Chris Coleman

This is the gruesome and horrific train wreck, you simply can't look away from. This 70's-based psych thriller answers a lot of questions DC fans may have had about the origins of Batman's arch nemesis. We have a boy and young man who actually believes he was created to bring laughter, joy and happiness to the world. This is his mission in life. Then, one by one, the veils drop and the dominoes fall away, exposing the raw "truths" of his life to be utter BS. He is left with no true friends or family, except those he's conjured in his mind, and finally finds satisfaction and his true calling, as the devious psychopath he becomes. I really wanted to hate this movie. I've seen so many superhero movie variations lately, that they've all become white noise. But two things held me fast with this movie, and that was the realism and the incredible acting performances. The interactions between all of the characters are noteworthy and truly fantastic. The entire cast did a splendid job, and captured the mood, spirit and tone of a gritty 1970's crime drama. From an elevated train stair, similar to the French Connection, to the faded floral wallpaper in Joker's apartment. It was nearly perfect... Then there's Joaquin Phoenix and his incredible performance. He so convincingly draws you into his delusion that you can empathically connect with the character on the screen, wavering between pity and rage. I was floored... Joker is definitely not for everyone. It's an intense roller coaster ride. Not like a new steel coaster with well-greased rubber wheels and tight circles of ball bearings, but more like a Coney Island coaster, where the rickety loose steel wheels lose contact with the rusted track and where you can feel the old wooden structure sway as you hang on for dear life. That's Joker, and it's a movie experience you will not forget...

There's a lot to love about this movie. The space scenes, sets and special effects are stunning and spectacular. Perhaps the best and most detailed in any sci-fi movie so far. Also the acting is top notch. Absolutely no complaints at all about Brad Pitt's performance or anyone else's. The story is definitely on the weak side, both from a physics perspective and regarding the whole "daddy issue" aspect of it. Several holes exist in the story, including why a simple radio message couldn't be sent by McBride from Earth and relayed through Mars. The idea of space pirates on the Moon strains the bounds of credulity as well. Perhaps the biggest disappointment was the slow pace of the movie. By the end, I was struggling to stay awake, during a point where it should've had me riveted. Throw in the constant computerized psych evaluations and the ridiculous flight of McBride through the rings of Neptune using a panel as a shield and you get an idea of the tone of this film.