Shea Whigham

A Rod Serling-esque social allegory for these days of economic collapse, environmental sea change, and increasing talk of 'end times.'

What works (marginally) in this instantly forgettable entry: a few diverting character moments...fan-serving fairy dust...action, action, action.

Joker isn’t the film to seriously tackle the issue[s]--it's more concerned with flair than genuine inquiry--but Phoenix’s pained, raw-nerve performance is one for the ages.