‘The Joker’ Offers Scenes of Rioting, Rage, and Blood

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He is eternally alone in a crowd; failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks a connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him.

Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

Parents looking to bring their children to the theater for popcorn and soda, need to know that Joker is an intense, complex, powerful thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix as the famous Batman villain. It’s far darker and more violent than other takes on the character.

Expect extremely graphic killings and blood spatters/sprays, guns and shooting, and stabbing. Several characters bully and beat up the main character, punching and kicking him, and there are scenes of fighting, rioting, rage, and shouting, as well as a scene of smothering with a pillow.

There’s also brief nudity as the pages of a journal are flipped through, plus images and movie titles on porno theaters. The main character is shown with his hand down the front of his underwear, suggesting masturbation, and there’s kissing. Language isn’t constant but includes uses of those most popular expletives. The Joker himself takes prescription pills, and characters smoke frequently.

It’s important to know the Joker isn’t presented as a role model, but the movie does condemn those who do nothing to help the downtrodden get on their feet, which positions him as a somewhat sympathetic character. It also suggests that mental illness is one of the contributing factors to his villainous acts and behavior, which is troubling. The story disparages hate, anger, and unkindness, but it doesn’t exactly promote kindness, love, or generosity, much like the popcorn I tried to enjoy as I sat in the darkness watching the blood spill.

It’s generally awarded two stars for the younger viewer and an average of three stars for the mature viewer, forever keeping in mind that one man’s meat can be another man’s poison.

In case you missed it: Ready or Not Is A Depraved Blast

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Professor Mike

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