Todd Phillips鈥� version of the Joker is surrounded by controversy for fear of inciting violence.
I often think writers have taken violence too far in their depictions of comic book characters.
Batman鈥檚 sadistic nemesis in this film is so far over the top that I started to think that I was missing something.
Why make a character so evil and so violent?
Then I remembered that the movie is about the Joker and not Batman. If you are going to view the film to see a Batman flix please pick another film to watch.
Joaquin Phoenix had big shoes to fill after Heath Ledger鈥檚 portrayal of the Joker.
I have always been a big fan of Joaquin鈥檚 work especially after his public ruse of him being a rapper for 18 months. Even David Letterman thought Joaquin Phoenix was pursuing a new career as a rapper.
Only Joaquin could pull off the psychopath role so well that an Oscar nomination for best actor is on the table.
I do not remember any movies that focused so heavily on the origins of the Joker. This movie takes you back to the beginning and it is done with an intensity that is frightening.
I loved Phoenix鈥檚 performance, but one viewing of the Joker is enough for me.
Joker 2 has been announced and I am wondering if Batman will make an appearance. The Joker and Batman battling wits in the second movie would make sense to me.
We can only hope that the two will square off in the future.
Kevin Lazzari, owner of the Video Stop in Jasper, is reviewing movies nominated for Oscars.
Joker has been shortlisted for Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role (Joaquin Phoenix), Cinematography, Costume Design, Directing, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Writing (Adapted Screenplay).
The Academy Awards air live February 9.
