James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” is officially out in theaters and streaming on HBO Max. Unlike the underwhelming 2016 film, the sequel earned positive reception from critics, fans and movie goers alike. So far, it’s making money at the box office. I’m gonna come clean, I used to like the first Suicide Squad film. Upon rewatching, I realize it’s not good. Back then, I was inexperienced as a movie/TV critic and I’m bias for my love of comic book films. Now that I’ve gained experience, I properly break down what’s good or bad about a certain movie. I’m giving David Ayer’s Suicide Squad a C-
Warner Bros. (WB for short) & DC Films are working on upcoming movies including Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman,” “The Flash,” & Dwayne Johnson’s “Black Adam.” As I prepare for the future, allow me to share my thoughts on my number one anticipated film of 2021. One more thing, John Cena will reprise his role as Peacemaker in an upcoming series on HBO Max with James Gunn onboard as a showrunner.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving everybody a chance to see the latest installment of the DCEU. Feel free to read my non-spoiler article. Is The Suicide Squad worth the wait? Let’s find out shall we?
Clean & Messy Elements
Clean: Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis & Jai Courtney reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Newcomers to the DCEU such as Idris Elba, John Cena, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Rooker, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, Nathan Fillion, Pete Davidson, Storm Reid & Taika Waititi all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
James Gunn did an awesome job writing and directing the sequel. Jim is one of my favorite filmmakers. I’m so happy WB didn’t interfere with Jim’s work as they demand reshoots just like they did with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad and butchering Zack Snyder’s vision of Justice League by hiring Joss Whedon (a big fat meanie in real life) behind his back. Jim deserves respect. He apologized for his tweets on Twitter. Look at the bright side, Disney rehired him to direct “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Like “Titans,” Harley Quinn’s animated series & “Doom Patrol,” Action Sequences are more violent cranking the fight scenes Up To 11. If I were you, don’t let your kids see this movie. Because this is an ultraviolent action-adventure black comedy refusing to say sorry.
Cinematography was shot perfectly giving us movie goers an immersive experience to witness one heck of a fun ride.
Humor contains black comedy, comedic dialogue with team members roasting at each other and over-the-top death scenes.
Visual Effects are gorgeous to look at. They don’t seem butt ugly like Henry Cavill’s digitally removed mustache in Joss Whedon’s Justice League.
Costume Designs reflect each character’s look from the comics.
Chemistry between Harley, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark & Rick Flag serve as the main highlight. Each of their distinctive personalities carries the story forward.
Besides Harley Quinn, King Shark stole the movie thanks to Sly Stallone’s performance. King Shark earns Bonus Points for making me laugh so hard. He’s like Kevin Malone from “The Office.”
Idris’ character Bloodsport isn’t a carbon copy of Will Smith’s character Deadshot from the first movie. The former is a Superman villain hired to assassinate The Man Of Steel. Unlike Deadshot, Bloodshot is brutal with savage weaponry.
Laugh all you want, Polka-Dot Man is actually useful.
The film is presented in a non-liner/out of order structure. Don’t worry, it’s not complex like Christopher Nolan’s “Memento.”
Opening Credits establishes the sequel is unpredictable. What you’re about to see contains shocking moments in a good way.
According to James Gunn, the film is influenced by “The Great Escape,” (one of Quentin Tarantino’s favorite films) “The Dirty Dozen” & “Kelly’s Heroes.” It’s best described as “Inglorious Basterds” meets “Guardians Of The Galaxy.”
We learn about the newcomers’ personal lives. If you never read the comics, you’re gonna know each one is interesting.
It’s not required to watch the first movie. You can watch The Suicide Squad at any time.
If you recall trailers from the film, Starro makes his cinematic debut. In the comics, he’s the first bad guy the Justice League fought. I first heard of him from “Robot Chicken.”
Stay tuned for a Mid-Credits Scene and a Post-Credits Scene. They could set up a future installment.
Messy: Deadshot is not present. Will was busy filming “King Richard.” I’ll let this con slide, due to the fact the sequel is set five years later. Meaning Deadshot was released early for good behavior. He’s the closest character of the first movie as a nice guy. Don’t worry, Will signed up for future installments to reprise his role.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is one heck of a bloody fun ride worth the wait. So far, this is my favorite film of 2021. My other favorite films of 2021 right now are “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Godzilla VS. Kong” & “Black Widow.” All the positive stuff I’ve listed, indicates why the sequel is far superior than David Ayer’s botched film. If you have nothing to do over the weekend, I strongly recommend seeing The Suicide Squad on the big screen or stream at home on HBO Max. You’re call.
I’m looking forward to Robert Pattinson’s Batman, The Flash & Peacemaker’s show.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 