REVIEW: JOKER

'Joker' stars a committed Joaquin Phoenix at the top of his game. He carries the weight of this script throughout the film whereas he is the only focus. His mannerisms, his thoughts and actions, his dark descent, this is what the film is all about. I very much enjoyed watching him work. Yet, an hour into the film and I wasn't invested. I began subconsciously checking my phone. Some audience members were talking. This stopped during the last thirty minutes, which is where most of the films action takes place, and then the movie was over. I was expecting something better. The films aesthetic, while at first mesmerizing, becomes a hassle mid-way through because it's boring. This can also be said for the script. At first it's so thrilling to walk in 'Jokers' shoes. Then you realize there really isn't anything else going on. One lazy scene with a young Alfred. Two cops with absolutely no background, who pop up whenever the plot desires. Arthur Fleck's failed comedy career? What career? He has one scene of 'stand-up' with no jokes! Well, this is a Todd Phillip's movie. It's mediocre and that's a shame because Phoenix deserved better. 

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