The People's Joker (2022) User Reviews

A Wild Ride of a Parody and Satire of DC with a Great Message

[Reviews_of_the_Dead · 6/10 · 31 October 2023]

Now this is a movie that I heard buzz about before it started. I saw the title and had no idea that this was a parody of DC properties. There was a disclaimer in the beginning of this wild ride. The last bit was that this seems like one that Nightmares Film Festival was trying to get for bit and finally did. I got to see this for the Midwest premiere.

We are following Joker the Harlequin (Vera Drew). She goes about telling her story about how she was born as a boy, thought she might be in the wrong body and how her mother, Lynn Downey, took her to see Dr. Jonanthan Crane (Christian Calloway). She leads her into this dystopian world to Gotham where comedy is outlawed. Together with The Penguin (Nathan Faustyn) they start an anti-comedy troupe with Poison Ivy (voiced by Ruin Carroll), The Riddler (Trevor Drinkwater) and Mr. J (Kane Distler). This is an origin as well as a coming-of-age story as to how Joker the Harlequin changes the world.

This is a wild movie. It is a parody while also having a great message here. The depth of knowledge that co-writer/director Drew has along with Bri LeRose into the DC universe is great. There are so many references that I noticed and I'd bet there are even more that I missed. Not only that though, to take these things and mold them into a satire of the world we live in is great. Showcasing how Joaquin Phoenix's Joker isn't someone we should idolize or the same for Jared Leto's take from Suicide Squad. I'm just scratching the surface with what this is doing.

Now I will warn you if you haven't picked up this is a heavy LGTBQ+ message. I didn't have an issue with it as it made me laugh and think as well. It is looking at how Joker as a child knew they were someone trapped in the wrong body biologically. We see the repercussions of what the mother did. We even see a hilarious take on Lorne Michaels (voiced by Maria Bamford), trying to tame what is happening for money and success. There are even jabs here at Saturday Night Live that I found funny.

I should also bring up filmmaking. This is done on a low budget. There is use of green screen. I can be forgiving since we are bringing a comic book world to life and a backdrop of a dystopian world. What I love is the transitions though from the world we are in to cartoon. Having things edited in like AI and what not was expertly done. This isn't a movie that was ever going to pull in a true budget, especially for what I'm going to say next. Before that though, we have a good cast here. Drew leads the way as our main character. I like seeing characters like Mr. Freeze (voiced by Scott Aukerman), Batman (voiced by Phil Braun), Calloway, Carroll, Distler, Drinkwater, Faustyn and David Liebe Hart as Ra's al Ghul. Downey and the rest of the cast also rounded this out for what was needed.

This won't be for everyone, but if you're open minded and enjoy outrageous comedies. Give this a watch. It has a great message and does in a way that is outside of the box. It is going to ruffle feathers for sure.

My Rating: 6 out of 10.

The (Unauthorized) Clown Princess of Crime Rises

[Ltufano23 · 7/10 · 8 April 2024]

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the premiere of The People's Joker at New York's famous IFC Theatre. Delightfully, lead actress/director/writer Vera Drew also attended to answer some fan questions. Parodying Todd Phillip's 2019 blockbuster Joker, The People's Joker reimagines the tears of DC's clown from a transsexual coming-of-age point of view. Initially imagined as a re-edit of Phillip's Joker, Vera Drew journeyed down a rabbit hole that film enthusiasts only dream of. Produced through the pandemic, The People's Joker persevered through many different iterations and exactly 69 different cuts before Drew settled on her perfect vision. After a possible rights issue, the movie was pulled from its intended premiere at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival and is now being released through the distribution studio Altered Innocence. Combining the DC Comic parodies with psychedelically abstract imagery, The People's Joker sets out to envelope Vera Drew's life story, while relating to the Joker's twisted tale.

Growing up in quiet Smallville, a young child begins struggling with the discovery of their identity, against the basic ideals of their small-town parents. Journeying out to Gotham, Joker The Harlequin (Vera Drew) aspires to an outlawed life of comedy. Opening her own unground nightclub alongside the Penguin (Nathan Faustyn), she quickly makes a name for herself in the authoritarian-ruled city. Battling the Batman, her boyfriend, and her parents' disapproval, Joker The Harlequin must accept her true self to overcome the obstacles facing herself and her city.

Crafting a heartfelt true story out of the mad world of the Joker, Vera Drew carefully connects the dots between the Clown Prince of Crime and her personal experiences. Having previously worked with comedic genius duo Tim Heidecker (featured in this film) & Eric Wareheim, Drew is no stranger to the chaotic world of modern humor. Though the comedy doesn't always land, the underlying emotional message is prevalent throughout. Drew's trans-coming-of-age story, while unique, remains relatable in her struggle for identity and self-acceptance, an appeal of Joker (2019) as well. The two stories seamlessly combine and create an eccentric journey that comes together in an unconventional, but must-see manner.

