“Joker: Folie à Deux” is the sequel to the award-winning 2019 hit film “Joker.” Building on a universe separate from the main DC one, both lead actor Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips lead a host of returning cast and crew in a follow-up that’s an ambitious, if uneven second outing for this variant of the character.
The story takes place in the year 1983, two years after the events of the first film. As Arthur Fleck (Phoenix, reprising his award-winning role from the first film) waits in Arkham to stand trial for his crimes as the Joker; he finds a kindred spirit in Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga, 2018’s “A Star is Born”) and a challenge in aspiring district attorney Harvey Dent (Harry Lawtey). What follows is a sequel that blends both familiar and new elements of the characters that may not always land, but offers a strong cast to move the plot forward.
The sequel, on top of building on the ideas established in the first, takes its biggest swing in making the movie a jukebox musical. Though Philips and co-writer Scott Silver may not have as fresh a story this time around, there are spirited renditions of beloved songs including the Carpenters’ “Close to You” and the Burt Bacharach version of “What the World Needs Now.” One standout sequence pays homage to the classic “That’s Entertainment,” the same movie shown at Arkham when a fire breaks out in the hospital.
While the plot may not be as compelling as the first film, the movie is anchored by strong performances from its talented cast. On a budget of $165 million (triple the $55 million spent on the first), the movie is also visually striking. The movie even opens on an animated recap of the first done in the style of classic “Looney Tunes” cartoons, entitled “Me and My Shadow.” Even if the movie doesn’t reach the heights of the first, it’s not hard to imagine it gaining a cult following in the near future.
Overall, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a sequel that has a duet of compelling lead performances to applaud, but the story doesn’t quite sing the same high notes as the first. It’s fine enough in a vacuum, but don’t expect it to be a repeat of the first.
At a glance:
Directed by Todd Phillips (Based on characters from DC Comics)
Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, and Harry Lawtey
Rated R
My Rating: ★★★★
