The highly anticipated sequel, “Joker: Folie à Deux,” has faced criticism and an unwanted Rotten Tomatoes rating after its release. Initial reactions at the Venice Film Festival were mixed, with some calling it “ingenious” and others finding it “dull” and “laborious.”
The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab gave the film a four-star rating, praising Joaquin Phoenix’s performance and highlighting the psychological depth of the storyline. However, the musical, which also stars Lady Gaga, initially received a modest 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which has since dropped to 39%.
Critics have not held back in their reviews, with many describing the sequel as “profoundly stupid” and “chaotic.” The New York Times critic, Manohla Dargis, critiqued the film as “half-baked” and “halfhearted,” particularly noting Joaquin Phoenix’s singing abilities. Similarly, Richard Roeper of the Chicago-Sun Times expressed disappointment in the lack of evolution in the storyline.
Despite some more positive reviews, such as Danny Leigh from the Financial Times stating it was less “dislikeable than its forebear,” overall, reception towards “Joker: Folie à Deux” has been critical. In response to questions about his preparation for the role, Joaquin Phoenix mentioned the complexity of losing weight due to dance rehearsals for this sequel compared to the 2019 original.
Fans and critics alike are divided on the success of this highly anticipated sequel, with the majority of reviews pointing out flaws in the plot, songs, and the general direction of the film. The future of the “Joker” franchise hangs in the balance as audiences wait to see how it will resonate with viewers around the world.