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Previous Joker review:

• Joker

# Review

Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck who is now incarcerated in Arkham State Hospital awaiting trial for the events of the first film. While in Arkham, Arthur meets Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a fellow patient; Arthur and Lee quickly strike a romance.

I’ll be honest, there’s really no plot in this film. The story basically follows Fleck as he prepares for his trial and the focus is on his internal struggles with his Joker alter-ego and his romance with Lee. Phoenix’s Fleck is decent but lacks the raw intensity of the first film. Lady Gaga’s Lee is devious and has great chemistry with Fleck, but definitely feels subdued and underused. Other supporting cast, such as Brendan Gleeson's Jackie, Steve Coogan's TV interviewer, and Harry Lawtey's Harvey Dent, all play their roles well in supporting Pheonix. The musical parts are a welcome break from the slow pacing but honestly feels a tad out of place in the film. I did enjoy the cinematography and how the film stuck to its nihlistic roots.

# Conclusion

A film with some style but no plot.

# Overall rating: 6.4

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