I think the critics are wrong about Joker. The fact that it's an homage to Taxi Driver and King of Comedy is completely intentional, to the point of casting Robert De Niro as the talk show host. I don't consider that a detraction from the film at all. Many critics also interpreted it as some kind of political document, which is totally off the mark. One of the big problems with criticism in the 21st century is that people have lost the ability to tell the difference between portraying something and endorsing it.
As for the Joker I wasn't agreeing with the critics just describing the consensus based on reviews I've heard. To me personally it did feel like it took a bit too much inspiration from the movies it was trying to pay tribute to. When does a homage becomes a copy?
The political angle is irrelevant and I agree with you on that.