Not Your Typical Superhero/Super-Villian Movie

Rating: 9/10 (16 October 2019)

Joaquin Phoenix presents a dark, deep study of a man who is battling mental illness and suffocating depression. His portrayal elevates him to the top of the Oscar race and finally establishes him as one of the best male leads in the movie industry. His performance harkens back to his role in the obscure indy film "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot." His role in "The Joker" is a study in madness you won't soon forget.
The first 90 minutes of the film is absolutely gripping. The final 30 minutes delves into a zombie apocalypse that distracts from the personal focus of the film. However, there is a school of thought that the entire closing sequence was merely a fantasy in the Joker's disturbed mind.
Much of the violence is suggested in the film; this is not all about blood and gore, though it does contain graphic, shocking scenes. Movie fans of shoot-'em-up, CGI Superhero films will be caught off guard by this biopic-epic.
Robert DeNiro's supporting role as a talk show host is refreshing and a welcome relief from his endless stream of buddy films that has made people forget that he was once in the conversation as the best actor of his generation.
A must see for movie goers who desire some adult drama instead of viewing yet another regurgitated comic book flick.