Way too many 10s. This was a technical masterpiece and Phoenix was great.

Rating: 7/10 (4 October 2019)

But the 10 star reviews that came flooding in were too much for me to take seriously, and I was right.
By all means, go see Joker - it's a standalone origin story that needs no knowledge of the Batman series, but it also rewards fans of that series with some very convincing details and very believable storytelling.
I won't get into the plot, but there are some twists. Very well done, in fact, even though they are both reminiscent of certain M. Knight Shymalan films. Very tastefully done and expertly integrated into the storyline without overindulgence and quite important for the story and character arcs at play. Bravo in that respect.
Also, applause for the cinematography, the style, the homages to previous classics and just the wonderfully realistic atmosphere that the director and his crew were able to bring to life here. Positively the most believable and realistic Gotham ever. Some might find that to be a veiled critique, but it makes this film watchable and enjoyable by those who have no knowledge of the Batman franchise(s).
Just altogether airtight production and direction. Hands down.
The only gripe I have is with the score - not the songs, necessarily, but the use of over-dramatic violin/cello passages and too-loud unnecessary (and very dark) orchestral pieces that almost take the audience out of the experience. Those who have seen it may know what I am talking about, but no spoilers.
All in all, this is very much worth watching even if I feel as though it may spawn some copycats in real life - sure to have a long "cult film" life after it fades from the cinemas.
7.5/10 with no caveats.