DCT Episode 44: Tenet, or How 2020 Destroyed Moviegoing

IndieWire

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 44, discussing the Christopher Nolan film Tenet, the real payoff of not using computer-generated special effects, and how Sir Michael Caine doesn't seem to need to audition for a Nolan movie.

Da Couch Tomato Podcast is part of the PIPE Network.

This episode is sponsored by Dulce House. Visit them at https://dulcehouse.com/ and use promo code PIPE to get 10% discount.

DCT Episode 43: The Boys (Amazon Prime), or Why This Is One of the Best Superhero Shows On Television

Insider

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 43, discussing the Amazon Prime series The Boys, the similarities and differences with Pixar's The Incredibles, and why comic book stories are best told in long form.

Da Couch Tomato Podcast is part of the PIPE Network.

This episode is sponsored by Dulce House. Visit them at https://dulcehouse.com/ and use promo code PIPE to get 10% discount.

Also visit https://www.skillshare.com/. Skillshare is an online learning community where you can explore thousands of classes in design, photography, business, podcasting, and more. New customers can get started with a free trial to get unlimited access to the entire catalog with a Premium Membership. Use promo code annual30aff upon check-out.

DCT Episode 42: Blackpink: Light Up the Sky (Netflix), or Why 40-Year Old Blinks Are Not That Uncommon

Mashable

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 42, discussing the Netflix documentary Blackpink: Light up the Sky, what it really takes to be a K-Pop idol, and why Pepsi sales in Thailand have reached an all-time high last October.

Da Couch Tomato Podcast is part of the PIPE Network.

This episode is sponsored by Dulce House. Visit them at https://dulcehouse.com/ and use promo code PIPE to get 10% discount.

Also visit https://www.skillshare.com/. Skillshare is an online learning community where you can explore thousands of classes in design, photography, business, podcasting, and more. New customers can get started with a free trial to get unlimited access to the entire catalog with a Premium Membership. Use promo code annual30aff upon check-out.

DCT Episode 41: K-Drama-Rama 1: Crash Landing On You X Descendants of the Sun

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 41, or the K-Drama-Rama subpod, discussing Crash Landing On You (2019) and Descendants of the Sun (2016), why CLOY is a good gateway show, and why drawn-out kilig moments are better than explicit nudity and sex.

Da Couch Tomato Podcast is part of the PIPE Network.

This episode is sponsored by Dulce House. Visit them at https://dulcehouse.com/ and use promo code PIPE to get 10% discount.

Also visit https://www.skillshare.com/. Skillshare is an online learning community where you can explore thousands of classes in design, photography, business, podcasting, and more. New customers can get started with a free trial to get unlimited access to the entire catalog with a Premium Membership. Use promo code annual30aff upon check-out.

DCT Episode 40: The New Mutants, or The Horror-Superhero Genre Crossover We Never Got

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 40, discussing the film The New Mutants, why this is not a good set-up for a franchise, and why this doesn't feel like a superhero movie.

Sting Lacson's rating: 6.3/10

Rachel's rating: 6/10

Final rating: 6.15/10

DCT Episode 39: The Queen's Gambit, or How Netflix Made Chess Sexy

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 39, discussing the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, why the limited series is a higher art form, and how this would have been better if it was a true story.

Sting Lacson's rating: 7.2/10

Rachel's rating: 7.8/10

Final rating: 7.5/10

DCT Episode 38: Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story (Netflix), or Why the Philippines Needs More Animated Films

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 38, discussing the Netflix animated film Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story, the very short list of Filipino animated films, and a short obituary for the late Sir Sean Connery.

Sting Lacson's rating: 7/10

Rachel's rating: 6.9/10

Final rating: 6.95/10

DCT Episode 37: Lovecraft Country (HBO), or This Would Probably Work If It Was Guillermo del Toro

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 37, discussing the HBO series Lovecraft Country, the idea of musical anachronism, and how to effectively pull off genre mixing.

Sting Lacson's original rating: 7/10

    Jamie Chung: +0.05

    Jurnee Smollett: +0.05

Sting Lacson's final rating: 7.1/10

Rachel's rating: 7.1/10

Final rating: 7.1/10

DCT Episode 36: The Trial of the Chicago 7

New York Times

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 36, discussing the Netflix film The Trial of the Chicago 7, the awesome writing of Aaron Sorkin, and the types of films and their literary equivalent.

