Joker

Joaquin Phoenix, in another outstanding performance.

A movie that borders on genius-repellant, dark, terrifying, disgusting, brilliant and unforgettable.

If there is a meaningful difference between performing and acting, Joaquin Phoenix surely exemplifies the former here, creepily contorting as the Clown Prince of Crime in Todd Phillips' timely, toxic take on the Making of a Murdering Madman.

While it succeeds in aping the superficial aspects of [Martin] Scorsese's style, "Joker" lacks the intelligence or gravitas of Scorsese's best work.

A movie of a cynicism so vast and pervasive as to render the viewing experience even emptier than its slapdash aesthetic does.

Bleak and juvenile

The curveballs that Joker will throw at you stay in your head for hours afterwards, as does the haunting collapse of its protagonist.

It all reminds me of a Goth teenager: He dresses in black, circles his eyes with mascara and mopes around in his room, all the time with no idea what he's so depressed about.

Don't expect a Marvel action flick for kids. This is a gritty character study, one where fans and critics can all agree on one thing: Joaquin Phoenix could laugh all the way to the Oscars.

Undeniably compelling.