Suicide Squad (2016) Review
“Here’s to honour… among thieves.”
After the events of Batman v Superman, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) seeks to unite a group villains – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Deadshot (Will Smith), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), El Diablo (Jay Hernandez), Enchantress (Cara Delevigne) and Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) who are later joined by Katana (Karen Fukuhara). Things take an unusual turn after the squad must join forces to defeat one of their own – Enchantress.
The introduction to these characters was done very stylishly, which was rather reminiscent of Tarantino’s work, as each characters name flashes on screen providing us with a break down of some very interesting facts, including that Harley aided in the murder of Robin. Flashbacks further guide us to their origins, and help us to some what connect with these characters, whilst showing the humanity in them all. Harley Quinn is quirky and charming, Robbie has done a wonderful job and this role will be iconic. Undoubtedly we learn about her the most, however she is not able to be the star of this film as Deadshot is the leader, and a relationship is built between him and Harley throughout the film. Enchantress brings a supernatural element to this film, which at the start seems very intriguing but, as I will go into detail below was rather disappointing. El Diablo is the antithesis to them all, reluctant to fight and well aware of his powers, it is safe to say he has no intentions of being the “bad guy.” As for Captain Boomerang and Killer Croc, we don’t learn so much about them. Despite this the presence of Boomerang brightened up some scenes, however the same cannot be said for Croc, he might as well not be there. The best thing about the film are the characters, the chemistry and interactions between them is brilliant, and that is what makes the film worth watching, and why we need to see this squad in action again. The first hour of the film (I think it was an hour anyway) was done magnificently, but sadly I cannot say the same for the rest of the film.
The new take on The Joker (Jared Leto) is completely different from the past and it is superb. Crowned the “King of Gotham” the Joker is very mob boss like. Unfortunately, his role was diminished to chasing after Harley. This did not do either the character or Leto justice, who could not have done a better job in introducing audiences to this new Joker in the minimal time that he had. Many scenes of his were cut, so what we really see is a teaser of the Joker. But his relationship with Harley was explored very nicely. The main basis of the story follows the squad as they have to take down Enchantress and cross a battlefield in order to do this. The actors in this film must all be praised. Cara Delevingne on the other hand should not. She is terrible, I don’t have the word to express how bad she is , and I am not sorry at all. Frankly the focus on her character ruined the film.The squad and the explosive battle scenes manage to pull you through the film, but in the end the Enchantress’s lack of motive, and Ayer’s failure to create a more captivating storyline prevented the film from being truly great, and the potential for it to be was so there.
All in all an enjoyable film though the flaws are very much apparent.
Rating: 7.3/10
Leo Scale: Satisfied
