The Suicide Squad by James Gunn - Review(Spoiler Free)

What do you get when you band together a ragtag group of misfit convicts to do the government's dirty work? You get The Suicide Squad.

The Suicide Squad is not a soft reboot of the franchise as it does not retcon the events of Suicide Squad(2016). It's just that there is no callback or nod to the previous movie in a big way. In a way, it is a sequel, and at the same time, a stand-alone film. Sucide Squad (2016) was so bad that it set the bar too low that the new movie just needed to be an ok film to surpass it.

The Suicide Squad is part of the DCEU, and it picks up after the events of Birds Of Prey. Director James Gunn has done a brilliant job in directing the movie as he has had past experiences in making comic-book-based films. The film is self-aware and is not trying to be anything serious or dramatic. It's making fun of itself and the superhero genre but at the same time uses generic superhero movie tropes. With team-up movies like this one, it becomes difficult to do justice to each character. It's impossible to give each character a background story and an arc. But fortunately, James Gunn juggled this very well; he found the perfect balance between over-the-top gruesome action, comedy, and character arc and moments. This film has done a way better job than its predecessor at introducing characters. The interaction between the characters feels natural, and the best part of the movie is the camaraderie between the characters. Thanks to the first Suicide Squad that the film doesn't waste time explaining the idea of Suicide Squad / Task Force X, as in what it is and what they do. James Gunn cleverly explored character background through jokes.

Moving on to the cast, James Gunn has made great casting choices. Margot Robbie has done an exceptional job - after watching her play this role in so many movies, it is hard to imagine anyone else as Harley Quinn. Idris Elba as Bloodsport, John Cena as Peacemaker, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2, and not to forget King Sharl aka Nananue, voiced by Sylvester Stallone. Everyone did a phenomenal job. Although in the case of Peacemaker, John Cena is struggling between being funny and being serious. But still, he gave an enjoyable performance. I'm excited about the Peacemaker series releasing on HBO max. Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis, is another powerful character who is ruthless and has crooked ways of getting things done. And last but not least, Polka Dot man, played by David Dastmalchian, stole the show even though he had few dialogues comparatively.

In a team-up movie like this one, the characters must play off of each other's energy, and this film nailed it. For instance, Bloodsport and Peacemaker both are assassins who are invariably competing to be a leader. Then there is Bloodsport, who has rat phobia, and Ratcatcher 2, who is always carrying a rat, so they play well together. And plenty more examples are there.

There was a time when the final act of superhero movies used to have an enormous beam of light shooting into the sky and an army of mindless creatures storming the city. And this time, the giant beam of light is replaced by a giant monster and an army of brainless creatures storming. As a result, the final act of the movie feels stale.

Conclusion:

The newest addition to DCEU, The Suicide Squad, is unapologetically funny with over-the-top gruesome action and a good amount of character moments. The film did justice to each character giving each one a moment to shine. The best part of the movie is the camaraderie and synergy of the characters. The characters play off of each other's energies well. As for issues, John Cena couldn't find a balance between being funny and being serious. But still, his performance is enjoyable. The film is trying to be unique at the same time, uses generic movie tropes.

Score: 8/10

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