Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux has sparked high expectations, with fans and casual viewers buzzing. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, joined by Lady Gaga as Lee Quinzel, adding to the hype. But is the sequel living up to it?
Fans and critics alike are eager to see how the sequel will expand on the dark, psychological narrative of the first film while exploring the complicated dynamics between Arthur Fleck and Lee Quinzel. Will it push the boundaries of the genre even further? Expectations are certainly stacked for another electrifying performance and a bold cinematic experience.
With 11 Academy Award nominations and 2 wins, including Best Leading Actor and Best Original Score, the first Joker movie set a remarkable precedent. Now, Joker: Folie à Deux is under immense pressure to meet these high expectations. The excitement is even more intense now that Lady Gaga has joined the cast as the iconic and obsessed love interest of Joker. Dive into these reviews to find out if it’s a hit or miss!
1. It's Heartfelt for Some
Honestly, Todd Phillips had some expecting a flop with this sequel, but he flipped the script and delivered a surprisingly amazing film that beautifully blends heartfelt storytelling with some nostalgic crooner vibes.
2. Joaquin Phoenix is intense, and Lady Gaga, electrifying.
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga brought the heat! With two big names from acting and music teaming up, their performances clicked perfectly. Many fans saw them as the saving grace of the film, and it was hard not to feel the magic between them!
3. It was Going Nowhere, It Felt like Torture
Some people usually find the sequel a total miss, saying it drags on and loses the vibe that made the original Joker so iconic. Viewers might feel like they’re stuck in a slow burn, bored out of their minds, and wishing for the intense thrill of the first film. With pacing that feels off and plot twists that don’t hit right, it’s easy to feel disconnected and miss the magic that had everyone hooked the first time around.
Me after watching Joker 2. They just wanted Lady Gaga to sing. The film had no plot, just vibes. I want my 3 hours back #JokerMovie pic.twitter.com/k3ydGZ0amQ
— Nine (@ninewontmiss) October 4, 2024
4. Movies aren't marketed as Musicals... for a Reason
Not everyone vibes with musicals, and while Lady Gaga joining the Joker sequel has fans buzzing, some aren’t convinced it guarantees a win. The hype can create unrealistic expectations, and not everything hits the mark, leaving people feeling let down. Striking the right balance between music and storytelling is way trickier than it seems!
5. Went Gaga for Lady Gaga!
Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is getting some serious praise, with many saying it adds a whole new level to the film. Some fans think it might be her best acting performance yet! They felt like they were seeing a fresh, new talent instead of just Gaga, which is pretty impressive and shows her versatility as an actress.
I think we can all agree that lady gaga deserves an oscar for best supporting actress for this scene alone. #Joker pic.twitter.com/uYQ6YmXCKz
— o (@BumpDrunk) October 5, 2024
At the end of the day, Joker: Folie à Deux calls us out, doesn’t it? We all showed up ready for the mayhem, craving that wild ride where Arthur Fleck goes full chaotic villain. But instead, we got a deep dive into his mind, complete with awkward moments of dissociation and raw vulnerability. And honestly? A lot of folks weren’t here for it—some critics loved the emotional rollercoaster, saying it tackled mental health, while others were like, “Where’s the chaos?!” It’s like we wanted a fireworks show but got a moody art film instead.
The reactions were all over the place, but the hype for the sequel is real. Movies are subjective, though—seeing it from a more objective angle might change your take. Whether you’re team love it or not, these reviews are either spicy drama or a little warning before you dive in!
