Contrary to what most critics will tell you, Suicide Squad isn’t the worst of the worst.
If anything, the latest offering from the DC cinematic universe is the tonic that was needed to keep up with Marvel after the disastrous Batman vs. Superman.
It’s ironic, that the film, which might have saved DC from itself doesn’t feature any actual “heroes” but is rather a film in the vein of The Dirty Dozen.
In the wake of the presumed demise of Superman (as seen in Batman vs. Superman) U.S intelligence officer Amanda Waller (played to perfection by the ever-reliable Viola Davis), puts together a team of meta-humans and monsters to take on threats and operations the government can’t officially sanction.
From there audiences are in for a hell of a ride that doesn’t let up in the film’s two-hour running time.
In the opening moments, Suicide Squad plays a lot like a music video as it takes its time in introducing each character such as Deadshot (Will Smith), Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Diablo (Jay Hernandez) Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), Dr June Moore/The Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) and Harley Quinn (played by a show-stealing Margot Robbie).
Waller’s plan to use these villains implodes as a vengeful spirit from ancient times comes back to life, wreaking havoc in fictional Midway City.
Considering this film introduces so many characters to the DC universe, it was always going to be a tough ask that wasn’t going to please every fan, but director David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch) does a commendable job balancing the juggling act.
Unlike The Avengers this film wastes no time in bringing the characters together quickly.
It’s clear from the introductions the two main characters are Deadshot and Harley Quinn who are both given nice back stories, in particular Quinn, whose introduction brings back one of the most iconic characters in comic and cinema history, The Joker, (played brilliantly by Jared Leto).
Unfortunately, those hoping to see a lot of the Crown Prince of Crime will be disappointed as he’s relegated to supporting role in a handful of cameos throughout the film.
There’s a lot to be admired from the performances in the film, especially Robbie who plays her eccentric character to perfection. She combines the right mix of charm and sadism.
Smith does his character credit, playing a cutthroat assassin who, despite his psychotic tendencies, just wants to be a good role model to his daughter.
Having said that, the film is far from perfect with its major weakness being its choice of antagonists.
With so many interesting protagonists (villains who happen to be on the good side) one would have thought the filmmakers would have created a monster the characters could face off against that would be half as engaging.
Suicide Squad doesn’t entirely live up to the hype (let’s be honest with how much fans whip themselves up into a frenzy for every new film, what movie does?) but it has more than enough solid qualities that fans and non-fans are in for a good time.
The film does what it needed to in setting up new characters for DC and taking them on an adventure together.
It’s a good start to a franchise that will hopefully keep delivering the goods for years to come.
For more information on local screenings of Suicide Squad, visit www.cochranemoviehouse.com
