CHEER! - (9 stars out of 10)

Rating: 9/10 (25 December 2019)

The stage curtains open ...
Joaquin Phoenix continues to impress in a role that other actors have already impressed us with ... twice! I can hear it now. "Jack Nicholson made the best Joker!" "Oh no, no, no, no, no. The best Joker was definitely Heath Ledger!" But then, along comes this 2019 film, and Joaquin Phoenix says ... "Wait a minute now..."
In Gotham, before Batman became Batman ... before he even became a man, the Joker was born from the remnants of the lost soul known as Arthur Fleck. Arthur is already used to playing the clown, donning the wig and makeup daily to advertise for stores downtown or cheer up the sickly in children's hospitals. But his unrealized dream, what he really aspires to be, is a stand-up comic. However, when his television idol, talk show host, Murray Franklin, pokes fun at his comedy routine, Arthur begins to disappear and the ruthless, maniacal killer known as Joker begins to take over.
This is easily one of the best films of the year. Joaquin Phoenix doesn't just play the Joker well. He isn't just convincing in his role. He transcends all of that and BECOMES the Joker right before our eyes. This is one of the best character developments I have seen in a long, long time. It is a very slow build up to a "can't get it out of my mind" finish. This film sticks with you long after you've seen it, and you'll want to see it again.
It is a tragic tale. It almost makes you feel sorry for him ... until you witness, not only what he is capable of, but what he does. Even if you don't feel sorry for him, you will certainly understand the "why" behind him. I highly recommend this movie. I could watch this one again and again. Phoenix makes a solid argument for being the best Joker. It is a near masterpiece at a very strong 9 stars out of 10.