Joker Rising

I personally believe that fan films shouldn't always be held to canon for the fandoms they are a part of. If you disagree, than this film may not be for you.

When you consider how many theories and previous story lines have been dedicated to the "Origin" of the Joker in comics, movies, TV, video games and now fan films, I prefer to let the Clown Prince of Crime speak for himself: "Sometimes I remember it one way, sometimes another ... If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!" The best part of this film is how much it delivers on a $3000 budget. It allows the story be the star. Rather than depending on refined audio, soundtrack, special effects and/or CGI to carry a weak premise (as so many fan films seem to do), instead we are treated to a rather well acted, well written premise.

I found the name changes and tweaks to characters to be a subtle nod to the source material while still allowing the writer/director to make their own film.

Finally, lest we forget Christopher Nolan omitted any actual backstory for Joker in his brilliant trilogy, completely revamped "Robin" as merely a "wink homage", ignored Bane's entire venom enhancement and invented a sexual tension between Harvey Dent and Bruce Wayne for Rachel which in turn is the catalyst for him becoming TwoFace. Those films were a fantastic version of events in the Batman fandom as well as being great films. But, liberties were taken....

This film was obviously written and directed by someone who loves the world of Batman and wrote and directed an interesting idea for a backstory for the Joker. If that sounds intriguing, you will most likely enjoy this film. If you are looking for strict canon, zero deviations from Comic Book lore or another retread of the same story, this is not the film for you.

Shockingly bad I watch fan films to support fan films but this was tedious wooden and a country mile from the mark joker at the end was the only saving grace watch predator crusades much better fan film

For a super low budget I was expecting another movie I watched for about 20 minutes and then stopped watching because it was so bad. This movie on the other hand was better than some (to be unnamed) large budget, big studio productions. This movie had very good acting, very good filming, and a story that should have been picked up by Warner Brothers to make into a large budget movie. This movie is a must watch for Batman fans and even people who like to watch comic book movies. Harley Quinn is in this movie too. It brings some perspective on how she came into the Joker's life and changed him in such a way that he has become the villain that we love today. Watch, watch watch this movie and then hope that they make more with Warner Brothers' help.

Going well beyond the standards of fan films Joker rising ascends to dizzying Heights. The film is low budget however highly effective at delivering character beats and pathos at every turn. The only issue is sound quality however this is not enough of an issue to derail what is easily one of the best Joker adaptations in film history.

Several of the actors are noteworthy however no one can touch the prowess of Dylan Hobbs as the joker. Playing as joker's former self initially who is seemingly emotionally disconnected from the world around him Hobbs is able to effectively play a stone cold psychopath by the end of the film after delivering one of the best and most shocking emotional scenes put to film.

Highly recommended.

When I came upon this film on Youtube, I played it with the intent of using it as background noise while I worked on some home projects. It didn't take long before I set my projects aside to give the film my full attention.

What you have in Joker Rising is a production created with sheer talent and imagination. On a shoe string budget of $3000, this film lacked the over the top special effects and over paid actors of the Hollywood Batman films. However, what it did have was solid performances from actors who deserve far more recognition than they will probably ever get, a story of characters who you will actually care about, and an overall production value that far exceeds it's budget.

Whether you're a Batman fan or not doesn't really matter. I would suggest you watch this film.