Historic 'D' Grade CinemaScore for 'Joker: Folie à Deux'

In a surprising turn of events, "Joker: Folie à Deux," the highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning film, has received a staggering 'D' CinemaScore, marking the lowest score ever recorded for a comic book movie. This dismal rating surpasses the former record holder, 2015's "Fantastic Four," which managed to secure a slightly better 'C-' grade.

The Cast and Concept

Joaquin Phoenix is back in his iconic role as the notorious Batman villain, but this time he's joined by Lady Gaga, who portrays the equally tumultuous Harleen "Lee" Quinzel, better known as Harley Quinn. While the original "Joker," directed by Todd Phillips, was lauded for its intense character study and emotional depth, earning Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor, "Folie à Deux" attempts to dive into a twisted love story set against a musical backdrop. The sequel also features a strong supporting cast that includes Brendan Gleeson, Harry Lawtey, and Catherine Keener.

Critical Reception

Critics have not been kind to this latest installment. In a scathing review, Variety's chief film critic Owen Gleiberman described "Folie à Deux" as "ambitious and superficially outrageous," yet ultimately criticized it for being overly cautious and lacking in substance. He noted that Arthur Fleck—a.k.a. Joker—remains just a victim of circumstances, failing to embody the chaotic figure audiences expect. Gleiberman emphasized that the film reduces Arthur to a mere "singing-and-dancing puppet clown" lost in his imagination, leaving many to wonder if this really qualifies as entertainment.

Audience Anticipation vs. Critical Response

Despite the critiques and the grim CinemaScore, anticipation remains high, with many fans eager to see how this unique blend of musical storytelling and psychological drama unfolds. However, this drastic fall from the critical acclaim of its predecessor raises important questions about the direction of comic book films in an ever-evolving cinematic landscape.

Looking Ahead

Will audiences flock to the theaters out of sheer curiosity, or could this be the beginning of the end for the Joker franchise? Only time will tell, but for now, "Joker: Folie à Deux" stands as a controversial chapter that challenges the boundaries of comic book cinema.