Bullet Points: Joker

There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Todd Phillips’ Joker. I’ll go ahead and say this right now: It is just a movie. So my question to you : Is the joke on me or you? Let me give you some Bullet Points to help you decide.

• This is a story about: A boy named Arthur. He’s just a lonely guy living with his mom. He has a job as a clown. He just wants to smile and make you laugh. However, he’s psychotic, and he snaps, and all Hell breaks loose on the streets of Gotham City.

• No laughing matter: First off, Joaquin Phoenix murders his Joker role. Find him guilty. Send him to prison. Throw away the key. What a performance. I never knew you could have a mental health condition which causes insane laughter. Joaq is the king. 
• The Wayne Family: For you comic book fans, I wonder what you think of the inclusion of the future Batman as a boy, and his dad, who is a complete jackass throughout the film? I think it works, and I am excited to see where this goes. 

• The Action: Okay, this is Bulletproof Action, I know you want to know about the action. We don’t have a lot. There’s moments of sudden-brutal violence, but Joker is more of a character study than comic book action film. It is way more Taxi Driver than Suicide Squad. However, we do have a very memorable scene involving Joker and Robert De Niro. It is definitely a “You talking to me” scene. 
• The Verdict: I don’t think Joker is for everyone, especially if you’re thinking it is going to be a popcorn action film. I liked it because it is different than other comic book movies. Even different than other R-rated comic book movies. I’m still not sure why people are having hissy fits over Joker, but I’m very pleased it got made, and I’ll leave it up to you to decide if Joker is a joke or not.

Joke is on you! I would never forget Bonus Bullet Points. Let’s go!!

• Bae: WOW! Does Joker have a girlfriend not named Harley Quinn? Zazie Beetz is super awesome. My advice: Pay very close attention to her character. 
• It pays to be short, sometimes: I will never think of miniature golf or locks on doors the same after watching Joker.
• The Hangover: Hard to believe Todd Phillips directed both films. I kept looking for Doug, without any luck.