Just saying, the best scene in this movie was when the Joker stepped out in to the rain and all his temporary tattoos started to wash off.
With that joke out of the way, let's get in to a real review about DC's latest endeavor in their cinematic universe, Suicide Squad.
So, my brother and I just got out of the theater, and we were both going in crossing our fingers being rather optimistic. We walked out thinking it was just......OK.
Let's say this right of the bat, Suicide Squad is definitely not the heavy hitter DC needs that will somehow prove they have what it takes to really compete with Marvel, but it's at least a step in the right direction. Compared to their first two outings, this one is actually watchable with quite a few things to appreciate, and even love.
I'm sure you all know the general plot, after Superman's appearance changed the world, Amanda Waller tries develops Task Force X, an emergency response team of more skilled individuals to take on meta-human threats.
This team is comprised of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, and El Diablo. (Yea, sure, Slipknot is also there but face it, you knew damn well he was dead on arrival and just expendable) The team is led by Rick Flag, a special forces operative to keep them in line, with Katana backing him up.
First off, Will Smith's Deadshot is quite possibly the best character in the film. He's given more time than others to actually expand upon his character all to his benefit. Will Smith's charismatic acting makes him likable, and relatable. His one liners and joke actually hit, and do so at the right time.
It's fair to point out this movie is a little more lighthearted than previous endeavors and that's a good thing. Makes the films seem a lot more realistic, and the characters more human.
Now, you all know how big of a Harley Quinn fan I am, but Margot Robbie's Harley is just OK. Her heart is in the right place, but she also kind of really just doesn't feel like THE Harley Quinn. Watching the film, I couldn't help but feel that her scenes could have been improved to make her more Harley Quinn-ish. Granted, maybe Margot Robbie just needs some more time to get more in to the role, and she could improve over time, but this Harley portrayal is not the kind I was hoping for. It's not terrible by any means, but it's a rather shallow version of the character. Not to mention, some of her lines are....too cheesy.
With Harley Quinn being a major player here, you know the Joker is here as well, but barely. The marketing for this film pushed him as if he was a big deal, but I swear just about every piece of footage you see in the trailers, is the ONLY footage he's in in the film. (actually even some footage in the trailer isn't in the film so) Maybe 7 minutes top is Joker related. And overall Jared Leto's Joker is tolerable. I feel as if I need to see more of him before I start really judging his performance.
The other characters, while interesting in their own right, aren't really given a lot of time to shine and just have small moments. Which seem a little unfair, but whatever. The villain is not really memorable either other than the look. She's there to fulfill her role as a capable world destroying threat, and that's about it. I imagine no one will be walking away really talking about her.
Ok, I've talked enough about the characters, so now I'm gonna get in to the overall quality of the film. The first act of this movie is quite stylized and are probably the best parts of the film. You get to be around these characters, and have their introductions. The soundtrack also compliments the scenes, and makes them kinda fun.
The second and third acts however, kinda just blur together because it's one giant city fight scene. And the editing once again here, feels kinda choppy. It was hard to put my finger on as while it is more coherent, my brother and I couldn't help feel scenes didn't flow together as they should. I seriously believe there were some scenes left on the cutting room floor probably because of the reshoots. And the city fight scene is what you expect, not as much character stuff as you want (the only highlight is the bar room scene which there should have had a little more of) but a lot of fighting against cannon fodder enemies. It's not as interesting or exciting as you might want it to be, even though it does keep you vaguely entertained.
So, yea. Overall Suicide Squad i still a pretty flawed film with some plot holes, questionable design choices, and portrayals of characters that still leave you a little on the fence, but you can still have a bit of fun with this film. DC is heading down the right path, but just still needs to learn how to drive because they're swerving all over the place.
Critics are possibly giving this film a little more grief than deserved, but I still completely understand why it gets grief in the first place. DC needs a killer app, and this isn't it unfortunately.
A rather weak 3, out of 5.
Still thinking Wonder Woman looks legitimately great though, maybe that is the one DC needs.