Rating: 8.55/10

DCT Episode 35: Raised By Wolves (HBO)

nymag.com

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 35, discussing the HBO series Raised By Wolves, attempting to define "high science fiction", and debating on whether pregnant androids are human.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel


Rating: 7.45/10

DCT Episode 34: Enola Holmes

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Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 34, discussing the Netflix film Enola Holmes, staying true to the essence of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes character, and breaking the fourth wall.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel


Rating: 6.7/10

DCT Episode 33: The Devil All the Time

Decider.com

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 33, discussing the Netflix film The Devil All the Time, the Netflix trend of having long running times for films, and the spectacular performances of Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel


Rating: 7/10

DCT Episode 32: DCT Classics: The Sopranos (HBO)

The Hollywood Reporter

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 32, a DCT Classics episode, discussing HBO's The Sopranos, why it is not a structurally perfect TV show, and the pros and cons of too accurately reflecting the misogynistic and macho culture of the Mafia.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel


Rating: 8.65/10

DCT Podcast Episode 31: Peninsula a.k.a. Train to Busan 2 and the Drive-In Cinema Experience

ABS-CBN News

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 31, discussing Peninsula, how this is not strictly a sequel to Train to Busan, and thoughts on the drive-in cinema experience.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel


Peninsula rating: 7/10
Drive-in cinema rating: 7.2/10

DCT Podcast Episode 30: Tribute to Chadwick Boseman

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 30, paying tribute to Mr. Chadwick Boseman (1976-2020), discussing his movies 42 (2013), Marshall (2017), Black Panther (2018), and Da 5 Bloods (2020).

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

DCT Podcast Episode 29: Mulan (2020)

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 29, discussing Disney's Mulan (2020), how this should not be compared to the 1998 animated version, and how this is like the Black Panther for Asians (arguably).

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 6.8/10

DCT Podcast Episode 28: Perry Mason (HBO)

Variety

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 28, discussing HBO's Perry Mason, the great 1930s America period feel, and the awesome character of Della Street.

Background music used is from Perry Mason: Season 1 (Music From the HBO Series) by Terence Blanchard.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 7.7/10

2020 Emmy Nominations

Gold Derby

This quarantine, television has become our best friend. This year, the 72nd Emmy Awards releases its list of nominations for excellence in television, and while HBO's Watchmen tops the list with the most nominations, Disney+'s breakout series The Mandalorian is nominated in thirteen (13) categories.

Here are some of the other nominations:

Outstanding Drama Series
Better Call Saul
The Crown
The Handmaid’s Tale
Killing Eve
The Mandalorian
Ozark
Stranger Things
Succession

Outstanding Limited Series
Watchmen
Mrs. America
Unbelievable
Unorthodox
Little Fires Everywhere
Outstanding Comedy Series
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Good Place
Dead to Me
Insecure
The Kominsky Method
The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel
Schitt’s Creek
What We Do in the Shadows

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Jeremy Irons, Watchmen
Hugh Jackman, Bad Education
Paul Mescal, Normal People
Jeremy Pope, Hollywood
Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Cate Blanchett, Mrs. America
Shira Haas, Unorthodox
Regina King, Watchmen
Octavia Spencer, Self-Made
Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Giancarlo Esposito, Better Call Saul
Nicholas Braun, Succession
Kieran Culkin, Succession
Matthew Macfadyen, Succession
Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid’s Tale
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Mark Duplass, The Morning Show
Jeffrey Wright, Westworld

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Laura Dern, Big Little Lies
Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies
Fiona Shaw, Killing Eve
Julia Garner, Ozark
Sarah Snook, Succession
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
Samira Wiley, The Handmaid’s Tale
Thandie Newton, Westworld

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie
Dylan McDermott, Hollywood
Jim Parsons, Hollywood
Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen
Jovan Adepo, Watchmen
Louis Gossett Jr., Watchmen

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie
Holland Taylor, Hollywood
Uzo Aduba, Mrs. America
Margo Martindale, Mrs. America
Tracey Ullman, Mrs. America
Toni Collette, Unbelievable
Jean Smart, Watchmen

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Andrew Scott, Black Mirror
James Cromwell, Succession
Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian
Martin Short, The Morning Show
Jason Bateman, The Outsider
Ron Cephas Jones, This Is Us

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Cicely Tyson, How to Get Away With Murder
Laverne Cox, Orange Is the New Black
Cherry Jones, Succession
Harriet Walter, Succession
Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid’s Tale
Phylicia Rashad, This Is Us

If you like reading long lists, click here for the full list of nominees.

