Terrible let-down unworthy of comparison to better films.

Rating: 4/10 (27 March 2020)

Worst movie I've seen since Black Panther, completely lacking in understanding of the difference between homage and pastiche, but then what's to expect when the director's best films include the hangover and due date. While the cinematography is well done and reminiscent of the Christian Bale Batman films, unlike those films we never actually see what it's like to live in the world inhabited by the Joker, nor are we introduced to any other character in any meaningful way which makes the (minimal) violence and general cult-worship of the Joker appear contrived and his constant sufferings seem like melodrama. It's hard to see how this Joker could possibly evolve into a criminal mastermind but then maybe the franchise is aiming to break completely with the Heath Ledger legacy which is a shame because Joaquin Phoenix obviously has the potential to up the disturbing maniac factor considerably. They could have made this a better film by increasing the level of violence Korean style and/or by dedicating way more screen time to other characters to create a more meaningful image of the society which produced the Joker. For me one of the factors which actually made the Heath Ledger Joker so memorable and disturbing was that his screen time was limited. Worth watching for movie fans who may enjoy picking it apart, but completely pointless and forgettable for anyone just looking to be entertained.