Akin to an early day's YouTube video, the randomness of the wacky visuals forms a story that feels true to the Joker. Constantly switching from live-action to animation, and even mixing both, the film consistently grabs the audience's attention and makes it nearly impossible to be bored. Layered with DC Comic references and settings, the film is a constant easter egg hunt for fans. Not held back by the low budget, Drew incorporates puppetry, musical numbers, meta-humor, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek green screen to piece together a wildly entertaining experience. Although it isn't perfect, the movie's flaws accentuate the imperfect world of Joker the Harlequin.

As a lifelong fan of DC Comics and a self-proclaimed aficionado on the subject, The People's Joker was clearly written by people with the same passion for comics. Writers Vera Drew and Bri LeRose repetitively impressed me with their deep-cut references to DC heroes, villains, and fan theories (albeit all in parody). While they aren't represented in their traditional fashion, each iconic character is utilized in a way that feels honest to their source and dynamically plays with the abstract world that inspired this.

At its heart, The People's Joker conveys an emotional coming-of-age story that echoes relatability for any walk of life. Though the story had familiar elements, Vera Drew truly connects to her audience and shines a beacon on the, often unseen, trans experience. Completely non-conventual, outlandishly unique, and conceptually absurd, The People's Joker is a must-see for fans of film, DC Comics, and generally unique stories. I hope that somewhere in the DC Comics Multiverse, Joker the Harlequin is there to put a smile on all our faces.

Give it a go

[matthewgreen4988 · 7/10 · 3 April 2024]

"The People's Joker," at a glance, might seem like just another entry into the already crowded realm of superhero cinema. Yet, it stands out as a bold, campy, and unapologetically queer narrative that not only pokes fun at but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of Batman lore. Directed, cut, and performed by Vera Drew, who brings her personal trans experience to the forefront, the film is a multifaceted parody that dares to reimagine the Joker's origin story through a trans lens, earning it a solid 7/10 stars from me.

This film takes a deep dive into Batman and DC references, cleverly intertwining them with a coming-of-age and coming-out story that resonates deeply with its audience. Its humor is sharp, sometimes verging on controversial, yet it never loses sight of its heart-the struggle and empowerment of embracing one's true identity against societal norms. With a mix of media, including animation and green-screen effects, "The People's Joker" has a unique visual style that complements its audacious narrative. It's a testament to Drew's vision, creating a world that's both familiar to fans of the Batman universe and refreshingly new, especially for those yearning for representation beyond the heteronormative superhero narrative.

While it might not cater to all, especially those wedded to a more traditional portrayal of superhero tales, the film shines as a beacon for those who find solace in its queer empowerment theme. From the DIY aesthetic to the parade of parody songs that accompany the journey, "The People's Joker" invites its audience to look beyond the cape and into the heart of its protagonist, making it an important addition to the superhero genre. Despite some critics arguing it tries to tackle too much at once, its ambition is commendable, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Whether you're a fan of the genre or not, "The People's Joker" deserves a watch for its creative courage and its message of self-acceptance and empowerment, capturing the essence of what it means to step out of the shadows and into the light of one's own truth.

Genuine post modern masterpiece

[dedrew0 · 10/10 · 21 April 2023]

It feels wrong to write this off as a 'parody film' when it is genuinely an amazing comedy/drama superhero postmodern FILM, its a real film. When you hear 'parody film' you might think of 'Scary Movie' or 'Disaster Movie' but this film uses other material in such a transformative way that it does actually become original stuff.

The film is moving, its funny, its charming and smart and its a real shame that WB threatened litigation against a genuine work of art.

This film is obviously most enjoyable if you know the batman mythos/and or know the aspects of the queer experience, but I think this film would still work even if Batman was not a real thing and was only invented for this movie.

I would say to anyone who has an opportunity to see this movie, to take that opportunity cos it might be your only one.

A collage of carnage beauty and comedy

[kwvtjxmd · 10/10 · 13 April 2024]

I love this film's creativity, vulnerability and comedy.

The visuals, like hundreds of beavers, embrace the seams of their effects to achieve something greater and artistic than the sum of its parts.

The story is surprisingly tight. The soundtrack is really damn good. All of the performances are great (The standout performance is The Penguin).

I loved Vera's execution on addiction, abusive relationships, the pressure to sell out, and the journey of transitioning.

And on top of all that, this movie is laugh out loud hilarious. There is one image involving a parody of a famous show runner that is burned into my brain due to how hilarious that image is.

If you love Tim and Eric, Eric Andre, Batman, Queer cinema, please see this one.

