Joker: Folie à Deux just dropped, and it’s got everyone talking. This is the sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 hit, the one where we saw Joaquin Phoenix nail that haunting performance as the Joker. But this time around, it’s… different, and not in the way everyone expected. It tries something bold—mixing the gritty darkness we loved with musical numbers—and, honestly, the result is kind of all over the place. Some people are into it, others? Not so much.
A Big Change in Vibe
Right off the bat, Folie à Deux doesn’t feel like the original at all. Remember how raw and real Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness felt in the first film? Yeah, that’s mostly gone. Now, it’s more surreal, almost playful at times, as Arthur navigates life in Arkham Asylum and falls for Harley Quinn (played by Lady Gaga). The whole musical aspect, while ambitious, feels kinda disconnected. It doesn’t hit as hard as the original did, which was all about mental illness and how society fails people like Arthur. Instead, the musical bits make it feel lighter, but also less impactful.
Lady Gaga Steals the Show
But hey, speaking of Gaga—she’s amazing. Her voice is stunning in the musical scenes, bringing a lot of energy to the film, which is needed because Joaquin’s Arthur is still that quiet, brooding character. The only downside? Her character doesn’t get the spotlight she deserves. Gaga shines, no doubt, but you end up wishing she had more to do, or that the script gave her more depth.
The Musical Numbers—A Hit or Miss
Now, about the musical numbers themselves… They’re a bit divisive. Some are super creative and fun to watch, but others? Kinda fall flat. One scene that everyone seems to love is this wild courtroom moment with a character called “Mr. Puddles.” It’s weird, but in the best way possible. But overall, the musical style might throw off people who came expecting the intense, dark vibes of the first Joker.
The Story… Kinda Falls Apart
Story-wise, the movie struggles. It’s like it can’t decide what it wants to be. The first film felt like a deep dive into Arthur’s mind and the broken systems around him, but this one? It feels like it’s just drifting from scene to scene without a clear focus. Mental health is still a theme, but it’s not as sharp or thought-provoking this time. Plus, at over two hours, the pacing drags. It’s a bit of a slog, with all these tonal shifts from dark to funny to musical romance—it leaves you feeling a bit confused about what’s going on.
Gorgeous Visuals, Though
One thing the movie does get right is how it looks. It’s visually stunning. The colors pop against the bleakness of Arkham, and some scenes are just gorgeous to look at. There are even a few animated moments that feel like old-school cartoons, adding this trippy, surreal vibe. But again, it’s like these artistic choices are cool to watch, but they don’t really make up for the fact that the story doesn’t quite stick.
Final Thoughts—A Mixed Bag
So yeah, Folie à Deux is a weird one. It takes risks, and while some pay off, others just leave you scratching your head. Gaga is a standout, and the movie is visually striking, but the story is where it falls short. Some people appreciate how different and daring it is, while others think it’s a bit of a letdown, especially after the original hit so hard.
In the end, this movie isn’t just a straightforward sequel; it’s more of a wild experiment in love, madness, and pushing boundaries. Whether that works or not? Well, that’s up for debate.
