Joker
2019, DC Films et al
Director/producer Todd Phillips teamed up with writer Scott Silver to create a totally different origin story for Batman's nemesis. The result was a smash hit, becoming the first R-rated film to make over a billion. What's so remarkable about it is, aside from references to Gotham City and Thomas Wayne, it's not the slightest bit comic-book-like; there's narry a superhero to be found. While quite excessive in the violence department, it's worth watching for Joaquin Phoenix's admittedly over-the-top performance.
DKS 7/3/20
Joker: Folie à Deux
2024, Warner Bros et al
As I sat refamiliarizing myself with the characters, I soon began wondering, good grief, what's wrong with this thing? Wait. I thought it was going somewhere, but... nope. The title is at least right: Madness for Two. Needed a lot more time in the microwave. No surprise why the film was nominated for something like a dozen golden raspberries. How sad. Great talent, all wasted, at times almost embarrassing to watch.
DKS 5/12/25