DCT Podcast Episode 27: The Old Guard

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 27, discussing Netflix's The Old Guard, the awesome action sequences, and the start of direct-to-streaming franchises.

Background music used is from The Old Guard musical score composed by Volker Bertelmann and Dustin O’Halloran.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 7.75/10

DCT Podcast Episode 26: Warrior Nun

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 26, discussing Netflix's Warrior Nun, the tacky CGI in some parts, and the effectiveness of binge-baiting.

Background music used is from the Warrior Nun soundtrack.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 6.9/10

DCT Podcast Episode 25: Hamilton

What's On Stage

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 25, discussing Hamilton, the definition of a "true musical", and the use of hip-hop in musical theatre.

Background music used is from the Hamilton soundtrack.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 9.25/10

DCT Podcast Episode 24: Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

standard.co.uk

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 24, discussing Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Will Ferrell's penchant for fictional characters in real-life competitions, and how Netflix is changing the game with running time.

Background music used is from the Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga soundtrack.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 6.95/10

DCT Podcast Episode 23: The Last Dance

USA Today

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 23, discussing The Last Dance, the series' nostalgia effect, and how the timing of its release is perfect.

Background music used is from The Last Dance playlist on Spotify.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 9.25/10

Nominees and Winners of the 92nd Academy Awards 2020

cloudfront.net

The filmmakers and cast of Parasite taking home the little gold statuette for Best Picture.

2020 will go down in history as the year Hollywood finally opens its doors to the world. Parasite, my favourite film of 2019, took home a total of four (4) Academy Awards, including the top prize of Best Picture, the first non-English film to ever do so.

That should give the next generation of filmmakers from all over the world enough drive and ambition to make it in Tinseltown, the greatest cinematic playground in the world.

Below is the full list of winners and nominees of the 92nd Academy Awards, with the winners listed in bold. Hyperlinked entries will take you to the original reviews (written or podcast) on Da Couch Tomato.

BEST PICTURE
1917
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
Parasite

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory
Leonardo DiCaprio, Once upon a Time...in Hollywood
Adam Driver, Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Cynthia Erivo, Harriet
Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
Charlize Theron, Bombshell
Renée Zellweger, Judy

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes
Al Pacino, The Irishman
Joe Pesci, The Irishman
Brad Pitt, Once upon a Time...in Hollywood

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell
Laura Dern, Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson, Jojo Rabbit
Florence Pugh, Little Women
Margot Robbie, Bombshell

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
I Lost My Body
Klaus
Missing Link
Toy Story 4

CINEMATOGRAPHY
1917, Roger Deakins
The Irishman, Rodrigo Prieto
Joker, Lawrence Sher
The Lighthouse, Jarin Blaschke
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Robert Richardson

COSTUME DESIGN
The Irishman, Sandy Powell and Christopher Peterson
Jojo Rabbit, Mayes C. Rubeo
Joker, Mark Bridges
Little Women, Jacqueline Durran
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Arianne Phillips

DIRECTING
1917, Sam Mendes
The Irishman, Martin Scorsese
Joker, Todd Phillips
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino
Parasite, Bong Joon Ho

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
American Factory, Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert
The Cave, Feras Fayyad, Kirstine Barfod and Sigrid Dyekjær
The Edge of Democracy, Petra Costa, Joanna Natasegara, Shane Boris and Tiago Pavan
For Sama, Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts
Honeyland, Ljubo Stefanov, Tamara Kotevska and Atanas Georgiev

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
In the Absence, Yi Seung-Jun and Gary Byung-Seok Kam
Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl), Carol Dysinger and Elena Andreicheva
Life Overtakes Me, John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson
St. Louis Superman, Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan
Walk Run Cha-Cha, Laura Nix and Colette Sandstedt

FILM EDITING
Ford v Ferrari, Michael McCusker and Andrew Buckland
The Irishman, Thelma Schoonmaker
Jojo Rabbit, Tom Eagles
Joker, Jeff Groth
Parasite, Yang Jinmo

