Joker (2019)

There is no denying that this is a solid film. My biggest complaint about this movie is this could have been essentially the same movie if you changed the title and removed the Wayne family. This is especially true for the first half of the film. For some, they would see this as a pro. A great story about mental illness and society’s problems with a Joker lens. Personally, this falls on my short list of movies that I would have preferred being called something else with inspiration from its namesake. The other notable movie on said list is the 2015 Fantastic Four film. Both movies would have been better in my opinion without the weight of the IP attached to them. It’s a great film, with great imagery, and a powerful message. My only gripe really is just the Joker name being attached rather than being inspired by the character and simply being its own thing.

Story - 20%

Characters - 18%

Pacing - 15%

Spectacle - 16%

Entertainment - 16%

Total score: 85%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here