Suicide Squad – Review

Cleaning up the shit BvS left behind.

Looking to be the injection of fun DC films deserve (and need) whilst trying something new, Suicide Squad is arguably the most anticipated film of the year. After multiple trailers and clips, rumours and crazy Leto stories, it’s finally here in all it’s glory.

The CIA decides to create a task force made up of the world’s most dangerous people. Not your every day criminals though; they have abilities. When Midway City is threatened, they must come together despite personal interests to save it. The squad, let by Rick Flagg, includes Deadshot, Harley Quinn, El Diablo, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, Katana and Slipknot.

Deadshot is played by Will Smith, who as expected is fantastic in the role. It’s refreshing to see him part of a film that rises above his general star power – let’s face it who would have watched Seven Pounds if it wasn’t for Will Smith? Also, as he’s among many other popular actors, it’s easy to tell he’s more relaxed here, enjoying the ride instead of dominating it. Stealing some of the coolest scenes in the film whilst delivering some cracking lines, Smith done the character justice.

Harley Quinn is played by Margot Robbie (like you didn’t know that already). Next to a certain Clown Prince of Crime, her take on the character kickstarted the hype train as soon as the casting was announced. Thankfully fans won’t be disappointed as she is the most memorable part of Suicide Squad. Twisted, hilarious, dangerous, mental – it’s a performance that has turned Margot Robbie into a superstar.

The other villains/heroes each play their part well, although the focus isn’t on them as much as the afore mentioned characters. That being said, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo was a personal favourite of mine. Some more time with the others could have been good, but one has to consider how interesting they are in comparison.

This isn’t all about the actual Suicide Squad themselves though. Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis is the cold, ball busting woman behind the creation of the team. Devilishly menacing and as Deadshot puts it, “gangster”, her force on-screen is huge.

Now, I know you’re waiting for me to talk about a certain character – The Joker. Did Jared Leto pull it off? Yes, yes he did. Despite some of it not quite landing, you have to admire Leto for managing to find his own unique take on a character we’ve seen plenty of times. We’re instantly aware of how truly psychotic this Joker is, as well as the fact he’s very much a gangster. The problem with the Joker here is you can’t decide whether he’s actually part of the story or just a mega-cameo. I would have liked to see more, or perhaps way less – the balance was not struck. And the laugh – on the whole good. The long squeak that we can sometimes here needs to go, but other than that it’ll do just fine.

Away from the cast, let’s talk about the other aspects. The real villain, which links into Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress is vastly underwhelming. Before we know it we’re watching a uber-CGI mega-threat again (I’m looking at you Man of Steel). Evidently it was just there as an excuse for the Suicide Squad to be properly introduced, but it was poorly done, and it’s where most of the film’s gaping plot holes stem from. Considering DC have the best bad guys, this is a big let down.

Now to talk about David Ayer, the director. There’s been talk recently of how the film had a troubled production, how the film was gonna be different etc. For me, I thought David Ayer done a great job. We’re given a quick fire introduction to the characters, all done with superb visuals and to the tune of a spot-on soundtrack. Perhaps it could have been better, but I’m still happy with the end result. Where the film goes wrong is when it steps back into the superhero comfort zone. We don’t necessarily want CGI-amped, city destroying battles. I want intense dialogue, a grounded villain, and more humour. Sadly, we can’t all get what we want can we?

To sum it up…

People really have to ignore the professional critics on this one, because Suicide Squad is great. At its core it’s the funnest film of the summer, not to mention it has a terrific cast. I look forward to seeing the Suicide Squad and The Joker again. It may not be enough to completely save DC, but damn it’s a good start.

Rating: Crackin

Were you a fan of Suicide Squad? Let me know in the comments, or tweet @film_swot.

Author: Cameron Frew