Travis Simpkins: Joker

Monday, January 11, 2021

Joker (2019): DC Comics. Joaquin Phoenix

Joker. 2019. Joaquin Phoenix

Directed by Todd Phillips, based on characters from DC comics, Joker (2019) is an astounding Academy Award winning tour de force.

The plot is summarized: Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks 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.

Joaquin Phoenix deservedly won the Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in the title role as Joker. The rest of the cast is great as well, including Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy and Bret Cullen.

Joker. 2019. Joaquin Phoenix

Saturday, January 9, 2021

Birds of Prey (2020). DC Comics. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey. 2020. DC Comics. Harley Quinn. Margot Robbie

Directed by Cathy Yan, based on characters from DC Comics, Birds of Prey (2020), also known as Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, finds Margot Robbie reprising her role as Harley Quinn in a sort of sequel to Suicide Squad (2016).

The plot is summarized: It is open season on Harley Quinn when her explosive breakup with the Joker puts a big fat target on her back. Unprotected and on the run, Quinn faces the wrath of narcissistic crime boss Black Mask, his right-hand man, Victor Zsasz, and every other thug in the city. But things soon even out for Harley when she becomes unexpected allies with three deadly women- Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya.

The cast does a great job, including Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, June Smollett, Ewan McGregor, Chris Messina and Rosie Perez.