Poor Critical And Audience Reception
The movie received extremely low ratings from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 33% critical approval rating and a dismal 31% audience approval rating. This is significantly lower than most major studio releases and shows that the vast majority of viewers were not satisfied with the final product.
The Cinemascore of D is unprecedented for a major studio comic book movie. This indicates that real moviegoers actively disliked the film and were unlikely to recommend it to others. In fact, many would actively warn others against seeing it, which had a severely negative impact on word-of-mouth promotion.
The negative reviews focused on various aspects such as the plot, character development, and the inclusion of musical numbers. Many felt that the story was convoluted and failed to capture the essence and depth of the first film, while the musical elements seemed out of place and detracted from the overall tone.
Long Delay Since The First Movie
There was a five-year gap between the release of the first “Joker” and “Joker 2.” In the fast-paced world of entertainment, such a long wait can cause audiences to lose interest or forget about the franchise. The initial impact and cultural relevance of the first film had waned over time.
The delay was also due to various external factors such as the pandemic and the SAG and WGA strikes, which affected the production schedule. However, this meant that the sequel missed the prime opportunity to capitalize on the immediate success and momentum of the first movie. By the time “Joker 2” was released, the audience’s appetite for a sequel had diminished, and the cultural landscape had changed, with comic book movies no longer enjoying the same automatic success as before.
Changing Landscape of Comic Book Cinema
In recent years, the popularity and success of comic book movies have become more unpredictable. While in 2018 and 2019, movies like “Venom,” “Captain Marvel,” and “Aquaman” were huge hits, the market has since become more saturated and audiences more discerning.
Audiences are no longer willing to accept mediocre or formulaic comic book movies. They expect more complex storylines, well-developed characters, and unique takes on the genre. “Joker 2” failed to stand out in this crowded and competitive market, perhaps because it did not offer anything substantially new or different from what had already been seen in other comic book movies or even in the first “Joker” itself3.
High Expectations And Unfulfilled Promises
The first “Joker” set the bar extremely high with its dark and psychological portrayal of the titular character. Audiences expected “Joker 2” to continue and expand on this, delving even deeper into the psyche of the Joker and exploring new aspects of his personality and backstory.
However, the sequel was seen by many as falling short of these expectations. It did not provide the same level of depth or complexity, and some of the plot choices and character arcs were seen as inconsistent or unconvincing. This led to a sense of disappointment among fans who had been eagerly awaiting a worthy successor to the first film.
Marketing And Promotion Mishaps
Despite having a large marketing budget, the marketing and promotion of “Joker 2” did not seem to resonate with the audience. The trailers and promotional materials may not have effectively conveyed the essence and appeal of the movie, failing to generate sufficient excitement and anticipation.
In addition, the movie faced some controversy and negative publicity prior to its release, which may have further dampened audience interest. This, combined with the lackluster word-of-mouth, meant that the movie failed to gain the necessary traction and momentum at the box office.
Competition From Other Entertainment Options
In today’s digital age, there is an abundance of entertainment options available to consumers, including streaming services, video games, and social media. This means that movies face more competition than ever before for people’s attention and disposable income1.
“Joker 2” had to compete not only with other movies in theaters but also with the countless other forms of entertainment that audiences could choose from. With so many options vying for their time, many potential moviegoers may have decided to skip the theater and opt for something else, especially given the negative reviews and lack of buzz surrounding the film.
Conclusion
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