Joker has dropped below 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, losing its Certified Fresh status. The Joaquin Phoenix-starring film is one of the most talked about pictures of the year, and is on track to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie worldwide.

Few movies release with the amount of mainstream attention Joker received. From theaters banning cosplay of the character, to reported police patrol in response to concerns of violence, there was plenty of controversy surrounding the film. Upon release, the film garnered acclaim from a number of sources. Many, including longtime Joker voice actor Mark Hamill, praised Phoenix’s performance. However, the film saw something of a divide between critics and the general audience.

Rotten Tomatoes has updated Joker’s score. While originally Certified Fresh, the score dipped below 70 percent, and now sits at 68 percent. Although some may recall Joker sitting at 69 percent with a Certified Fresh label, this was likely a glitch since a number of reviews were being uploaded. Officially, dropping below 70 percent takes away a Certified Fresh status. 68 percent is still on the positive side, whereas dropping below 60 percent is considered a “Rotten” score.

Some may be surprised to see Joker toward the lower end of the positive spectrum. When the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, it received the Golden Lion award, and much praise from the audience. Appreciation at a limited release premiere doesn’t always translate to how a majority of critics will react, however. Although a number of critics praised Phoenix, a couple of common criticisms include the film being derivative, and depressing. Joker is a film with a gritty atmosphere, so perhaps a polarizing response was expected.

Although Joker has been received somewhat positively, there’s debate if it’s Best Picture material. Like critics and the general audience, Oscar voters are divided as well. At the very least, perhaps Phoenix will be recognized for his portrayal of the title character, based on the amount of acclaim he’s received. It’ll be very interesting to see if the film is nominated for any awards. Debates about Joker will likely rage on for the foreseeable future. Although not universally praised, Joker is a film that nonetheless ignites discussion about society, the mentally ill, and a lack of compassion. Like The Dark Knight and Logan, Joker is a unique comic book film likely to stay on the moviegoer’s mind long after its release.

Next: Joker: 10 Essential Films To Watch Next

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

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