(lively rhythmic music)
For the first time since
launching the DCEU,
Warner Brothers and DC Comics movies
are looking to introduce an isolated film
which could be the first of
many in the form of "Joker".
What's up ComicBook Nation,
BD here with your spoiler-free review
of the upcoming "Joker" movie,
an R-rated roller coaster ride
which, long story short, is a masterpiece.
The movie starts off slowly,
letting tremendous cinematography
and a haunting performance
by lead actor Joaquin Phoenix take charge.
It's a slow burn as audiences will wonder
where the movie could possibly be going,
but as the movie and its titular character
descend into madness, the Todd
Phillips directed thriller
takes off and never looks book.
"Joker" offers up terrifying
levels of tension,
in fact, it's scarier than
most horror films of this year
with its gritty, frightening
levels of realism.
It takes very little from
any comic book stories,
existing as a character study
of a mentally ill Arthur Fleck,
but tosses in enough
delightful DC Comics references
to satisfy both the hardcore DC Comics fan
and the casual moviegoer.
This movie might not be
for the entire casual audience, though.
Intimate violence drive it
to an intense conclusion
which will stick with audiences
in the hours and days after watching it.
In fact, the movie is loaded with mystery
on top of its numerous shocking twists.
By the time it ends, viewers will be left
with several questions
about their experience,
which likely made them
uncomfortable at times
as Phoenix laughs his way
through terrible scenarios.
For this, Phoenix demands an
Oscar nomination for Best Actor
and it might not be the only
nod the DC Comics movie earns.
The cinematography, score, and direction
from The Hangover's Todd Phillips
creates something we've never seen before
in the comic book movie genre,
and it's terrifying,
thrilling, and moving.
Whether or not "Joker"
is a social commentary on mental illness,
a new and mysterious take
on the best known DC Comics villain,
or just another
unforgettable piece of cinema
which producer Martin
Scorsese is attached too,
it's something you'll
need to see to believe,
and even then, you still
might not believe it.
I'm Brandon Davis for ComicBook.com
and I give "Joker" five out of five stars.
(melodic music)
