out of itself, especially by taking the acting from the lead role. A film in which there is no violence, but it tries to use it with fear. A film that is not only artificial but also does not any style...acting??!! And only talks boringly. Apparently, after years of increasing Joker appeal, the no-Batman-no-joke-and-no-even-hope-of--killing-joke pattern has become the norm.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

All this user's reviews

1

emanresUOct 5, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Let me start by saying that Joaquin Phoenix did an amazing job at portraying an unnerving malnourished mess. The movie even did a terrific job at transporting us to 1970s crumbling Gotham city gripped in turmoil.

However, the movie failed to portray any resemblance of Joker and seemingly attempted to justify his extremist violent behavior.

If any resemblance of the real joker were in this movie it would have been something fairly small that would have caused him to crack or perhaps he would have started killing just for the hell of it. The monster that is joker would've seeded protests, manipulated the police against the protesters, and ultimately incited chaos in some genius orchestration just to counterbalance justice...

That's not Arthur. Arthur seems to be a character on the surface that might have been plucked from Clockwork Orange, Falling Down, or Taxi Driver... but he's actually something new. you see none of those potential inspirations repeatedly make a defense or justification for the characters decent. The movie repeatedly attempts (unsuccessfully) to garner sympathy for Arthur. first off it's not his fault as he is mentally I'll die to a brain injury he sustained as an abused child. he's next repeatedly bullied throughout the movie. the state then cuts off his medical supplies due to budget cuts. he becomes delusional off his meds and starts to fall deeper through the cracks whilst accidentally inspiring class warfare that parallels the occupy movement in its adoption of a symbolic mask and anger against wealth inequality. He finally becomes "the joker" giving a speech about how general society never thinks about what the bad guy might be going through (please don't try to make me feel for the criminally insane) and how society failed him and he was only brought on the show to be bullied. he then shoots the host and the protesters turn to violent rioters.

in short the cold calculating jokers have all been replaced by a fumbling mentally ill sad victim. the movie seems to attempt justification for violent incels while villainizing the disgruntled lower class. for a hero movie it had some warped political narratives embedded.

As I said though... Phoenix was amazing.… Expand

7 of 50 users found this helpful743

All this user's reviews

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

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

0

shraddhapagrawaOct 4, 2019

Director failed miserably, it lacked plot. Only the acting was good of phoenix but director let down badly. It lacked logic. Its not dark

9 of 66 users found this helpful957

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

0

Xero2814Oct 4, 2019

Boring and uninspired. Just watch the better films that this is trying to be.

9 of 67 users found this helpful958

All this user's reviews

0

willowpoopOct 3, 2019

This incel porn is neither provocative nor deep, but it certainly makes for good marketing via controversy.

11 of 82 users found this helpful1171

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

0

ZimkhxnOct 3, 2019

Here’s the thing, it fails too tell the story of the Joker, and this movie has really no purpose. Phoenix performance was good, but the rest of the movie is flat.

8 of 61 users found this helpful853

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

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

1

Nikola87Oct 13, 2019

Boring clown no charisma! Boring clown no charisma!Boring clown no charisma!Boring clown no charisma!Boring clown no charisma!Boring clown no charisma!

3 of 24 users found this helpful321

All this user's reviews

0

CriticnOct 17, 2019

Some scenes have no sense, the only thing that Joaquin Phoenix do is Laugh and dance, and dome parts are very Boring, I don't recommend this movie at all

3 of 24 users found this helpful321

All this user's reviews

0

ludovica_zOct 19, 2019

Somewhat aesthetically pleasing, in a shallow way. Overall though, a boring and juvenile film with a pop-political, pop-philosophical message.

3 of 24 users found this helpful321

All this user's reviews

5

AmirhosseinghOct 6, 2019

My Biggest Problem with this is that this is not faithful to its source.its just uising a popular comicbook character name to guarantee its sell.you joker is not a crazy man who is the nemesis if batman in this movie.its just victim that youMy Biggest Problem with this is that this is not faithful to its source.its just uising a popular comicbook character name to guarantee its sell.you joker is not a crazy man who is the nemesis if batman in this movie.its just victim that you can be sympathic to him.however,plot twist in this movie is unacceptable for Comic fans.I dont why joker fanboys are like that.its fan score is more than The Dark Kight now!!!!… Expand

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

6

oIHLoOct 4, 2019

A bold, fascinating while problematic and, worst of all, manipulative portrait of a d deranged man. A certain subplot and subsequent it-is-not-my-fault mentality really bothered me.

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

All this user's reviews

6

AashiqOct 5, 2019

Every aspect of the movie seems to be working well only when looked at individually.

2 of 16 users found this helpful214

All this user's reviews

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

All this user's reviews

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

prev next

Page:

1…
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
…28

More From This Movie

59 Critic Reviews

8.9 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases

By MetascoreBy User Score

1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

2 77 Project Hail Mary

5 71 The Sheep Detectives

SEE ALL

Essential Links

New on Amazon Prime Video

New on Netflix

Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray

SEE ALL