Film Review: Suicide Squad (2016)
- Jayne Balke
- Aug 4, 2016
- 4 min read
From the day I heard of DC Comics' supervillian movie Suicide Squad I've been itching to see it. It isn't a new concept - the idea of bad guys becoming reluctant heroes - but there was something so recklessly appealing about the idea of a group of deranged and slightly unhinged criminals working together towards a common goal - whatever that might be. Today I treated my boyfriend Sheldon to a Gold Class session of David Ayer's Suicide Squad, and honestly? I was not disappointed.
The Good, The Ugly & The Cheeky
The first thing producers Charles Roven and Richard Suckle and director/writer David Ayer succeeded in was - without a doubt - the casting. Surprisingly, Will Smith was the standout performer in this film. Smith played "Floyd Lawton" [aka Deadshot] and absolutely killed it (no pun intended). Aspects of Smith's known roles in The Pursuit of Happyness (2007) and I Am Legend (2007) filtered into Deadshot's persona, with his humanity warring against his desire to kill. Smith was exceptional to watch.
Likewise, Margot Robbie was the perfect choice for "Harley Quinn." I can't imagine how much pressure she felt having to depict this renowned character, but she did so with a finesse that was near-impossible to critique. I also couldn't tear my eyes away from Jay Hernandez, who played "Chato Santana" [otherwise known as El Diablo]. Granted, the tattoos on his face were difficult to ignore, but he embraced the film's version of notorious gang member and flame thrower rather well in my opinion.
I was of a half-mind towards Jared Leto's depiction of the "Joker." While he was definitely the embodiment of a psychotic madman, I have to wonder if his character wasn't a tad over the top. I'm a teensy bit reluctant to view him negatively as it can't have been easy to play another popular character (especially one with onion-like layers), but I can't help but feel they overdid it with him. Perhaps I'm overthinking it and if you see the film you may disagree, but with the hair, tattoos, teeth grills and the odd assortment of 'toys' he surrounds himself with, it struck me as too excessive. Nevertheless, Leto clearly relished in the opportunity to showcase the extent of the Joker's insanity.
Art & Craft
We've been flooded with Suicide Squad paraphernalia for months leading up to its release. Banners depicted bold, colourful and ballsy letters and images, each hinting at a particular feel to be expected within the film. Friends, I am happy to announce that all that advertising paid off - at least in regards to the artistic and musical side of the film. Steven Price is to be commended for the brilliantly bad-ass soundtrack he created. Similarly, Roman Vasyanov should be praised for the excellent cinematography present throughout Suicide Squad. I cannot fault the way the story was delivered, especially in telling the squad's backstories.
A Villainous Disaster
It seemed to me the major downfall in this film was with it's villains. While there was significant potential with Cara Delevingne's character the "Enchantress" to create a unique storyline that would keep audiences invested, the writers instead chose to rehearse the same-old end-of-the-world theatrics. We've all seen Avengers, we know the drill. It's as if the writers spent so much time perfecting the squad that they lost interest in who or what they'd be fighting. The Enchantress laid the groundwork for the Suicide Squad, but she (and her lacklustre counterpart) failed to deliver an adequate 'villain for the villains.'
That being said, Viola Davis - who played government official "Amanda Waller," the person instrumental in the squad's formation - was an integral part of the film's 'bad guy' complex. While she wasn't the villain trying to destroy humanity, she was ready to further her own agenda at the cost of multiple lives. Davis was exceptional in portraying Waller's persuasive and callous nature. Reading the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, I think I can understand why the critics rated the film so horrendously. However, I disagree with the idea that this film failed simply because of it's baddies, especially when we look at someone like Amanda Waller.
Final Thoughts
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Despite my ridiculously high expectations (which usually leads to disappointment!) I thought Suicide Squad met my needs and I left feeling satisfied in what I'd seen. There were a number of welcome surprises, as well as some predictable ones. A few well-known characters made cameos (as they usually do in DC and Marvel films), teasing us with promises of movies to come. The casting was expertly done; it was simply the characterisation of a couple that muddled with my verdict. There was enough comic relief to combat the tragedy related to backstories and plenty of emotion to tangle nicely with the action.
Worth The Watch?
So should you go see Suicide Squad? Um, hell yes! Ignore the critics and if nothing else, enjoy the movie for it's fun quirks, cool tunes and Harley Quinn's ass (not even kidding, damn that woman has a fine booty!). Overall I'd give the casting 9/10, storyline (backstories) 7/10, storyline (plot) 6/10 and as a whole, 8/10.
Meanwhile I'm off to buy the soundtrack haha!
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