John Elizarraraz

"The Joker" film, envisioned as a dark, gritty character study, unfortunately, doesn't deliver as expected. For those anticipating a musical extravaganza or expecting a similar vibe to traditional superhero films, this movie may disappoint. Labeled as underwhelming and falling short in delivering a cohesive narrative, the film seems to miss the mark in several areas. The tone is stark and dismal, yet somehow muddled, failing to grasp the intense depth and complexity it aims for. The musical sequences, likely intended to add a captivating layer to Arthur Fleck's character, instead seem out of place and distract from the core narrative. They're neither compelling enough to stand alone nor seamlessly integrate into the storyline, leaving audiences bemused and disengaged. Arthur's gradual descent into madness is depicted, yet the character's transformation lacks the depth needed to truly engage audiences or evoke empathy or repulsion. Despite Joaquin Phoenix's undoubtedly dedicated performance, the script doesn't provide the necessary scaffolding to support his portrayal of this iconic character. The film struggles with pacing issues, dragging in sections that fail to adequately build suspense or tension. As it meanders through themes of mental illness, societal neglect, and transformation, it seems to lose sight of its ultimate purpose or message. Visually, while Gotham is portrayed in a bleak, significant light, even the impressive cinematography cannot salvage a narrative that falls flat. The story is neither innovative nor compelling enough to justify the cost of admission. For those hoping for a film that would do justice to such a legendary character as the Joker, this iteration may just be a letdown. In short, if you're on the fence about seeing "Joker," perhaps it's best to avoid spending your time and money. Consider waiting for a home release or another iteration that might better capture the essence and intrigue of this multifaceted character.