When the first few teaser trailors for this much anticipated DC Universe phycological thriller first came out, Jack and I were beyond excited to see he film in theaters. Sadly, our budget didn't allow for movie tickets at that time, but thanks to the existance of Redbox, we were able to take a night in for the much anticipated film. Until now, we'd only heard a handful of mixed reviews about the movie, but we still wanted to see it for ourselves in order to form a better opinion. We took great care in avoiding all spoiliers, YouTube clips, and news articles about it for fear that some of the plot would be given away before we had the chance to judge for ourselves.

Thank God we did. Because there's a damn good reason Joker is one of DC's greatest films yet and is best enjoyed and appreciated without any prior spoilers.

Set in the Batman Universe, the film tells the story of Arthur Fleck: a strugling commedian who bares the burdens of his own fragile mental health, career struggles, and family obligatons that ultimately lead him to a tragic fall from grace. Arthur is at first presented as a kind hearted soul who only wants more for his life besides worling low-pay jobs as a party clown and caring for his ailing mother, while still pressing toward the lifelong dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. While the harshness of Gotham City's rude and often cruel society persist in beating poor Arthur's aspirations and efforts to the pavement, the many twists and turns of the plot left us on the edge of our seats, and by the end of the film, chills were running down our spines. If you weren't a fan of Joaquin Pheonix before seeing this film, you will be now. And if you're still not a Joaquin fan afterward, you may in fact need to find some way to transport yourself into the DC Universe so that you may check yourself into Arkham Asylum, as you will be considered as insane as the film's title character. The writing is masterful, the acting is sublime, and though some parts of the film aren't for the faint hearted, those of us who can handle this R-rated adaption of the clown prince's origin wil find this take on it riveting and tragically heart wrenching. Even if you're not a Batman fan, you'll still appreciate this film from a phycological thriller standpoint as the story is so well crafted that one can take in the performance without the added beniifts of Kiling Jokes and Red Hoods.

In short, Joker leaves such a strong impact that he doesn't need the Bat to deliver a lawbreaking punchline this time around.

Overall, Jack intends to order the DVD for his personal DC collection soon. As for me, I would defnately give this film a rewatch. I'd suggest you do what I did after having seen it for yourself: Tell your friends, family, and other over-the-age-of-17 movie goers to jump on DC's latest box-office masterpiece.

My hat is off to you, Joaquin. Here are five amazing stars that will hopefully brighten even the baddest of days...