‘Suicide Squad’ let’s a clumsy story trip up the villians’ chance to shine
Warner Bros and DC Comics present Suicide Squad, a team of villains united by a pretty malicious government official to get in the “meta-human” game. Following the lukewarm response to Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad appeared to be something different, something stylish, much in the vein of Guardians of the Galaxy.
Sadly, audiences will have to endure repetitive plots distracting viewers from the batch of baddies trying to find redemption, get back to her “Puddin'” or just trying to stay alive.
Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) runs the most covert and darkest elements of America’s government and convinces officials to mobilize a band of antiheroes to save the world from an evil witch set to destroy the entire world. Deadshot (Will Smith) takes the role of frontman under the barking of Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) as the rambunctious group is more trouble than they are worth in many ways.
Like BvS, director David Ayer treats the audience like a room full of nimrods cramming elementary plot points and back stories in between music videos and action sequences. The film begins with style, some flair as some foundation is laid and links are made to the other films, particularly Batman’s role in this universe.
Davis steals every scene and is just a wicked government official you love to hate. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is a bit overrated and just comes across as more lovesick than psychotic in her own right. Ayer can’t seem handle the ensemble cast and just seems too preoccupied with each character’s backstory.
Jared Leto’s first promo photo as the Joker caused chaos in fan circles until the first trailer broke and all was forgiven. Sadly, the Clown Prince of Crime has an insignificant role in action and is relegated to the role of annoying outsider rather than the psychopath established early in the film.
Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress is a pathetic attempt at a major film villain with a CGI “brother” which bores audiences conditioned by Marvel to want more. She’s more of a emo sorority girl with a voodoo spin than a big world destroying supervillain worthy of Waller’s army of disposable soldiers.
This is Smith and Robbie’s film. Further analysis and criticisms will follow, but nothing is more important than a complete avoidance of trailers, previews and clips – nearly ever great moment has been ruined, totally dampening the experience.
Suicide Squad receives 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars