WATCH ORDER: THINGS TO WATCH BEFORE JOKER : Folie à Deux

Joker:  Folie à Deux is the sequel to the Joker movie in 2019 releasing on 4th October 2024. Folie à Deux means a mental disorder shared by people who are close to each other, what a fitting name for the movie about the duo Joker and Harley Quinn. It's important to understand a little bit of backstory for both of them to have an amazing experience watching the movie, don't worry this blog is spoiler-free. Although an introduction to these well-known characters is not required, for all the veterans it's a good list to jog your memory, and for all the new viewers it's time to train your brains to handle some craziness.

  1. Batman (1989)

This is where it all really starts for Joker in live action movies, which is what makes this movie a must watch. This movie gives an amazing introduction to the character and really explains his origin story as in comics and depicts the relationship between Batman and Joker in its utmost raw form. Joker in this movie is pretty much the badass villain who might not be strong physically but is smart, this smart brain which is also psychotic makes him one of the most feared villains. there are also some minor appearances of other important characters in the DCEU like Commissioner Gorden, Harvey Dent, and Alfred. 

 Joker's final performance. "Batman (1989)." IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096895/mediaindex/.

This movie gives a real essence of who the Joker is, he is seen pulling out his famous laughing gas trick and some other pretty as well as petty tricks just to have a laugh. Joker's jokes only make sense to him while others just find it cruel and insane. Although this movie has one of the silliest of Joker's, it still is the perfect movie to start with to understand the tone of this character. With his crazy wit along with his perseverance to prove Batman wrong, he puts out a big show just to show everyone that he is no less mysterious than Batman, which makes one question if Batman is really in the right or is he just a single step away from becoming joker himself.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

This movie has set the bar for the most nerve-racking acts of Joker, this movie has set a silhouette for Joker. This already makes this a must-watch, even if you are not the one to follow any of the DC movies, the Batman movies, or the Joker movies. It's a must-watch for its amazing cinematography, the astounding acting, and the immense detail the directors have invested in putting out music which brings a chill down the spine during those intense scenes. There is no origin story in this movie, it gets straight to the point and just blows your mind thinking what more is Joker even capable of?

                                       Joker's best magic trick. "The Dark Knight (2008).".IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/mediaindex/ 

This movie features some of the most famous lines of Joker, including "Why so serious" and "Let's put a smile on that face". This movie is not just some live adaptation of a comic, it makes you question what's right? and what's wrong?, is Batman the good guy?, Is Joker the villain? There are a couple of scenes where you are trying to decode Joker's brain, which will only leave you trapped in a maze of wonder. Joker's true intentions are made more clear in this movie which fits his overall character, him being psychotic, it is very clear that he doesn't have any motive for money or power, he just wants to push people, "the civilized people" (Watch the movie to get this reference) to their limits just for fun and to see how they react, which makes him one of the scariest villain of all time.

3. The Suicide Squad (2016)

This movie has one of the most disliked Joker probably because of his weird teeth and that hairstyle, but Joker is not the reason why this movie is on this list, it's because of Harley Quinn, who is the second protagonist in Joker:  Folie à Deux, Harley Quinn for those of you who don't know is the lover/second in hand to Joker and she, as some might even say crazier than Joker. This movie explains the origin story of Harley in a sort of montage and it also depicts this love/hate relationship between Harley and Joker.

                                 Joker in one of Harleys therapy sessions. "The Suicide Squad (2016).". IMDb  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386697/mediaindex/ 

Harley in this movie uses her favorite weapon the wooden baseball bat which also might be featured in the new movie. Harley used to be the psychiatrist to Joker in the Arkham Asylum, as expected she clearly couldn't handle Joker's brain and she eventually fell for Joker and became his lover. In this movie Harley is the primary member of the suicide squad and she works with the team on a mission that could potentially kill her. Amidst all this Joker tries to intrude and their love for each other brings about complexities which is what makes this movie that much interesting.

4. Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

This is just an animated movie which will not be able to depict Joker's true colors and eerie nature of his, cause who really takes a cartoon movie seriously is what I was thinking before I watched it, oh was I wrong, this movie has batgirl and batman fighting crime, until batman comes across Joker planning something sick again. As the setting goes batman has become tired of fighting him again and again, and is finally ready to change things. Hence this movie is a bit strange and its different from all the movies above where both of them are just going at each other. This one shows a completely different side of Joker and Batman.

                      Joker's grin, you know he is up to no good. "Batman: The Killing Joke (2016).", IMDb  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4853102/mediaindex/ 

This movie presents Joker's origin story but with a twist, Joker as he explains his baffling backstory he says "I have a past, but I don't seem to remember it properly, every time I keep remembering different details", even though it's just a single line it makes the whole picture more clear. To add to that Batman in this movie also confesses that he doesn't know who Joker is even after countless encounters, which is what makes Joker more interesting. Joker in this movie pushes his luck to the maximum, again just to test what Batman does and have a little bit of "fun" seeing how people react to the vilest thing he can put forth.

5. Joker (2019)

This movie is the prequel to Joker: Folie à Deux, it's one hell of a mentally straining movie, Joker is the protagonist and the antagonist, his acting is flawless and the movie takes a deep dive into his mind, they show what Joker has been through in his life to have become the way he has turned out to be. This movie makes the viewers feel that although he might be doing all the wrong things, when you think of the reason you start to wonder whether he is in the right.

                                     Joker's grin, preparing for his grand show. "Joker (2019).". IMDb  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/mediaindex/ 

People always say to protect the weak, when you realize that society and life aren't always fair to everyone, that's when the weak become strong and that's what this movie preaches. Joker stops believing that he can make the world a happy place, he joins the evil as he feels like he can't fight evil anymore. The psychotic human that he is, he not only feels good about being at the center of chaos but also thinks it's funny by disclosing the truth that it gives him a sense of freedom and satisfaction. He presents as someone who has nothing to lose which is where you realize that he has crossed the last line of hope. It's an amazing movie overall with great acting and it is something that has to be watched before watching the new movie.

Alright, there is the list of everything to watch before the new movie releases, hope you guys have enjoyed the read, if you did make sure to spread the word about this blog to others interested as well, cause I am only going to be bringing you guys more of what you guys just read, hopefully I have at least motivated you to give one of these movies mentioned a watch. Well, I only wish to improve your experience in entertainment. 

GENSHIN IMPACT : Epic battles and mythical heroes unleashed.

1.OVERVIEW

    Genshin Impact is an open world RPG(Role Playing Game),where players embark on an unforgettable journey in a vast open world. At the heart of the story are two siblings, Lumine and Aether, from which players can choose either as their protagonist. Though the story remains unchanged, players have the option to play as a male or female character, adding a personal touch to their adventure. The tale begins as the siblings find themselves transported to a new dimension, only to be captured by an archon, god-like beings in this world. The character not chosen by the player is taken captive, while the protagonist engages in a fierce battle with the archon, eventually getting overpowered and losing consciousness. Upon awakening, the protagonist discovers themselves in the outskirts of Mondstadt, a bustling city. There, they meet Paimon, a mysterious and quirky companion who floats and possesses no known backstory with this we move on to understand how the world works and we set a foot on a very long journey of how to get our the other sibling back.

    One of the captivating aspects is the concept of archons and visions. Each of the seven countries is presided over by an archon, with each archon associated with a particular element, these archons have different personalities and are also playable which makes the game more interesting. Within the game, players encounter four main types of missions: Archon quests, World quests, Side quests, and Story quests. While certain elements may overlap, each mission offers a distinct story and perspective, providing players with a vast array of experiences. With around 70 playable characters, each boasting their own individual stories, Genshin Impact offers an expansive narrative to explore.  

2.CHARACTERS

    As players assume the role of Aether or Lumine, the chosen protagonist emerges as a classic hero figure. Though they may not be overly talkative, their voice carries a sense of justice, heroism, and courage. As they traverse this realm alongside the player, they share the same confusion and wonder, adding an authentic and relatable element to the game.

    Next in line is Paimon, the enigmatic companion, brings a touch of whimsy to the adventure. Floating and perpetually short in stature, her age and backstory remain unknown. Paimon serves as the intermediary between the protagonist and NPCs, often engaging in conversations that can be both amusing and occasionally drawn-out. While her combat presence may be limited, her Japanese dubbing adds a playful charm to her character, though some players may find her voice slightly annoying.

