Movie Review : Joker
First I want to apologize for the long break in reviews. Between the recent bag- over- the-head punch in the face RL has dealt me and the sheer lack of anything remotely peaking my interest there hasn’t been any drive/desire to head to the theater. So, thank you for bearing with me and still showing an interest in my little review site. Anywho, all that changed with DC’s much anticipated release of Joker.
Once again, I find myself of two minds on this one.
On the one hand, yes, I see were all the rave reviews are coming from.
Joaquin Phoenix delivers a tour-de-force performance that’s stunning, engaging, and mesmerizing. His Arthur Fleck much like the film itself is dark, intense, tragic, relatable, challenging, thought provoking, and at times uncomfortable.
Technically Joker is a cinematic masterpiece. Stunning cinematography, terrific direction, well-written standalone origin story, and the most gritty, realistic created Gotham to date.
Seems like a slam dunk winner...but not so fast…
While Joker certainly has a lot going for it, I find the rave reviews better than what the film actually merits.
Despite the solid writing, amazing acting, etc. Joker is actually quite, dare I say? Yes. Boring.
The pacing is slow, damn slow well into the final act and the story drags. I was restless and if I’d remembered to wear my watch, I would’ve been checking it, often. The other audience members seemed to be feeling that way as well, a couple of people walked out halfway through, not to return, while others contented themselves with just talking quietly among themselves about other things. Normally, that would’ve bothered me, not this time. Even the punctuated moments of violence (which there are surprisingly few given the subject matter) failed to inject any real energy or excitement to the viewing experience. Overall there’s a feeling of generic soullessness about Joker that left me disappointed and wishing I could stay up after watching Lego Batman as a palate cleanser.
I’m just going to throw it out there, my take may well be a gender thing. Talking with male coworkers that have seen the movie, they unanimously LOVE it, can’t say enough about how great it is, but readily admit that the wives and daughters walked away feeling the same way I did. I’m curious to see if that’s the case, so ladies and gentlemen if you see this one, be sure to leave a comment letting me know.
As previously mentioned, I’m split on this one along the lines Manchester by the Sea or Dunkirk. On the one hand, I get it and can give Joker an 8 for all the things that work, especially the performance by Joaquin Phoenix, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an Oscar nod in his future. And if they produce another film with him, I’m game to see it. On the other hand, meh. I was bored, disappointed and certainly don’t feel a need to see Joker again let alone add it to my movie collection. A 5 at best.
In short, you take your chances with this one. Sorry I can’t be more definitive than that.
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