08 Aug The Suicide Squad Review

THE SUICIDE SQUAD

dir. James Gunn, starring Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, John Cena, et al

For the second time this year, Warner Brothers has a DCEU property that will unfortunately draw comparisons to an unfavorable film that was its predecessor. Such was the case with Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Joss Whedon’s theatrical release, now we have James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, five years removed from the disastrous film that mostly shares its name. From the circumstances of Gunn’s hiring to direct the film down to the decision to keep elements of a movie that was critically derided, The Suicide Squad manages to defy expectations and become one of the better films within this flailing superhero franchise.

Taking place after the first film, The Suicide Squad rounds up a new team of criminals sent to do government stooge Amanda Waller’s bidding, this time attempting to infiltrate the South American island of Corto Maltese to destroy an experiment known as Project Starfish. After a first act shakeup, the team learns the true nature of Project Starfish, it’s danger to the world, and America’s role in it. The Suicide Squad, a film that is humorous, cynical, and has a bit of a mean streak in it, is another solid addition to James Gunn’s filmography.

Over the last few years, Harley Quinn has become of the centerpieces of DC Comics. An already beloved character thanks to her time on Batman: The Animated Series, the resurgence of affection for the character is due largely in part to Margot Robbie’s performance of the character. Quinn’s personality disorder is unfortunately still played for laughs, but thanks to Robbie, the former right hand woman for The Joker is still seen as lethally unpredictable. With each appearance of Robbie’s Quinn (three now, after Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey), another facet of the character is explored. If Robbie wants to continue playing the character, by all means let her.

Idris Elba’s Bloodsport is also at the forefront of the film. With performances as cool and as full of charm as Elba’s, it’s hard to remember that these characters are all horrible criminals that we probably shouldn’t be rooting for (especially in lieu of how he treats his daughter). Still, Elba plays the grizzled professional assassin as a man who doesn’t suffer fools lightly that now finds himself surrounded by them. Elba gets to flex his dry sense of humor as Bloodsport clashes with Peacemaker as the odd couple pairing of bickering killers. To that end, Cena’s straight laced, no nonsense Peacemaker initially carries the brunt of the humor as a man willing to achieve peace at any and all cost. Cena plays the part wonderfully with excellent comedic timing that is at times an extra meta look at Cena’s wrestling personality. Perfectly casted, his willingness to throw himself into the role shows on screen as he constantly steals a number of scenes he’s in.

The talent assembled in The Suicide Squad remains one of the stronger points of the film. An all star mixture of staples from Gunn’s repertoire, members of the previous movie, and new faces to the franchise all mesh together while letting the actors have fun regardless of how ill fated their characters are. Joel Kinnaman is allowed to cut loose, reprising his role as Rick Flag, playing the character with less intensity. David Dastmachian and Daniela Melchior as Polka-Dot Man and Ratcather 2 respectively are the heart of the movie, with Dastmalchian playing an outsider amongst outsiders and Melchior the beacon of hope and positivity throughout. Both performances are genuine and heartfelt and serve as character breaks in between the insanity of the action and arguing.

Directed by James Gunn, The Suicide Squad is the type of film that sits firmly within his wheelhouse. Unleashed from the family friendly restraints of The Mouse, Gunn is able to cut loose and have a field day crafting a story centered on a disparate group of men and women sent into an impossible situation facing incredibly long odds. Gunn plays off the expectations of the original Suicide Squad and immediately upsets the apple cart, shocking audiences in the first act and keeping everyone on their toes. This is reflected in a somewhat meta wink at the viewers in a scene where Amanda Waller’s office workers are actively placing bets on which members of the Squad will live to see the mission accomplished. Gunn is in full control, creating a film with just enough humor to cover the dark undertones of America’s negative worldwide influence throughout the ages. Dynamic camerawork, great cinematography from Henry Braham, and Gunn’s ability to draw out great performances from even the smallest roles are the highlights of the film.

Overall, as the traditional summer blockbuster season begins to wind down, The Suicide Squad stands as proof that the decision makers at Warner Brothers are indeed capable of making a good superhero film based off the DC Comics property. While each DCEU movie has been hit-and-miss with fans, The Suicide Squad stands out along with Wonder Woman and Shazam! as surefire successes. Full of surprises, laughter, and action, James Gunn’s love of off beat outcasts and ensemble crews is made apparent. This is the perfect movie to watch with friends on a Friday night with drinks in hand. The Suicide Squad is now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.

Review by Darryl Mansel