Soon Jeck Wong

Joker 2 promised us a deep dive into the darkly thrilling world of one of comic book history’s most iconic villains. But instead of delivering the Joker we know, the unpredictable force who channels his suffering into a dark, almost hypnotic rebellion, the film gives us a character who feels beaten down by life’s injustices. As fans, we came looking for the Joker’s signature defiance, his twisted sense of justice, and instead, we see a character who surrenders to his pain. It feels like the film missed what makes the Joker so compelling. This disappointment isn’t just about the Joker; it’s something we’re seeing across recent superhero movies. Characters we once looked up to for their resilience and sense of purpose are increasingly portrayed as troubled, overwhelmed, or apathetic. While there’s value in realism, these stories used to be an escape, a chance to watch characters rise above their circumstances, becoming symbols of strength even in darkness. But here, the Joker’s journey simply crumbles. And maybe that’s the heart of it, Joker 2 feels like it’s trying to tell a different kind of story, one that might be better suited to a character created for that purpose. If the filmmakers wanted to explore a tragic arc of struggle and surrender, they could look to examples like A Star is Born, where Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper portray a relationship between a declining artist and a rising star. That movie knew exactly what it was trying to say and who its characters were. We could empathize with Cooper’s character as he struggled and ultimately fell, and we felt Lady Gaga’s heartbreak as she cherished their love even in his absence. The film captured the essence of its characters, and because of that, it resonated deeply with audiences, even its soundtrack still holds meaning today. With Joker 2, however, it feels like we’re given a story that doesn't align with who the Joker is. As Lady Gaga sings in that movie, “let us build a mountain”, we came in expecting that intensity, a powerful story of dark resilience. But instead, the mountain crumbles. Even Harley Quinn seems to abandon the Joker in this reimagining, and in the end, so do we. If filmmakers want to explore themes of personal struggle, defeat, and fragility, they should consider creating new characters or narratives rather than reshaping beloved ones. When they take an icon like the Joker and make him unrecognizable, it feels misleading, even disappointing. Fans love these characters for a reason, and when that core essence is missing, it’s hard not to feel let down. Joker 2 succeeds in atmosphere and world-building but fails to capture the spirit of the character, leaving us wanting a portrayal that’s true to the Joker’s dark, defiant soul.

Time Still Turns the Page isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience that reaches deep into your heart and leaves an impact that’s hard to shake. This film captures something rare and painfully honest. Each character, the father, the mother, the two young sons, even the teacher is so well developed that you feel like you know them. And it doesn’t shy away from tough truths, diving into the heartbreaking possibility of depression in a child and the unimaginable tragedy that follows. This is a topic most of us don’t want to think about, yet the movie handles it with a depth and respect that draws you in completely. There’s a twist in the story that took me by surprise. I didn’t see it coming, and when it hit, it just made everything even more emotional and painful. Watching this unfold was hard in the best possible way, it’s the kind of story that leaves you feeling raw and vulnerable, but somehow also more connected to the world around you. As a father of four, this movie stirred something deep in me. It made me think hard about how I raise my sons, how I show them love, and the ways I can be there for them, especially during those times when they might be hurting silently. It’s rare for a movie to touch me on such a personal level, and this one did that and more. I can’t recommend Time Still Turns the Page highly enough. It’s beautifully crafted, incredibly powerful, and one of those rare films that stays with you long after it ends. It’s not easy to watch, but sometimes the most important stories are the hardest ones. This film is absolutely worth it.