Joker 2 exposes the flaws in comic book movies and reporting

When critiquing someone’s art, it’s wise to go in with understanding. While we’re on our phones and keyboards, we should remember we’re talking about someone who worked hard to make something. That's why I try to be kind when writing my articles. The least I can do is try to give a positive outlook. That being said, Joker: Folie À Deux is everything that’s wrong with comic book movies from the movies to how it’s reported.

In a previous article, this writer discussed why the critics and the audience didn’t enjoy Joker 2 because the movie may have always been doomed. Nevertheless, this was a highly anticipated film. You’d assume that alone would give it a better outcome. Now that the project is over, it’s easy to see the hypocrisy when Joker 2 is compared to projects starring women and people of color.

Review bombing has caused moviegoers to avoid films they otherwise would have seen. The most recent example is The Marvels. People regretted not seeing it in theaters after it debuted on Disney Plus. The Marvels would have succeeded if people had given honest reviews instead of unfair criticism without seeing the movie.

Captain Marvel was review-bombed so badly that Rotton Tomatoes stopped allowing movies to be reviewed before they came out. She-Hulk was criticized for twerking with Megan Thee Stallion, meanwhile, people laughed when Wade danced in the opening of Deadpool and Wolverine.

Another example of hypocrisy comes from the Hollywood Reporter who tweeted, “Hang in there, Todd Phillips.” after Joker 2 bombed. They’re the same company that wrote a headline, “Nia DaCosta Bailed on the Cast-and-Crew Screening”. They noted that she skipped it for her 34th birthday party, but the language in the article villainized her. It wasn't a fair assessment of the situation and an unwarranted attack. Considering that Joker: Folie À Deux didn’t even have a test screening, you’d assume that people would have the same energy. But, they didn’t.

WARNING! THE NEXT SECTION HAS SPOILERS FOR JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX!

Now we come to the movie itself. Comicbook.com reported that Christopher Nolan forced Warner Bros to change the ending in Joker. Originally, Arthur Fleck would use a piece of glass to cut his face giving him scars like Heath Ledger’s Joker. Nolan vetoed that idea saying, “only his Joker should carve his face.” With Nolan no longer with Warner, Todd Phillips could use The Dark Knight’s Joker’s iconic look. Instead of Arthur Fleck carving his face, an inmate does it after killing Fleck.

Understandably, Nolan is protective of his creation. The weird part is Todd Phillips saying that Arthur Fleck isn’t the Joker. Phillips said “he’s never been this thing that’s been put upon him, this idea that Gotham people put on him, that he represents. He’s an unwitting icon. This thing was placed on him, and he doesn’t want to live as a fake anymore — he wants to be who he is.” That’s all fine and well, but the movie is titled Joker and you were going to make him the Clown Prince of Crime at the end of the first movie.

Whether you loved, liked, hated, or indifferent about Joker: Folie A Deux, there’s clearly something wrong with how comic book projects are looked at, created, and reported on. Certain people get a pass while others don’t. Maybe pointing this out will help change things. At least one could hope. Until then, this writer will continue to try and be fair and unbiased.

Did you see Joker: Folie A Deux? What are your thoughts on how it's being reported? We want to hear from you. You can email us at entertainment@fansided.com.