Joker: Folie à Deux Review: An Unnecessary Sequel No One Asked For

Joker: Folie à Deux is a film about a failed comedian Arthur Fleck who struggles with a split personality but finds the love of his life, Lee, in Arkham State Hospital.

The film is a sequel to the 2019, Joker which was a box office success, thanks to its amazing visuals and storytelling. However, the sequel, like a plague to all sequels, didn't turn out to be even half as good as the original. If there was something that was worth applauding, it has to be the acting by Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga.

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Directed by Todd Phillips who also worked at the screenplay with Scott Silver, did bring their wonderful cinematography in the second film, but they got lost in the screenplay. Scenes like the dance sequence in the prison while the characters are surrounded with fire was a treat to the audience's eyes. However the plot started to lose the audience. The screenplay's flaws really came forward when the climax didn't max the expectations of the audience.

The main problem for the film was the approach taken for the vision of the film, compared to the last ones dark and somber tone, this film went the musical route which could have been a stunning move, however the amount of songs made it feel like a dark Disney musical. The idea backfired miserably. 

But the acting has to get a standing ovation, both Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga did a phenomenal job at portraying the characters as best as they can. The talent of Lady Gaga to express emotions through her eyes and expression is beyond anything. Even her voice during the songs was what made the audience focus on the songs.

Overall the sequel, story wise but not needed, it felt unnecessary and turning it into a musical can be said to be the last nail on the coffin. However the acting it what has get the film from falling apart and that needs to be appreciated.

Rating: 2.0/5.0