The review embargo has lifted, and critics are showing zero mercy for Todd Phillips’ “Joker: Folie à Deux.” It’s getting brutalized in reviews.
The pans are coming to us from IndieWire (C-), Vulture, THR, Variety, IGN (5/10), Screen, ICS, CinemaBlend (2/5), Total Film (2/5), The Evening Standard (2/5), IONCINEMA (1/5), The Times (2/5), Vanity Fair, Decider, The Irish Times, BBC (2/5)
Meanwhile, those who did like ‘Folie à Deux’ include ScreenRant (3.5/5), The Independent (4/5), The Guardian (3/5), Slash Film (8/10) and The Wrap,
‘Folie à Deux’ is apparently three films rolled into one: prison drama, courtroom drama and musical. It’s gorgeously shot by Lawrence Sher, but many critics are wondering if there was any point to tell this story, which, if you strip off all of its flashy style, amounts to nothing.
Does this dash any Oscar hopes this film might have had? I think so. Yes, the original, which did win the Golden Lion, was also met with mixed reviews, but even fans of the 2019 original seem to be trashing ‘Folie à Deux.’
I don’t know if the bad reviews, and the fact that it’s a musical, will hamper its box-office prospects. The film is still one month away from release, and toxic word of mouth could definitely deflate its momentum.
“Joker 2: Folie à Deux” is set for release, including in IMAX 70MM, on October 4, 2024.