Joker 2 Has 39% On Rotten Tomatoes, Fans Calling It ‘Awful’ And ‘Want Their Money Back’

Fans of Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to Joker, have been left disappointed, with many expressing their frustration on social media after watching the film. The movie, which premiered on October 4, 2024, currently holds a low 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics labeling it as a “pathologically unnecessary movie” and questioning the need for a sequel. Fans have echoed these sentiments, with some calling it “so bad” that they wanted their money back. One viewer complained, “There’s no theme at all… a total waste of time.”

The decision to turn parts of the film into a musical, with the Joker and Lady Gaga’s character, Harleen Quinzel, randomly bursting into song, was one of the major points of contention. Many fans found the musical elements disruptive, with one writing, “The storyline could’ve been better and the music was just irritating.” Despite Joaquin Phoenix and Gaga delivering strong performances, even their acting wasn’t enough to save the movie from the poorly received plot and pacing.

Critics also targeted the film’s lack of direction, calling it a disjointed character study of Arthur Fleck, rather than a follow-up that deepened his connection to the Joker persona or his role as Batman’s nemesis. The sequel, which runs for two hours and eighteen minutes, left many feeling as though it was a collection of scenes stitched together with no clear purpose. One fan noted that it felt like “skits” rather than a cohesive story.

Some, however, viewed the film differently, suggesting that the negative reception might be intentional, as the movie portrays Fleck as a “nobody loser” with main character syndrome. One viewer mentioned that the film’s unlikable nature might be part of its narrative approach, forcing audiences to see Arthur for who he truly is rather than a champion of the downtrodden, as some fans viewed him in the original.

Overall, while Joker: Folie à Deux brought in big names and high expectations, it seems to have fallen flat for both fans and critics alike. The musical direction, lack of a solid theme, and controversial portrayal of the characters left many questioning whether the sequel was necessary at all.