In this episode of The Cinematic Schematic, we review the follow-up movie no one asked for, Joker: Folie à Deux. Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips, was released in 2019 on a budget between $55-70 million. It grossed $1.079 billion and achieved critical and audience acclaim. It was nominated for 11 Oscars and was even the highest-grossing R-rated movie until Deadpool & Wolverine knocked it off the pedestal this summer ($1.3 billion).  Joker‘s reputation has dwindled somewhat since. How could they possibly make a satisfying sequel? The Cinematropolis team has a moral obligation to find out. Bring Out the Clowns This conversation wouldn’t be complete without a panel of extra-savvy guest reviewers. Country Gold co-writer/director Mickey Reece stops in to set the record straight alongside first-time guest, the Oklahoma Film Society co-founder, Alex Palmer. Left to Right: Laron Chapman(Co-host), Mickey Reece(Filmmaker), Alex Palmer(OK Film Society), and Caleb Masters (Host) Icebreaker Question: What is your favorite “toxic” couple from a movie? Time Stamp: 8:55 To kick off the conversation, we discuss our favorite cinematic toxic couples. Reflecting on Joker (2019) Time Stamp: 17:33 The original film from Todd Phillips surprised audiences and critics when it grossed $1.079 billion and achieved a 68% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. How has the film aged since? Joker: Folie à Deux Spoiler-Free Review Time Stamp: 35:20 In our spoiler-free review, Mickey Reece and Alex Palmer join us to discuss: * Overall thoughts on the film * How well the movie works as a musical * Letter grade verdicts * Alternate media recommendation Spoilers Discussion Time Stamp: 1:14:23 After the initial reviews, we jump into a spoiler-filled analysis discussion where we cover: * The Audience on Trial: Todd Phillips Holding the Audience in Contempt for Celebrity Culture * Using IP to Tell More Original Stories on the Big Screen The Joker sequel from Todd Phillips may be divisive, but does it have more powerful ideas underneath? Tune into this conversation to get the insights you need to decide for yourself. Special Guests Mickey Reece Oklahoma Filmmaker (Writer/Director of Country Gold and the upcoming Every Heavy Thing) Follow Mickey’s movies on IMDB Alex Palmer Co-Founder of the Oklahoma Film Society, Film Producer Follow the Oklahoma Film Society on Facebook and Instagram About Joker: Folie à Deux