STORYLINE: Arthur Fleck is institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him. (IMDb)

    The films that Joaquin Phoenix has performed in have been all over the map. There was the r

Ic Gladiator, Hotel Rwanda, the bizarre and interesting I’m Still Here.  Let’s not forget his two greatest films tge Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line and The Master, a film that is a metaphor for Scientology.  In Joker  Folie à Deux Joaquin Phoenix returns to his Oscar winning role of the Joker. 

   Joker Folie à Deux suffers the sophomore slump that can plague sequels. My complaint with the film was the direction it took. It was torn between being a legal thriller and a musical.  The sequel was unable to balance the two genres and created an unusual movie that did not work.

    The other problem I had was with Joaquin Phoenix’s performance. He seemed like he was phoning it in for the sequel. This was a complete 180 from the preceding film, in which he delivered a note worthy performance. The performance in the first film was well received by its peers to be awarded across many associations. Lightning will not strike twice. 

   The redeeming factor was Lady Gaga. I a, a fan of hers.  I love her performances in films like House of Gucci and tv’s American Horror Story.   I also a huge fan of her music. I was excited when she was cast as Harley Quinn and she did not disappoint. 

   Overall though the film was a dud and I realize you can not win the, all.   That’s enough of me ranting for one blog.

   Until next time I will see you at the movies.