Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Joker: Folie à Deux is a musical that seems embarrassed to be a musical, and a sequel that seems annoyed you liked the first one. Arthur Fleck sits in Arkham awaiting trial, his lawyer is pitching the Joker as a separate personality, and during group music therapy he meets Lee Quinzel, a fan of his worst self. Lady Gaga is magnetic and wildly underused. Joaquin Phoenix goes smaller and sadder, which works in single scenes and drags across 138 minutes. The fantasy song numbers, some staged like old TV variety shows, are the most alive thing here, and the camerawork, sets and costumes are gorgeous. The long stretch inside the hospital is grim and repetitive, and the story barely moves. Opening crowds gave it a D CinemaScore, and it made $207.5 million worldwide on a reported $190 to $200 million. A 3.3 because it’s beautifully made and a slog to sit through. $94.88 says you reach for the remote to skip ahead to the next song at least twice.

What works: Lady Gaga is magnetic when she gets the chance, and the cinematography, production design and costumes are stunning.

What doesn’t: The story barely moves, the long hospital stretch is grim and repetitive, and Gaga is wasted in a role that never takes off.

Who it’s for: Film buffs who admire bold, frustrating sequels and can live with a story that stalls.