Ever wonder why people are split about the Joker movies? The first movie broke new ground with bold storytelling and a big surprise at the box office (that's movie-ticket sales) win that blew everyone away. Meanwhile, the follow-up left a lot of viewers confused and questioning its choices.
In our reviews, we chat about the ups and downs of both films. We look at how big shifts in style and tone can either make a film shine or leave you scratching your head. We even sift through five key reviews to show you where the movies nailed it and where they missed the mark.
So, kick back and join us as we chat about what made these films so magical yet sometimes off the mark. Ever wonder if the change in tone was worth it? Let's dive in together and find out.
Critical Consensus and Ratings in Joker Movie Reviews
The original Joker (2019) blew everyone away with its bold story and raw take on mental health struggles. Even though it started with just US$60 million, it managed to rake in US$1 billion worldwide and snag 11 Oscar nods! That win really shows how different the two movies turned out to be.
While the 2019 hit earned a 69% approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, its follow-up, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), only got 33% from critics and 30% from the audience. It’s a real head-scratcher when you think about how much people loved the first one and then seemed let down by the sequel.
| Source | Score/Rating |
|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 69% (2019), 33% (2024) |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | X% (2019), 30% (2024) |
| Metacritic (Critics) | Y/100 (2019), Z/100 (2024) |
| Box Office Gross | US$1 billion (2019), [if known] (2024) |
Critics and fans just don’t see eye to eye on these movies. The original Joker set a high bar with its artistic flair and huge financial win, but the sequel struggled to keep that spark alive. Some folks feel that the magic of the first film got lost in a too-complicated story and overused scenes in the follow-up. It’s a reminder for filmmakers that even the best ideas can fall flat if the direction isn’t quite right.
Performance Analysis in Joker Movie Reviews
Joaquin Phoenix’s take on Arthur Fleck is raw and unforgettable. He lost 50 lbs just to show off the character’s fragile, unsettling side, and it makes his performance feel seriously real. Critics loved every bit of it, noting how his simple gestures and quiet looks extra into the film’s gritty vibe. And yeah, his extreme transformation even got people talking about mental health, proving that bold choices can spark genuine conversations. Think about it like a sculptor gently unveiling hidden details in a block of stone; every careful cut reveals a new layer of depth.
Now, let’s talk about three scenes that really nail this intensity. The subway dance is like silent thunder, every move shouts out his inner turmoil. Then there’s the stand-up meltdown, a burst of vulnerability that leaves you wide-eyed. And, of course, the final confrontation makes you stop and think about how society sometimes lets people down. Each moment comes together to make Phoenix’s portrayal the heart and soul of the film.
Narrative and Direction Breakdown in Joker Movie Reviews
Todd Phillips tells gritty, real stories in both films. He shows how society can ignore those who really need help. The 2019 movie takes a strong look at how neglect changes Arthur Fleck. In the follow-up, the story gets a bit twisty. And while Phillips goes back to old ideas, he also uses repeated courtroom scenes that take away some of the original punch. Both movies mix up what's real and what's imagined, leaving us with open endings that spark much debate.
Social Commentary and Mental Health
In the first film, when Arthur says "they don't care about us," it really hits home about how society fails mental health. The dialogue comes off thoughtful, and the haunting scenes show the raw pain of being ignored. One scene makes you feel just how alone Arthur is, reminding us that without proper care, even the most fragile person can break.
Narrative Structure and Pacing
The sequel leans hard on courtroom drama, spending a lot of time rehashing events from the first film. This approach, meant to deepen the story, ends up slowing things down. It leaves you wondering: do these extra scenes add more depth, or do they just drag the story out? The pacing struggles with staying fresh, always walking that fine line between paying tribute and being too repetitive.
Ambiguous Final Scenes and Viewer Theories
Both movies are designed to keep you guessing. The endings are purposefully vague, mixing dream-like elements with stark reality. This murky finish means there’s lots to talk about and many theories about fate, society's impact, and the true meaning behind the Joker’s actions. It's like every unanswered question turns into a fun debate among fans.
Technical Excellence and Critique in Joker Movie Reviews
The original Joker film really shines with its technical flair. Its bold colors and unique visuals bring every moment to life, and the eerie cello sounds by Hildur Guðnadóttir wrap you up in a mood that lasts long after the movie ends. The music perfectly blends into the story, drawing you into Arthur Fleck’s troubled world. One standout scene even uses the cello’s haunting notes to underline a silent moment of despair, making the emotions hit home. All this shows off a high bar for creative storytelling that mixes sound and sight seamlessly.
On the flip side, the sequel just doesn’t hit the same mark technically. It leans too much on courtroom lighting, which might catch your eye at first but soon feels overdone. The editing choices only add to a cramped, overworked vibe, especially during long courtroom scenes that seem to go on forever. There’s one particularly drawn-out sequence where the story loses its grip, leaving you missing the punch of the original film. Overall, this uneven mix of visuals and pacing makes it hard for the sequel to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
Comparative Evaluation of Joker Movie Reviews Across Eras
The 2019 Joker grabbed everyone's attention with its fresh and bold storytelling. It dared to take creative risks and served up strong social commentary that struck a chord with both critics and moviegoers. One reviewer even said, "Imagine stepping into a world where every scene challenges your expectations – 2019's Joker does exactly that by breaking cinematic conventions." It felt like the film pushed the envelope in a way that kept audiences talking long after the credits rolled.
On the flip side, the 2024 sequel didn’t quite hit the mark. Its muddled plot and overdone courtroom scenes left many feeling bored and confused. Critics pointed out that the movie lost its momentum by rehashing the same ideas, with one remarking, "It’s like watching the same scene over and over without the spark that made the original so compelling." In truth, the sequel missed the chance to capture the vibrant energy that made the first film such a standout.
Final Words
In the action, this post broke down the buzz around joker movie reviews by diving into critics’ scores, audience reactions, and standout moments, from Phoenix’s intense performance to the films’ bold narrative choices. It gave us a taste of the technical highs and lows, highlighting how each element stirred conversations and debates. The analysis brings forward a blend of praise and critique, leaving us energized to keep exploring fresh takes. Here’s to more films lighting up our screens and sparking thrilling discussions.
FAQ
Why did Joker get bad reviews?
The Joker movie received bad reviews due to issues with pacing, narrative gaps, and a technical execution that didn’t live up to expectations. Critics especially noted these flaws in the sequel.
Is the Joker movie worth watching?
The Joker movie is worth watching if you’re into intense character portrayals and bold storytelling. While the original dazzled many, the sequel’s uneven pace has left audiences divided.
Is the Joker hit or flop?
The original Joker turned out to be a hit with impressive box office returns and award wins, whereas the sequel is largely seen as a flop, reflecting low critic and audience scores.
What are people saying about the new Joker movie?
People say the new Joker movie struggles with a muddled narrative and slow pacing, leading to a noticeably negative shift in both critic and audience opinions compared to the original.
