People have been waiting for that one DC movie that would jump-start the franchise in the right direction – it’s finally here. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad �is everything fans could have ever wanted in a DC movie. This will be a spoiler-free review.
Forget everything you ever knew about the old Suicide Squad �movie. Don’t even associate this one with that one, it’ll make things easier for you. The only thing from the old one you need to know is that there are four key returning characters: Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, and Amanda Waller as Viola Davis. Even though they’re returning characters, this isn’t a sequel of any kind. This new Suicide Squad movie is more of a re-telling than anything.
James Gunn brings the signature comedy that fans loved him for in Guardians of the Galaxy, but the gloves are completely off in The Suicide Squad. It’s the most chaotic and bloody mess DC has ever created but in the best way possible. DC films have struggled to figure out whether to be dark and gritty, or fun and comedic. Somehow, The Suicide Squad has figured out a way to do both. Every character has an endearingly fun charm to them that draws the audience to their stories. At the same time, the movie is probably bloodier than pretty much any other superhero movie you’ve ever seen.
What’s most brilliant about the new Suicide Squad is that the villains you’re watching aren’t even close to top-tier villains, besides Harley Quinn. Most comic book fans haven’t even heard of Polka-Dot Man, but by the end of the movie, you’ll find yourself falling in love with him. It’s a film with a ton of heart. Without giving away too much, there’s also the greatest Harley Quinn scene that she’s ever had in a movie.
The writing is fantastic, the visuals are fantastic, and the character development is fantastic. Yes, the main villain is a bit lackluster, but The Suicide Squad is still a very fun time. DC fans have been waiting for a movie that’s unanimously loved, that’s fun, and that could start steering the franchise in the right direction. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is that movie. Any superhero fan that’s looking for a good time, and isn’t afraid of gratuitous blood, needs to watch this movie.
Overall Grade: A
