Deeply disappointing. While the first Joker film was gripping and profound, the sequel misses the mark entirely. Instead of building on what made the original so compelling, it feels like a half-hearted attempt to capitalize on its success. The storyline lacks coherence, and the pacing drags, making it hard to stay invested.
Introducing musical elements was a strange choice that, for the most part, fell flat. Rather than adding depth, they often broke the flow, taking away from the intensity of Joaquin Phoenix’s powerful performance. Despite his best efforts, the film undermines his work with disjointed scenes and poor decisions.
In the end, this sequel feels like a mismatched collection of ideas that never come together. If you cherished the first Joker, it’s best to ignore this follow-up. Let the original stand on its own.