Joker 2's Struggle: Why Audiences Aren't Impressed

Todd Phillips' new movie, Joker: Folie à Deux, is facing a tough start at the box office. On its first day (October 4), it only made $20 million, including $7 million from early screenings. Experts think it won't even reach $50 million for its opening weekend. Part of the problem might be that audiences aren't happy with the movie. It received a low 'D' grade on CinemaScore, which is rare for a Hollywood comic book film. Some say the story feels weak and boring at times, despite being over two hours long. Joker: Folie à Deux was supposed to make between $50 million and $60 million this weekend. The first Joker movie from 2019 did much better, earning $96. 2 million on its opening weekend with a 'B+' score. That film went on to make over $1 billion globally. In the new movie, Joaquin Phoenix is back as Arthur Fleck (aka the Joker). He meets Lady Gaga's character, Harleen "Lee" Quinzel, in Arkham Asylum. They form a chaotic partnership to create trouble in Gotham City. Besides acting, Lady Gaga also recorded a whole album inspired by her character, titled Harlequin. It has classic covers and some new songs. This surprise project was released before the movie on September 27th, just ahead of her upcoming seventh album scheduled for February. Her new single drops this October.