Joker 2 Sparks Mixed Reviews Following Venice Film Festival Debut

Thursday, September 05, 2024  Read time2 min

SAEDNEWS: The premiere of "Joker: Folie à Deux" at the Venice Film Festival has garnered mixed reviews, with critics expressing both praise and disappointment.

Joker 2 Sparks Mixed Reviews Following Venice Film Festival Debut

According to SAEDNEWS, The highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, made its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4, showcasing the talents of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Directed by Todd Phillips, this film follows the critically acclaimed Joker from 2019, which earned Phoenix an Oscar for Best Actor. Unlike its predecessor, Folie à Deux introduces a musical element with Gaga portraying Harley Quinn.

As the reviews come in, the film currently holds a 60% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 43 reviews. While many critics appreciate the innovative mix of genres, others have voiced substantial criticism.

Positive reviews highlight the film's unique approach. John Nugent from Empire Magazine describes it as “as sweet and beguiling a musical romance as it’s possible to have between two murderous psychopaths.” He acknowledges that its quirky style may not resonate with all comic-book fans, but appreciates its “strange, tragic hopefulness.” Similarly, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praises Gaga’s performance as “a compelling live-wire presence,” and commends the vitality of the musical numbers, saying they bring life to the otherwise “dour” film.

However, not all reviews are favorable. Critics like Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair find the film “startlingly dull,” describing it as a “pointless procedural that seems to disdain its audience.” Nicholas Barber from the BBC offers a similarly harsh critique, calling the film “irritatingly smug.” The most scathing review comes from David Ehrlich of IndieWire, who labels the film as “boring” and a “criminal waste of Lady Gaga,” arguing that it fails to engage or entertain.

Joker: Folie à Deux explores the story of Arthur Fleck, now institutionalized at Arkham, as he navigates his dual identity and discovers love and music amidst his turmoil.

With its official release in North American theaters set for October 4, audiences will soon have the opportunity to see for themselves how this ambitious blend of crime drama and musical plays out. The Venice International Film Festival continues until Saturday, showcasing a range of films, including the premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. As reactions to Folie à Deux unfold, it remains to be seen how this film will be remembered in the evolving landscape of cinema.


Latest news  
Sky Corridor: An Architectural Engineering Marvel – A Suspended Glass Bridge with Stunning Waterfall Views. Want to experience the most breathtaking high-altitude thrill? +Video Masterful Innovation at the Shanghai Auto Show: Chery’s Newest Ultra-Luxury, Fully Equipped Model – Live Your Dream with This Car! +Video Israeli Army: The fighting continues, and no ceasefire has been declared—for now. Step into the Qajar Era: Parade at ‘Naqsh-e Jahan’ and Naser al-Din Shah’s Grand Development Projects! Amazing Discovery: A 1,000-Year-Old Treasure Unearthed by a Lucky Family in Their Backyard + Photos Amazing Discovery of a Cave Full of Antiques and Valuable Treasures in Iran – Seeing Them Will Blow Your Mind! +Photos A 20-Year-Old Girl with a Rare Condition Who Has No Bones in Her Body! + Astonishing Photos Araghchi: Iran is Determined to Safeguard Its Nuclear Rights. Heavy Israeli strikes on Gaza continue, despite Tel Aviv’s claims of scaling back operations. Trump Blocks the Way: World Cup Visas Hit with New Restrictions! Iran’s Fearsome Weapon That Has Left Enemies Stunned! The Whole World Races to Build It… Netanyahu: “None of The Plan’s Provisions Will be Implemented Until All Hostages Are Freed! Will Russia and China Abandon Iran in the Next Iran-Israel War? What Happens If Iran Fires 400 Missiles in the First 24 Hours… Trump: The First Phase of the Gaza Agreement Is On the Verge of Being Finalized. Who Is the Israeli Woman Behind Reza Pahlavi? / Mossad’s Secret Operation for Reza Pahlavi’s Coronation!