Joker: Folie à Deux is one of the lowest-rated comic movies
As anticipation builds for Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Joker (2019), early discussions have taken a surprising turn. While the first film was met with near-universal praise for its gritty portrayal of Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime, its follow-up is reportedly facing a less favorable reception even before its release. Early rumors suggest that Joker: Folie à Deux could be one of the lowest-rated big-budget movies in the superhero genre.
This would mark an unexpected shift for the franchise, especially given the success of the original Joker, which received multiple Academy Award nominations and saw Joaquin Phoenix winning Best Actor for his transformative performance. The sequel, directed once again by Todd Phillips and starring Phoenix alongside Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, was expected to ride that momentum into its release. However, the buzz surrounding the film’s early test screenings and initial reactions seem to point in a different direction.
A History of Low-Rated Comic Book Movies
If Joker: Folie à Deux does indeed stumble critically, it wouldn’t be the first time a comic book film with high expectations has struggled to connect with audiences or critics. The genre has produced a number of big-budget duds that failed to meet expectations.
One infamous example is Suicide Squad (2016), which, despite its star-studded cast and enormous hype, was savaged by critics for its incoherent plot and uneven tone. Though it performed well at the box office, it currently holds a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its divisive reception.
Another prominent example is Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). Despite the iconic pairing of two of DC’s biggest heroes, the film was criticized for being overly dark, brooding, and at times, incomprehensible. With a large budget and high hopes from fans, its lukewarm reviews were a blow to the DCEU’s early expansion.
On the Marvel side, Eternals (2021) also faced a mixed reception despite being directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. Critics were split over the film’s tone and pacing, and it stands as one of the lowest-rated films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Why is Joker: Folie à Deux is one of the lowest-rated comic movies?
It’s important to remember that we haven’t seen Joker: Folie à Deux yet, and these early reactions could reflect a specific audience’s expectations rather than the general public’s. The film is rumored to be a musical, a significant departure from the original’s gritty realism. This genre shift could be a reason for the divisive early responses, as some may find it too unconventional compared to the psychological drama of the first film.
Furthermore, following in the footsteps of a critically acclaimed predecessor is always a challenge. Expectations are sky-high, and the bold, experimental direction Folie à Deux seems to be taking could alienate some viewers. However, it’s also worth noting that such risks have, in the past, yielded polarizing but ultimately celebrated films. For example, Batman Returns (1992), which was initially criticized for being too dark and surreal, has since gained a dedicated following.
Our Take Is Coming Soon
While it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz surrounding early reactions, it’s crucial to remember that these reports are based on limited screenings. Here at Comic Movie DB, we believe in giving every film its fair shot. Once Joker: Folie à Deux is released and we’ve had the chance to see it ourselves, we will provide our own in-depth analysis and rating. After all, the only review that truly matters is your own.
In the meantime, let’s keep in mind that the world of comic book cinema has seen plenty of films rise above early criticism to become fan favorites. Whether Joker: Folie à Deux joins the ranks of misunderstood classics or truly falters will be revealed soon enough. Until then, the conversation continues.
Stay tuned for our official review and if we really think Joker: Folie à Deux is one of the lowest-rated comic movies
