Joker 2 Falls to Yet Another All Time Low on Rotten Tomatoes
- 'Joker 2' dives to 40% on Rotten Tomatoes after bad reviews.
- The film’s musical approach left audiences confused and disappointed.
- Box office predictions plummet as fans question the sequel's need.
So, Joker: Folie à Deux is here, and honestly, it’s a bit of a clown show for critics. When you think of the Joker, you probably picture chaos, twisted humor, and a wild ride through Gotham, right? Well, strap in, because Joker: Folie à Deux is giving us a very different vibe.
After the insane success of the 2019 Joker, which was a dark, gritty masterpiece, fans were hyped for the sequel. But now, it looks like those expectations might just fall flat.
The film has received a very low score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, even lower than before. So, the question is: What went wrong with this much-anticipated flick, and why it could be the biggest letdown of the year? Find out!
Joker 2 is the Musical Madness Nobody Asked For
When Joker: Folie à Deux was announced, we were all like, ‘Wait, a musical?’ Of course, it is a bold move, for sure, but did anyone really ask for Arthur Fleck belting out show tunes? Todd Phillips, the director, and Joaquin Phoenix, the lead, had us all thinking this sequel would take the Joker’s chaotic world to new heights.
But, instead, they seem to have taken a detour straight to La La Land. Lady Gaga joined the cast as Harley Quinn, and the idea of their love story set against musical numbers sounds fun. But the execution? Not so much.
Critics have been roasting the cast, claiming the dialogue feels shallow. Some even went as far as to call it a “terrorist attack on cinema.” Ouch. And the musical aspect? Phoenix tried to downplay the musical elements, but let’s be real—it’s already too late.
The movie hit the Venice Film Festival, and while it started with a decent 60% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it took a nosedive faster than the Joker himself can pull a prank. We’re talking a shocking 40%! Yikes.
As the score plummets, box office predictions are also looking sad. Initial expectations of a $70 million opening weekend have dropped to around $55-$60 million (as per The Wrap). The musical may have struck a sour note with fans, and it’s not looking good for our beloved Joker.
What Happened to the Joker We Loved?
Let’s talk about why Joker: Folie à Deux is flopping harder. The first Joker took risks and showed us Arthur Fleck’s struggle with mental illness. It was dark, real, and resonated with audiences worldwide. It grossed over $1 billion (via The Numbers) and snagged two Oscars.
But this sequel? It seems to have lost its way, focusing too much on the wrong elements. Even fans wanted the intense, gritty journey we got in 2019, not a Broadway rendition of chaos. Critics are saying the sequel doesn’t really add anything meaningful to the story.
Many are convinced the original didn’t need a sequel at all, especially not this one. The 2019 film was praised for its unique take on the character, but now it feels like they’re just trying to cash in on the Joker hype.
With a budget of $200 million, they better hope it does more than just break even. Phoenix’s attempt to tone down the musical vibes just seems like an afterthought. If they wanted to take risks, they needed to commit fully. Instead, we’re left with a muddled mess that has audiences scratching their heads, wondering what just happened.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to release on October 4, 2024.
