First reviews of ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’: “Startlingly dull”

Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’ sequel, ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’, has become one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Just weeks before its release in theaters, the film starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga has made its big screen debut at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, and the first reviews have already been released.

What is ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’ about?

Following the conclusion of the first installment, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) finds himself in Arkham State Hospital, where he awaits trial for the crimes he committed in the past. During his stay at the institution, Fleck discovers a new kind of love through Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) and begins to express his feelings through music.

Unlike the first film, which had a budget of $60 million, the sequel to the acclaimed Batman villain was made on a budget of $200 million, so expectations have only risen; but is the film really any good? This is what the experts say.

First reviews of ‘Joker: Folie a Deux’: “Startlingly dull, pointless”

Following its debut at the Venice International Film Festival, the criticisms of ‘Folie a Deux’ have already come to light, causing a division of opinions among experts; some say that the film is a complete success, while others believe that it is a film that should not have existed.

Positive reviews

Empire Magazine

“As sweet and beguiling a musical romance as it’s possible to have between two murderous psychopaths. Its kooky approach won’t suit all stripes of comic-book fan, but it finds a strange, tragic hopefulness all of its own.” - John Nugent

The Wrap

“It’s a sad, pensive, and impressively odd motion picture that uses the theatricality of movie musicals to undermine its hero’s ambitions instead of elevating them.” - William Bibbiani

Independent (UK)

“overall Folie à Deux is just as edgy and disturbing as its forerunner, replicating the idea of modern American cities as terrifying powder kegs perpetually on the cusp of explosion” - Geoffrey Macnab

The Hollywood Reporter

“Gaga is a compelling live-wire presence, splitting the difference between affinity and obsession, while endearingly giving Arthur a shot of joy and hope... Their musical numbers, both duets and solos, have a vitality that the more often dour film desperately needs.” David Rooney

NME

“Phillips and Silver have delivered the last thing anyone expected: a socially responsible Joker movie that finds an intriguing way to explore the consequences (both on and offscreen) of the first film.” - Matthew Turner

Nerd Reactor

“‘Joker: Folie à Deux defies all expectations. Dancing and music are pivotal in the first Joker film, and it’s blown up into a jukebox musical with raw and engaging performances from Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix.” - John Nguyen

Negative reviews

Vanity Fair

“It’s startlingly dull, a pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience.” - Richard Lawson

Irish Times

“Longueurs abound. The denouement hits story beats that ought to wrap up act one. The film similarly flounders between genres. It’s a musical, a prison movie and, mostly, a plodding courtroom drama.” - Tara Brady

Variety

“‘Joker: Folie à Deux may be ambitious and superficially outrageous, but in a basic way it’s an overly cautious sequel.” - Owen Gleiberman

indiewire

“‘Folie à Deux simply tap dances in place for the majority of its listless runtime, stringing together a series of underwhelming musical numbers that are either too on the nose... or too vaguely related to its characters to express anything at all.” - David Ehrlich

New York Magazine / Vulture

“‘Joker: Folie à Deux is Arthur’s movie, and Arthur just isn’t that interesting, despite how much effort Phoenix puts into rendering the character in exquisitely anguished mental and sunken-chested physical detail.” - Alison Willmore

IGN Movies

“Gets bogged down by a lengthy courtroom saga, which not only keeps the dazzling Lady Gaga away from the spotlight, but centers the movie entirely around its own predecessor, without doing or saying anything new.” - Siddhant Adlakha.

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When will ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ be released?

‘Joker: Folie à Deux’will be released in international theaters on October 4. The film, which runs 2 hours and 18 minutes, has been given an R rating by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), so anyone who wishes to see the feature film must be 17 years of age or older. Minors may enter movie theaters accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.