After avoiding spoilers for weeks and holding off judgment until I had seen it myself last night in theatre, Joker 2 is a GOOD movie. The problem is it’s not a good JOKER movie imo. The concept of a mentally-ill murderer unintentionally starting a political movement bigger than themself and growing to loathe this “persona” is a great idea. Just not for the joker. My issues with the film surprisingly only stem from the the joker’s characterization. I enjoy Gaga as Harley, I’ve even saved some of the soundtrack numbers on Spotify i didn’t mind the music at all. But the entire film Arthur who is SUPPOSED to be the joker is just helpless and reactionary. I’m not the biggest comic book fan but i know joker has NEVER been in Arkham long… he treats that shit like a daycare coming and going as he pleases. There were brief moments when I thought we might see that with Lee starting a fire and the inmates causing a small riot but this ultimately went nowhere. Have the joker escape Arkham or better yet have him represent himself in court and be acquitted of all charges. Have the joker walk a free man because even the law is laughable and guilty men exploit the system. Have Harley bribe or threaten the families of the jurors. Anything, i just wish we saw the chaotic nature of the joker. He’s not smart or manipulative and charismatic. Everyone pretty much hates him and uses Arthur. The guards break him and win. The joker cannot be broken. He’s worn his own face as a mask.