If you expect Todd Phillips' Joker movie to feature costumed heroes engaging in light-hearted banter amidst massive action sequences, you're in for a surprise. Phillips delivers an intimate and standalone character study, heavily influenced by an earlier era of filmmaking. From the opening credits to the final frames, Joker transports the colorful comic book world to the gritty streets of the late 1970s, resulting in a truly fantastic outcome. Trust me, this is not your typical comic book movie, and it's unlikely we'll see anything quite like it again.

In Joker, Joaquin Phoenix stars as Arthur Fleck, a clown-for-hire during the day and an aspiring stand-up comic by night. Unfortunately, Arthur's life takes a downward spiral, leading him to make choices that will affect everyone around him. The film also features Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro, Marc Maron, Shea Whigham, Frances Conroy, Bill Camp, Brian Tyree Henry, and Glenn Fleshler.

This movie leaves a lasting impression, staying on your mind even after the credits have rolled. It entices you to watch it again, thanks to the exceptional lead performance delivered by Phoenix, who fully immersed himself in the role. His physical transformation, alongside his dedicated portrayal, adds depth to the character. Phoenix commands almost every frame of the movie, convincing viewers of his commitment to the role.

While some may have questioned Joker's inclusion in the competition at film festivals like Venice and Toronto, the film justifies its place with its greatness. Joker is not just a comic book movie; it's a great movie, period.

Embracing the need for comic book movies to thrive, Joker delivers a fresh and innovative narrative that keeps audiences guessing. It sets a positive precedent for DC to explore adult-oriented stories, departing from the conventional PG-13 formula. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for other actors and directors to tell one-off tales in the DC universe while allowing different interpretations of familiar roles.

Ultimately, Joker is a captivating experience that challenges conventional expectations of comic book movies. It signals a promising direction for the genre, encouraging more adult-oriented and daring storytelling within the DC universe.