    Among the diverse cast of characters, Kaeya stands out as a cold-hearted individual. Donning a cool demeanor, his elemental affiliation lies in ice, and he holds the position of Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonious,  now knights favonious are just a group of people who keep the city of Mondstadt safe from any kind of external problems. Despite his cool appearance, his actions evoke suspicion, making players question his loyalty and wonder if he may eventually betray the others.

    Lisa is a strong character and a librarian with an affinity for electricity, captivates players with her seductive speech, occasionally bordering on cringe or awkwardness. Her intelligence shines through her knowledge of myths and ancient stories, making her a valuable asset within the Knights of Favonious.

 Lastly Barbara, a water-element character and a healer, proves to be an indispensable ally throughout the game. As one of the few water element characters, she provides invaluable support in the team, even though usually healers are undervalued in a team. With hints of a pop singer background, Barbara's healing abilities complement her singing as she is a pop star who would usually sing in concerts, enriching the lives of those who listen to her sing at the same time she works as a nun in Mondstadt which is probably where she learnt how to heal.

3.FILMIC AESTHETICS

    Visually, Genshin Impact boasts cinematic appeal with its breathtaking scenery. From meticulously detailed flowers to captivating color contrasts and dynamic wind effects, every aspect of the game's visuals seamlessly fits together like a completed puzzle, and hence it is as satisfiying to watch it as completing a puzzle. There are times when you would rather watch the scenery around you than the characters conversations. The scenic beauty often captivates players, leading them to appreciate the environment as much as the character interactions. The cutscenes, reminiscent of anime, offer exhilarating action sequences that leave players craving for more. While the game may have fewer cinematic scenes overall, each one is meticulously crafted and truly remarkable.

    The music in Genshin Impact stands out as a phenomenal aspect of the game. The developers have created original compositions using instruments from various cultures, perfectly capturing the essence of each city. This attention to detail enhances the immersive experience, making players feel truly immersed in the game's world. The combination of stunning visuals, captivating auditory elements, and meticulous cinematography ensures that Genshin Impact is an outstanding and satisfying gaming. Unlike a lot of other long games which turn out to be sufferable this is a rather gorgeous game, even though it is long at least you have the satisfaction of watching something so soothing and peaceful which makes this an all around fabulous game.

4. PERSONAL OPINION

    As of now there are 5 countries we know of they are Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru and Fontaine, Fontaine is the most recent one and it hasn't been released yet as I write this blog but it seems like a great addition to the game as seen on trailers so far. The developers have made sure to make these countries similar to those in real life where in there are various unique components within each country, such as culture, architecture, and missions assigned by NPCs and finally the NPC's themselves which gives the player a vacation type of an experience. 

    Amidst the engaging storyline, the acquisition of weapons and artifacts presents a challenging grind, sometimes you would need at least a week to actually wait around for the resources to regenerate or sometimes wait for the domain to open up, these domains open up only on certain days of the week, I find this really cumbersome and one would need to have a lot of patience to get through it. In this open-world RPG, players must invest time into obtaining and upgrading their arsenal, from finding the right stats on weapons to leveling up characters and artifacts. This intricate process adds depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the unique elements of the game.

 Not all archons are on the good side as we have seen one of the archons stole our sibling, some archons are really cool like the one in Inazuma others like the one in Sumeru was really boring. Seeing that the archons are playable it is quite annoying when the playable archons are not as strong as when their story was playing out, although it is understandable considering the balance in the game should be maintained, including the archons there are around 70 playable characters and each has his/her own story with a load of fighting and puzzles which basically runs the whole game. 

5.CONLUSION

In conclusion, I would rate this game a solid 4.5 out of 5. Genshin Impact is an immersive open-world RPG that offers a captivating gaming experience. With a choice between Lumine and Aether as the protagonist, players embark on a thrilling adventure in a dimension governed by archons and their associated elements. The game's vast world, inspired by real-life cultures and architecture, is brought to life with stunning visuals and a phenomenal soundtrack. The diverse cast of characters, engaging quests, and meticulous attention to detail make Genshin Impact a truly exceptional RPG.

Overall, Genshin Impact successfully combines its visually stunning landscapes, immersive gameplay mechanics, and captivating storytelling to create a remarkable gaming experience. Whether exploring the vast open world, engaging in epic battles, or uncovering the secrets of the archons, players are sure to be enthralled by the charm and depth of this extraordinary RPG.