LadyGaga – Credits Rolling

Todd Phillip’s 2019 version of Joker was so successful, it came as no surprise when a sequel was announced. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is waiting for trial in Arkham for the crimes he committed. He meets Harleen “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga) and the two form a bond unlike any other.

I was so much looking forward to this film. The original was one of the best I have ever seen from DC that I just wanted more. I’m so sad to say that this was just awful. None of it worked and I kept scratching my head in complete disbelief as to what was unfolding in front of me. It’s like Phillips took everything that made the original so great and tore it apart bit by bit until there was nothing left.

While I was initially unsure of the musical aspects, I tried to keep an open mind. Most of these sequences taker place in Arthur’s mind so I can understand why they were implemented. I don’t think it did much to strengthen the plot. It wouldn’t have made much of a difference if they were there or not. At least we know that Phoenix and Gaga can carry a tune.

Speaking of our leads, Phoenix is once again brilliant as our troubled Arthur. You never really know if you’re supposed to be rooting for him. He keeps you fascinated though whether or not he’s himself or Joker. I wanted to like Gaga’s version of Harley, or Lee, as she goes by here, but unfortunately I wasn’t sold. Nothing against her whatsoever as an actress, but I didn’t feel like her character really went anywhere. Luckily the supporting cast of Brendan Gleeson as cop Jackie Sullivan, Catherine Keener as Arthur’s lawyer Maryanne Stewart and Harry Lawtey as lawyer Harvey Dent helped elevate things.

There were a lot of bold choices made throughout. The opening sequence for starters was something I certainly wasn’t expecting. I felt like the courtroom scenes became drawn out and slow and then when the third act came about, it all just kind of jumbled together. There was no flow. I kept waiting for it to all fall into place, but it never did.

I know that everything has a sequel or a reboot these days, but Joker: Folie À Deux is one that never should have happened. It ruined everything it had going for it in the first one and made it into something unrecognizable. Even the acting couldn’t save it. This is probably the worst film I have seen so far this year and that just makes me so sad to say.

Rating: ♥️.5

Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) is your average, hardworking Italian woman who always knew she was destined for more. When she meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) at a party, she vows to do everything possible to land him as her husband. Marrying into the Gucci family will give her that stability and, most importantly, power. Over time it becomes apparent that Patrizia’s ambition is too much for the Guccis’ to handle causing a spiral of betrayal, and ultimately, murder.

Lady Gaga was the star in House Of Gucci. Despite her questionable Italian accent, her acting chops have stepped up even more since A Star Is Born. I couldn’t take my eyes off her and she really commanded every scene she was in. In a way it was almost as if Adam Driver wasn’t the best match for her, though you could tell he was trying his best. Another standout was in Jared Leto’s portrayal of Paolo. First of all, he’s completely unrecognizable in the role and he was hilarious too. I just wish we had had more of other supporting cast members in Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Salma Hayek. It didn’t seem like we got the full capacity of their talent.

My expectations for this movie were at an unbelievable high. What started off really strong unfortunately didn’t stay that way. The pacing slowed significantly and the run time was starting to wear on me. It definitely could have been cut down by about forty five minutes. It also seemed like there was a lot of build up for a short climax.

That being said, House Of Gucci was a fascinating take on the famous family. The only aspect I knew about their history was the murder and so I appreciated learning everything else. I truly believe that it is a film worth watching, if only for the performances. I can see some award show buzz in the future.

Rating: ♥♥♥