DVD Corner

Joker: Folie à Deux 4K UHD Review

“Joker: Folie à Deux” is a colossal misfire. 

Written by Scott Silver and Todd Phillips, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is a sequel to 2019’s “Joker.” The story takes place 2 years after the first film and finds Arthur Fleck in prison and on the verge of his trial. While in prison, he meets Lee Quinzel at a music therapy class. Lee has a strong fascination with the Joker side of Arthur. The two begin to fall for one another, but Arthur soon learns that Lee hasn’t been upfront about who she really is. While on trial, Arthur also begins to have an identity crisis and realizes that the Joker may just be a fantasy.

After watching “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the film left me thinking “Why?” Why was the decision made to do jukebox musical numbers instead of original songs? Why did this movie cost close to $200 million when it looks like a $50 million dollar movie at most? Why make a sequel that erases the ambiguity of the first film? Why make a divisive twist ending that essentially makes this entire saga a joke? Why were scenes from the trailer not in the film? Why is there barely a story holding this sequel together? These are but a few of the puzzling questions this sequel raises.

Admittedly, the movie is not without merit. Even though ‘Deux’ ultimately does not work, Todd Phillips takes a build swing here by creating a musical sequel that subverts the first film. The film also has plenty of meaty themes about identity, fantasies, fandom, love, a world gone mad, and mental health. It’s just a shame that all of these ideas get lost in an overlong mess of a movie that is bogged down by courtroom drama, poorly done musical numbers, endless jail scenes, a woefully underutilized Lee Quinzel, and an overall joyless and bleak tone. Truthfully, the movie never got any better than its opening Tex Avery style animated sequence done by filmmaker Sylvain Chomet.

Cast wise, Joaquin Phoenix delivers another fine performance as the twisted and tortured Arthur Fleck. The actor certainly goes all in on whatever role he takes on. Lady Gaga gives the film’s best performance as Lee Quinzel. Her character offers up the most intrigue, but she’s not in it nearly enough. You wanted more from her.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.2:1 and 1.9:1 2160p. How does it look? Expect a pristine transfer with a wide range of colors.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Nothing short of dynamic.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Everything Must Go”- A 4 part documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and story, music, theme, and character discussions.
* “The Character Of Music” explores the film’s live musical numbers.
* “Crafted With Class” covers the numerous sets.
* “Colors Of Madness” revolves around the use of color in the film.
* “Live! With Joker”- A featurette on the animated sequence. 

December 14, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Joker 2, Joker: Folie à Deux 4K UHD Review, Lady Gaga, Todd Phillips