I know I just watched, reviewed, and logged Joker a day or two ago but I watched it again with my family. My likes and dislikes become noticeably clearer each time I watch this movie.

Todd Phillips breaks away from his usually raunchy adult comedies to create a massive re-imagining and character study of the classic Batman villain, Joker. Considering this is new territory for Phillips, he does a very commendable job. There are times that the movie feels a little juvenile. Almost like a kid trying to make a "deep" movie. This is mainly in the first half hour or so, and after that things begin to feel more genuine. I see lots of potential in Phillips if he continues down this new path.

The only big complaint I have about this movie, is that it's deeper message gets convoluted at times. Phillips wanted to make a character study and that's very clear. However it's possible that because of his intense focus on why Arthur turns into Joker, that he forgot to realize the mess of themes he was creating outside Arthur's story. We see this man who is just kicked down by society and how other peoples actions transformed him into this monster. It forces some members of the audience to look inward and reflect on how their actions effect other people. I really love that part of the message, but take note of the "some" members of the audience. Not all. Whether it was intentional or not, the movie ends up justifying all of Joker's actions. Society is mean to him and he finally showed them who he really was. "They" were mean to him and "they" did this to him so it's only "fair" that he fought back. We are not shown a character study of a good man turned rotten by society. Instead we're shown a good man, not turned rotten, but become the egotistic idea of what a hero is in his head. We're supposed to feel bad that this guy is being steered down the wrong path but this path ends up feeling like the right way? Each time he kills, he celebrates more and more. The film spends almost no time to actually force people to reflect on Arthur's actions. I get that it's supposed to focus on Arthur and maybe this is just an egotistical retelling in his head, but my point still stands. As I said earlier, some audience members will reflect on their actions in real life and that's good. However, someone who feels like their being treated unfairly by society will have just watched 2 hour movie about how taking your anger out on the people you don't like will make you feel better. Oops.

Now, I don't want to say change the whole story and message because there is a lot of substance to some of it. I just think one small change would have added some balance to the justified crazy. That balance is a missing character that would have been a decent person to question Arthur's actions. We saw Murray, a pretty meh person, briefly say Joker's actions are bad. That's hardly enough to have an actual conflict. Someone should have been there to cause Arthur to genuinely question his actions. Not only would have make it clear that his actions aren't justified, but also make his transformation more complex. Just like a hero needs to have a hero's journey to become a hero, so does a villain. I think that one minor change would have changed so much of the movie. Because in the end, I am a little bothered by how accepted Joker's actions are.

With all that out of the way, I love this version of Joker. He is nothing like in the comics which took some getting used to. I was a little annoyed that Todd Phillips just capitalized on the name of Joker so people would come see his movie. However, I'm always open to new interpretations of timeless characters so I enjoyed the refreshing take on the iconic villain. He's a complex character with a different depth to him than usual. Joaquin Phoenix completely embodies the character. Making every movement mean something. His running, dancing, speech, and all was just so spectacularly convened.

Hildur Guðnadóttir composed a haunting piece of music that embodies everything the movie was trying to be. It is truly impressive that she composed much of it after only reading the script. Her work is unique and emotional. I am excited to hear what her contribution on future projects sounds like

Everything else in the film is really solid. The cinematography and visual flare are pretty unique. Set and costume design are also good.

Overall, I think Joker is a good movie. It has a few problems that hold it back from being the "masterpiece" many are calling it, but it is still very good.