Joker

Joker is the most recent take on one of the most infamous comic book villains.  Although the press have dubbed it too violent and dark, that has not stopped it from becoming one of the highest grossing films of the year.  I saw the film with my co-worker Nathan who loves comic books and supplies me with all knowledge surrounding the genre.  Also, Annie refused to see it due to the stigma surrounding the movie :)

The story of Joker revolves around Arthur Fleck, an aspiring comedian who has been mistreated the majority of his life.  He is pushed to the edge by misfortunes and the broken system he lives in.  The film focuses less on Joker the villain, and more on his origins.  It uses this platform to highlight mental illness, and societal flaws we have as people and institutions.  

I felt Joker was very powerful and dark; divulging emotions of sadness, sympathy, and fear.  The movie about a clown has very little to laugh about, and shows some of the depressing truths we seek to ignore as a society.  I would recommend having a light-hearted movie ready for after you see Joker (I watched Austin Powers and it was perfect haha).  There is very little violence, 4 scenes to be exact, and only one moment of brutality.  Please don't let that stop you from seeing it, b/c we see worse on TV.

Overall, I would highly recommend people see the Joker.  It is not too long, will surely be in the awards buzz, and is filled with great acting.  Joaquin Phoenix is good, but not great, and has a very unique take on the twisted villain.  If anything, Joker provides a balanced story, intriguing for all audiences, and not just comic book fans.

Photo Credit: IMDb

Rating: 4/5

Movie Details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1