The Joker sequel was highly criticized on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences are not as different from critics as they were with the original
The continuation of Jokertitled Joker: Folie À Deuxhe awakened a flurry of opinions which oscillate between applause and disappointment. After a first that caused a 11 minutes of standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival the film seemed destined to replicate the success of its predecessor. However, the reality was different, diving into a spiral of criticism which has significantly reduced its acceptance both among specialized critics and the general public.
The latest indicator of this downward trend is the Rotten Tomatoes score, which has plummeted to 39% after 165 reviews. At the same time, its audience score in the recent “Popcornmeter” was even lower, only reaching the limit 37%. This drop is alarming, especially when compared to the numbers from the first film: Joker held a 68% critical acclaim and an impressive 89% audience acclaim.
The lights and darkness of Folie À Deux
Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as Arthur Fleck remains the central pillar of the film, but not even his return was enough to keep the ship afloat. At his side, Lady Gaga brings a unpredictable energy that was one of the few aspects celebrated by critics, adding an intriguing dynamic to the plot which, however, does not seem to advance.
The critical consensus was clear: While Phoenix and Gaga do their best, the story itself seems stagnant, going in circles without moving towards a satisfying climax. This narrative stagnation was a crucial factor in the film’s cold reception.
Inevitable Comparisons and the Future of DC Studios
The comparison with The Penguinanother production under the new direction of DC Studios, which received the “Certified Fresh” seal with a 94% and rotten tomatoes. AND contrast highlights the challenges DC faces in trying to balance creative continuity with new visions.
Todd Phillips, director of both films Jokercommented on this dilemma, noting that, despite it being a production under the old Warner Bros. regime, he tried to maintain his own distinctive stylesomething the study seems to have supported. However, the question about creative direction and the identity of future DC productions remains pending, especially with the mixed reception of his latest titles.
AS Joker: Folie À Deux continues in theaters, it remains to be seen how this will be received will affect its box office performance and more importantly, how it will affect the future installments of the DC universe. The film, despite having a stellar cast and a renowned creative teamfaces the challenge of not only capturing, but also maintaining, the attention and applause of audiences and critics, a balancing act that has thus far proven most effective precarious than expected.
From glory to sharp criticism
Going deeper into the core of Joker: Folie À DeuxArthur Fleck faces not only the consequences of his previous actions, but also a new love and the revelation of his inner music. This deeper character exploration seeks to resonate with the human complexities that Phoenix so masterfully portrays. However, the attempt to weave these elements into a cohesive narrative it attracted a mixed reception, highlighting the difficulty of overcoming the first culture shock that occurred Joker.
Comparatively, while Joker explored the social and personal decomposition in an almost documentary style, Folie a Deux try one more artistic and dramatized approach. This difference in approach has divided fans and critics alike, highlighting the polarization in the perception of what a sequel should be of such an iconic film.