I expected Suicide Squad to rule both the box-office and the critical minds of the film critiques. Though, it is most likely that this movie will be a blockbuster hit, it seems like it wouldn't reclaim its glory for the critics. Indiewire's David Ehrlich slammed the characters for "not knowing how to even be bad" and as I trudged and fidgeted on my seat for two hours, I understood what Ehrlich said. Marketed as the worst heroes ever, Suicide Squad became just a wee-bit darker version of the previous superhero ensemble movie we've already seen.
It began gloriously with juxtaposed clips of Viola Davis casually slicing and grinding her steak (most probably, rare cooked) and of the history of each Squad member. And I hoped that the momentum continued until the very end, when in fact, it sort of dwindled down. All throughout the film, the characters reminded each other "We're the bad guys." and somehow, it was mentioned to remind the audience, as well, that yeah, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, etc. were the bad guys. Their villainous characters only lasted for just the first quarter of the film.
But what I'm most disappointed about is Jared Leto's version of The Joker. Now, this character is beyond iconic. Everybody knows this guy! He's sadistic, psychopathic, and funny. Famed actors Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger have donned the infamous green and red paint over the white face make-up, and Mark Hamill has given his voice for the Clown's animated version. Given that, to play The Joker is to carry that whole burden of living up to the expectation– most especially when rumors broke out that this film's The Joker will be the best one yet. While I never doubted Leto's talent (he is indeed an amazing actor! See: Mr. Nobody), it's David Ayer's re-imagining of Joker that missed a step. At best, Suicide Squad's version was crazy. But really, Leto wasn't The Joker; he was a love-struck gang lord, scouring the Earth for his lost queen. Some people found that romantic, but it's just not The Joker.
Perhaps, that's the greatest fault of the film. David Ayer, who both wrote and directed the film, gave the characters – these heinous villains – their rational human sides and focused on it, when it should've been villainous acts after villainous acts of these most wanted criminals. If at the very beginning, he planned to focus on their touching human sides, then, the movie shouldn't have been marketed as the story of the worst heroes ever. I expected villains, but I got a bunch of misunderstood bullies.
But on a more positive note, the film succeeded in providing some dark and bleak humor with Harley Quinn's quips and Deadshot's machismo-infused statements. And aside from being still an entertaining movie, that's the film's only – if not flimsy – winning point.
Other Points:
• The real stars of the film are Viola Davis and Margot Robbie. Damn, watching Davis impeccably controlling these criminals make me miss Annalise Keating.
• Cara Delevingne was the underrated and surprising star of the film. With only a few lines (most of it in the Enchantress language), Delevingne was amazing in portraying different conflicting emotions just through facial expressions. Maybe next time, filmmakers will not only capitalize her face, but also her talent. Give her some lines!
• What's up with the slow motion scenes? It was cool the first few seconds, but became annoying when it lasted for a whole minute or so.
Though it somewhat disappoints, Suicide Squad is still a satisfying watch. It had its charm and strengths that could be polished and utilized for the sequel.
Overall Rating: 6/10
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