Kathie Dworak

Loved it. I read the book years ago, so minor details I’ve forgotten, but this series does the novel justice. The casting, acting, direction, all top notch. I’ve never seen Claire Danes better. She shines here, as does Tom Hiddleston. Highly recommended.

Todd Phillips makes some very strong and different choices here- in script and direction. The first film was the “how and “why” of Arthur Fleck. What happened to him early on, and how he came to be. In the first film there’s joyous rioting in the streets and Arthur is celebrated as a hero. Joker 2? He learns that no matter his early difficult life, his behavior has consequences. He’s not a counter culture hero- he’s a delusional thug. Phillips’ script may not be as popular as the first film, and I love the first film, but it’s a kind of course correction.

Astonishing film. I loved every second of it. A character study of a man who feels betrayed by everyone in his life. His 2 father figures openly mock and reject him. He is set up to fail at his job and is betrayed by a coworker. He discovers his mother lied to him all his life and allowed him to be tortured and abused as a child. He is mocked and beaten twice in public. The story is one mans descent into madness and revenge, who feels let down and persecuted by the world around him. Of course he enacts his revenge in such brutal ways, but you can understand why he does this. Phoenix’s remarkable acting lets you feel his pain, understand him without condoning his actions. The cinematography and score are magical. All in all a stunning film.