Much maligned by the first crop of critical reviews, one might have had low expectations of such a highly anticipated movie. I, however, would recommend you go to see this with an open mind and set out to be entertained by, in what was in my opinion, a hugely fun cinematic triumph.
So the first thing we, as an audience, want to know is ‘how are these criminals, psychopaths, reprobates and general menaces to society, put together?’. And that is a question we quickly have answered in the first few fantastically sequenced, frenetic, exciting and captivating scenes, presenting each character one by one, with fast-paced, yet skilfully described introductions. All tied up neatly with an incise explanation of why they were brought together, the formidable combination of Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, Slipknot and El Diablo, otherwise known as the Suicide Squad, are brought together, to set up an intriguing plot.
As I previously wrote about Batman v Superman, this is a movie for the fans, which may explain why non-DC fans and some critics may not like this production. However, as a fan myself, I loved it. If you know what to expect, know what kind of storylines, characters and nuances comic books present, you’ll be enthralled by Suicide Squad. To give a prime example, a character such as Killer Croc might seem somewhat ridiculous to some and fighting a mythical witch as their main nemesis, may be overly fantastical or even kind of silly to many, but this is exactly the sort of thing a real fan would be accustomed to and the way in which writer and director David Ayer captures the DC comic world, in which the Suicide Squad reside, perfectly encapsulates what one might muster in their mind. It’s an unconventional world, yet a unique and unflinching homage to the comics.
To summarise the premise of the plot, a gang of criminals, locked up for a plethora of unmentionable crimes, are brought together for their individual and collective skills and abilities, to assist in battling the potentially catastrophic dangers presented after the appearance of Superman and the possibility of ‘unfriendly’ alien visitors. In this case, their help is required more urgently than anticipated, after Enchantress, a witch with immensely destructive powers, hell bent on world domination, recruits her brother to assist in her abominable mission. Cue the Suicide Squad to come to the rescue of planet Earth.
Some of the cast selections may have raised some eyebrows, however, there were some truly outstanding performances. Will Smith, as Deadshot, was immense in his performance as the leader of the motley crew, portraying the focused and unnervingly single-minded one-time assassin. The undoubted star performance, though, was that of Margot Robbie, as Harley Quinn. Her psychotic, demented, colourful, enticing, vibrant, alluring, sexy and all round crazy bitch portrayal will, in my opinion, go down as iconic in cinematic history. To say she was scene stealing, would be an understatement. Although only really a bit part role, Jared Leto’s Joker deserves considerable mention. In yet another unique incarnation, Leto delivers an intoxicating performance, producing grippingly sinister scenes, absolutely engrossing the audience. His role in the upcoming solo Batman project will be highly anticipated.
I’ve set aside a special tribute for the tremendous soundtrack. Soundtracks can often make a movie and in this case, the film’s musical choices were absolutely spot on. Such tracks as ‘House of the rising sun’, ‘You Don’t Own me’ and ‘Bohemiam Rhapsody’ expertly evoked and mirrored the feel and tone of certain scenes. A tip of the hat to Steven Price’s input here.
So ignore the pretentious, self-important critics and go and immerse yourself in the frenetic fun and sensory circus that is Suicide Squad. You won’t be disappointed.
Suicide Squad is in cinemas now.