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Corpus Christi, Poland
Honeyland, North Macedonia
Les Misérables, France
Pain and Glory, Spain
Parasite, South Korea

MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
1917, Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis and Rebecca Cole
Bombshell, Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker
Joker, Nicki Ledermann and Kay Georgiou
Judy, Jeremy Woodhead
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Paul Gooch, Arjen Tuiten and David White

ORIGINAL SCORE
1917, Thomas Newman
Joker, Hildur Guðnadóttir
Little Women, Alexandre Desplat
Marriage Story, Randy Newman
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, John Williams

ORIGINAL SONG
"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from Toy Story 4, Music and Lyric by Randy Newman
"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman, Music by Elton John, Lyric by Bernie Taupin
"I'm Standing With You" from Breakthrough, Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
"Into The Unknown," Frozen II, Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
"Stand Up," Harriet, Music and Lyric by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo

PRODUCTION DESIGN
1917, Production Design: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales
The Irishman, Production Design: Bob Shaw; Set Decoration: Regina Graves
Jojo Rabbit, Production Design: Ra Vincent; Set Decoration: Nora Sopková
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Production Design: Barbara Ling; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
Parasite, Production Design: Lee Ha Jun; Set Decoration: Cho Won Woo

ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Dcera (Daughter), Daria Kashcheeva
Hair Love, Matthew A. Cherry and Karen Rupert Toliver
Kitbull, Rosana Sullivan and Kathryn Hendrickson
Memorable, Bruno Collet and Jean-François Le Corre
Sister, Siqi Song

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Brotherhood, Meryam Joobeur and Maria Gracia Turgeon
Nefta Football Club, Yves Piat and Damien Megherbi
The Neighbors' Window, Marshall Curry
Saria, Bryan Buckley and Matt Lefebvre
A Sister, Delphine Girard

SOUND EDITING
1917, Oliver Tarney and Rachael Tate
Ford v Ferrari, Donald Sylvester
Joker, Alan Robert Murray
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Wylie Stateman
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Matthew Wood and David Acord

SOUND MIXING
1917, Mark Taylor and Stuart Wilson
Ad Astra, Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson and Mark Ulano
Ford v Ferrari, Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Steven A. Morrow
Joker, Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic and Tod Maitland
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Michael Minkler, Christian P. Minkler and Mark Ulano

VISUAL EFFECTS
1917, Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler and Dominic Tuohy
Avengers: Endgame, Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Matt Aitken and Dan Sudick
The Irishman, Pablo Helman, Leandro Estebecorena, Nelson Sepulveda-Fauser and Stephane Grabli
The Lion King, Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Elliot Newman
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Roger Guyett, Neal Scanlan, Patrick Tubach and Dominic Tuohy

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Irishman, Screenplay by Steven Zaillian
Jojo Rabbit, Screenplay by Taika Waititi
Joker, Written by Todd Phillips & Scott Silver
Little Women, Written for the screen by Greta Gerwig
The Two Popes, Written by Anthony McCarten

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
1917, Written by Sam Mendes & Krysty Wilson-Cairns
Knives Out, Written by Rian Johnson
Marriage Story, Written by Noah Baumbach
Once upon a Time...in Hollywood, Written by Quentin Tarantino
Parasite, Screenplay by Bong Joon Ho, Han Jin Won; Story by Bong Joon Ho

DCT Podcast Episode 22: 1917

janksreviews.com

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 22, discussing 1917, the film's technical achievement, and how shooting with one shot actually limits the filmmaker's options.

Background music used is the 1917 score by Thomas Newman.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 9.15/10

DCT Podcast Episode 21: Little Women (2019)

heyguys.com

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 21, discussing Little Women, the unavoidable comparisons with the 1994 version, and how this film gives us something new as another remake of a certified classic.

Background music used is the Little Women score by Alexandre Desplat.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 8.7/10

DCT Podcast Episode 20: Parasite

The Hollywood Reporter

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 20, discussing Parasite, the film's great use of space, and the power of a great ensemble cast.

Background music used is the Parasite score by Jaeil Jung.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 9.3/10

DCT Podcast Episode 19: Jojo Rabbit

ComicBook.com

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 19, discussing Jojo Rabbit, how heavy subjects work well with whimsical treatments, and how Sam Rockwell is this film's unsung hero.

