Dull and dark. An unnecessary cash cow

Rating: 2/10 (11 October 2019)

Acting and cinematography are outstanding. Joaquin is incredible throughout. That's as far as the compliments go.
The plot lacks any creativity, it's unnecessarily dark and smacks of a sequel within 15 minutes of being seated in the theatre. I get there has to be some character development but at least leave the feeling of getting rinsed for cash until the end of the movie.
Whilst I appreciate the inevitability of the Joker's story being told, I feel the consistently dark nature of the film left me bereft of any positivity. Nolan achieved the balance; this movie did not. This was highlighted when the audience laughed at the vertically challenged man being unable to escape the apartment after a particularly brutal murder. It's a sad indictment that we've become so desensitised that this is deemed comedy.
There is no humour to be found here. Nor any light. It's watchable to see the Phoenix tour de force but don't expect to feel like it's money well spent. The narrative is wooly and many good songs are now ruined by being in this soundtrack. Avoid.