Wow -- Just Wow

[brentsbulletinboard · 6/10 · 27 April 2024]

Wow - what can one say about this wild, woolly, wigged-out spoof of superhero movies in which the protagonist is an edgy, crusading transgender harlequin comedian fighting the power structure of a corrupt, narrow-minded society? That description alone is pretty wacky in itself, but, as the finished product shows, its depiction on screen is even more bizarre and outrageous. Writer-actor-director Vera Drew's debut feature is simultaneously an exercise in the outlandish that's part high camp, part in-your-face irreverence, part alternative sexuality manifesto and part love letter to the Batman mythology turned on its ear. This story of a small-town boy's transgender awakening as a springboard to finding a new life in the wilds of Gotham City's underground comedy scene tells an off-the-wall, often-frenetically paced, sometimes-sentimental tale that defies conventional classification. Its inventive mix of live action, motion capture photography and animation serves up a unique viewing experience unlike anything most audiences have ever seen, including among most seasoned cinephiles. It also delivers some positively scathing one-liners and wicked sight gags that will leave many thinking "I can't believe they just did that!" Collectively, it makes for the kind of picture that will likely earn this production cult movie status and a guaranteed spot on midnight show movie lineups. Despite its many inspired cinematic innovations, however, the narrative occasionally tends toward overzealous self-indulgence and cryptic ideologies that appear to be employed simply to carry the story forward, making for a production that seems to be trying too hard just to see how much of a stunned reaction it can get from the audience. It has also come under some scrutiny for pushing the limits of fair use issues and acceptable propriety boundaries, elements that raised the eyebrows of some critics and of those who created the source materials from which this work draws (but that have also subsequently added to the picture's undeniable allure). Nevertheless, if you're looking for something that's part DC Comics, part John Waters, part "Liquid Sky" (1982), part "Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975), and part exploration of the unknown and untried, this one might be right up your alley. But, if you're put off by such an eclectic blend of satire, social commentary, visual imagery and heretical rumination, don't say you weren't warned.

Eek. What angle to take here...

[bluenotejazz-64946 · 3/10 · 22 April 2024]

The presentation: I suppose I MOSTLY feel duped because I paid for a ticket to watch something that I probably should have watched on YouTube. I don't think that people shouldn't make movies just because they don't have the funds for it, but I *do* feel like I can judge it on its quality if it chooses to cut corners. The green screen looks terrible, and this is barely "directed." Conversations are shot super close up, and the actors fall out of frame frequently. The effects look like Red Letter Media videos when Mr. Plinkett's house was floating at the bottom of the ocean. I don't even really feel like calling this a movie.

The DC property: I suppose if it stripped all of the IP away, some might still frame it as a "Joker origin story." But I still don't believe that the solution was to lean into it. It undercuts its trans journey message with...superhero fiction. This movie wants you to take it seriously and as a joke at the same time. And as for the boldness of copyright infringement, "Escape from Tomorrow" is also, similarly, not good, despite its ballsiness to try to slip it by Disney.

Only the actors and quick, cutaway gags are worth mentioning.

The Killing Joke of Parody

[steveinrowg · 10/10 · 4 May 2024]

Vera Drew's unauthorized DC Comics parody film The People's Joker is a bold ambition brought to beautiful life. It's a labor of love and laughter that was raised by a village and carried into the world in all of its imaginative, charismatic, and crowdfunded glory. Wielding the wand of parody is a dangerous game - doubly so in the vein of IPs as omniscient as the Batman franchise - and is a game that this film won.

This film's voice is strong, and never wavering from the many things it has to say about gender, trauma, corporate manipulation, social justice, liberalism, conservatism - the list goes on. Balancing these subjects while also maintaining a consistently funny and entertaining script that is tastefully aware of itself is arduous, though Vera Drew and all who were involved in making this film make it look easy. There's a natural swagger that inhabits this kind of passion project, and it's one that exudes and demands originality, captivation, and a good sense of humor.

I cannot believe how funny this movie is. While many of its jokes rely on the viewers' prior knowledge of certain Batman-related trivia and memes, its style of humor never takes itself too seriously, but forces the viewer to face strong topics and ask hard questions. It's a highly digestible and firm foundation for a worthwhile parody. The chemistry between Vera's charismatic performance, the caricatured cast of villains and heroes, and the viewers themselves is tantalizing. This is coupled with a rotating whirlwind of different artistic mediums, swaying from green-screened sets, animation, stop motion, uncanny CGI, and a mass of other unique visions that culminate in a spectacular showcase of pure talent.

As I reached this film's touching final act and was sadly greeted with the ending card, something within me began to glow. It was apparent to me that I've never quite experienced something like Vera Drew's masterpiece that is The People's Joker, and I fear that I never will again. It gives me great hope for cinema when we are given the privilege of experiencing its most promising, adventurous, and kindred achievements.

Absolutley embarrasing

[naneki1992 · 1/10 · 29 April 2024]

Do not watch this embarrassment of a movie. The creator is 100K in debt for a poorly acted and poorly made movie. Don't let this movie affect how you think about trans people either. There are much better trans-lead and created project out there.

Acting: Terrible. These actors cant deliver lines to save their lives. Maybe it isn't the actors. It could be bad directing. I haven't seen these actors before so who knows.

Production: Abysmal. The lighting is awful. The green screen is awful. The costuming and make up was mostly okay. Kinda fit with the production value but in a way that helped?

As for the parody aspect, Ive seen better parodies on youtube.

Spend your limited time on earth wisely.