Background music used is the Jojo Rabbit score by Michael Giacchino.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 8.8/10

DCT Podcast Episode 18: The Two Popes

American Magazine

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 18, discussing Netflix's The Two Popes, how the film leans more towards Pope Francis, and how the transition between the two popes was not fully explored.

Background music used is the The Two Popes score by Bryce Dessner.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 6.9/10

DCT Podcast Episode 17: Marriage Story

Netflix

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 17, discussing Netflix's Marriage Story, how the direction pays homage to theatre, and how nasty and expensive divorce proceedings are.

Background music used is the Marriage Story score by Randy Newman.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 7.3/10

DCT Podcast Episode 16: The Mandalorian

Looper

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 16, discussing Disney's The Mandalorian, staying true to the Star Wars universe, and the cuteness of Baby Yoda.

Background music used is the The Mandalorian score by Ludwig Göransson.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 8.4/10

DCT Podcast Episode 15: Watchmen

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato Podcast, Episode 15, discussing HBO's Watchmen, the great use of non-linear storytelling, and the awesomeness that is Doctor Manhattan.

Background music used is the Watchmen score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 8.9/10

DCT Podcast Episode 14: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker

YouTube

Da Couch Tomato podcast, Episode 14, discussing Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, the deterioration of the titles in the saga, and how hard it is to please the Star Wars fandom.

Background music used is the Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker score by John Williams.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 6.7/10

DCT Podcast Episode 13: Jumanji: The Next Level

Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Da Couch Tomato podcast, Episode 13, discussing Jumanji: The Next Level, Kevin Hart's underrated performance, and the almost certain third installment.

Background music used is the Jumanji: The Next Level score by Henry Jackman.

Hosts: Sting Lacson and Rachel

Rating: 7.5/10

Review: Joker, or Exploring the Untapped Potential of Superhero Movies

YouTube

Somebody please give this guy an ashtray.

Much has been said about Joker, even before it was released in the cinemas. Mostly, they've been negative.

Most of the negative reviews for Joker are predicated on the same thing: That Joaquin Phoenix can never surpass Heath Ledger's Joker, and any actor who tries will surely fall flat on his face, as shown by Jared Leto's performance as Suicide Squad's Joker. First, that is a pathetic premise; second, that would be underestimating Joaquin Phoenix's acting prowess.

In order to understand superhero franchises and their penchant for casting new actors, we must go back to Elizabethan times, particularly the plays of William Shakespeare. More specifically, Hamlet. The very first actor to play Hamlet was Richard Burbage, yet there have been countless actors after him who have played the part, both on stage and on film, including Mel Gibson, Keanu Reeves, Jude Law, Christopher Walken... the list goes on. But do we cling to Daniel Day-Lewis's 1989 performance in London's National Theatre as the best Hamlet performance ever, the way we cling to Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight as the best Joker performance ever? Of course we don't. And that's why it's useless to rank Joker performances, because there really is no one true Joker. Even the comic books had different Joker iterations.

YouTube

"I'm a clown in a clown mask. LOL"

What makes Joker great is that it doesn't feel like a superhero movie. It has the grounding of the Christopher Nolan Batman films, and it also has the character instrospection that brings this film out of the realm of superhero fantasy and into serious human drama. It tackles the issue of mental illness like no other superhero film before it, and it does so in a dark, sombre tone, without any explosive action sequences and high-speed chases. It's just pure, gritty human drama.

Director Todd Phillips, known for directing comedies such as Old School and The Hangover franchise, brings his comedy chops to work hand-in-hand with the drama. The result is masterful storytelling, striking just the right balance of drama and comedy that would probably not work were this film handled by another director. After all, the Joker has always had that element of absurdity to him, which is part of what makes him a lovable character.

To answer the question "Will this film have a sequel?", well, that's kind of a grey area. I hope they don't make one, to preserve the artistic integrity of this film. Joker is perfect as it is, a stand-alone film that doesn't quite fit well with the other movies in the DC cinematic canon, and I think that's a good thing.

YouTube

"Already got the Globe. I'm waiting for that Oscar now."

Joker. USA/Canada. 2019.



Original rating: 8/10
Joaquin Phoenix's fingernails: -0.1
Robert De Niro: +0.1
Zazie Beetz: +0.1
Visual homages to the comic books: +0.1
Final rating: 8.2/10