Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) – My Honest Review
Introduction
I walked into the theater excited to see Joker: Folie à Deux, hoping for the same raw energy and complex character depth that made the first Joker such a hit. But after watching the 2024 sequel, I left feeling disappointed. While I expected more action and intensity, what I got was a slow, repetitive story that barely scratched the surface of the Joker’s character. Here’s why I don’t recommend this film.
1. Expectations vs Reality: A Dull and Flat Experience
Going into the film, I was expecting more action-packed scenes and some deeper exploration of Joker’s chaotic personality. Unfortunately, the film mainly takes place in a single location—Arkham Asylum and the courtroom—making the whole experience feel flat and uneventful. The plot stretched thin over a slow pace, and while some moments were intriguing, they were few and far between Roger Ebert, Flickering Myth.
2. The Pacing Killed It
The slow pacing was one of the most frustrating parts of the movie. Nearly everything happens in Arkham, which gets boring fast. There’s very little movement or change in scenery, which made it hard to stay engaged. The plot, focusing on the trial and the supposed romance between Joker and Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga’s character), dragged on. It felt like the same scenes played on repeat Roger Ebert, Flickering Myth.
3. Joker Didn’t Feel Like Joker
One of my biggest issues was how they portrayed the Joker. Instead of being the chaotic, unpredictable character we know, he felt like a strange, unrecognizable version of himself. Some critics pointed out that the film tries to explore whether Joker is a second personality or just a performance by Arthur Fleck, but this doesn’t land well. It left me confused, and honestly, I was left missing the bold character from the first film Columns, Locus Online.
4. Comparing to the Previous Joker Films
In comparison to Joker (2019), which had depth and tension, this sequel fell short. While the original movie built on the psychological aspects of Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, Folie à Deux struggled to find that same power. The musical elements, though creative, felt out of place and didn’t do enough to elevate the story Roger Ebert, Flickering Myth.
5. Should You Watch It? I Say Skip It
Overall, I walked away from Joker: Folie à Deux feeling unsatisfied. It didn’t live up to the hype or the expectations set by its predecessor. With a lack of action, a slow plot, and an underwhelming Joker character, I can’t recommend this movie. If you were a fan of the original Joker film, this one might leave you disappointed Flickering Myth, Locus Online.
Conclusion
In the end, Joker: Folie à Deux was a letdown. If you’re expecting a high-energy, action-packed continuation of the Joker story, this isn’t it. The slow pace, limited locations, and confusing character portrayal made it hard to enjoy. I’d recommend skipping this one and revisiting the older Joker films instead.
