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The success or failure of such a script can hinge on the lead character and in this case, Ikuni Yoshimatsu as Grace is pure perfection. Whether playing a warm and engaging mother to her young son or evoking a silent and solitary grief, she never misses a beat.
While the spectacle of the arena scenes is entertaining, there are several moments when the CG effects are distracting due to their unconvincing nature. Beyond the spectacle of combat is the story of political unrest as Rome suffers under twin emperors who are cartoonishly wacky and so idiotic that their downfall could be seen from a mile away.
Cillian Murphy's performance as Bill is great. Similar to Oppenheimer, it relies on Murphy’s facial expressions to show the inner turmoil his character experiences. Early hints suggest that Bill’s reaction to seeing the truth behind the Magdelene Laundries is also fueled by past traumas.
Snook’s deadpan delivery is wonderfully offputting while still maintaining an endearing quality. Her unique, eccentric comic sensibilities allow the character to maintain the innocence of childhood while delivering heart-wrenching dialogue.
Move over, Michael Myers. Stand aside, Freddy Krueger. There is a new horror villain in Hollywood, and he is making Michael and Freddy look friendly by comparison. To call Art the Clown sadistic would be putting it kindly. For Art, killing is an art form.
It is important to note early on that Dusty & Stones is a good country act. Not good for two young guys from Africa. Good for anyone, anywhere. The first time the duo launched into a song in the documentary, I did a double take.
The flip side of the movie is part courtroom drama, part character study, but the focus and tension from the original are missing here. Unfortunately, and unsurprisingly, Joker: Folie a Deux is a poor sequel that fails to capture the greatness of the original and does a lackluster job of blazing its own path.