SUICIDE SQUAD (2016)

Written & Directed By: David Ayer 
Cinematography By: Roman Vasyanov 
Editor: John Gilroy 


Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robie, Jared Leto, Viola Davis, Jay Hernandez, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje, Cara Delevingne, Ike Barinholtz, Common, David Harbour, Adam Beach, Scott Eastwood






It feels good to be bad...Assemble a team of the world's most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government's disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren't picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it's every man for himself?

I will admit that I have never read the original comic book that the film is based on. The idea is very appealing. Wonder if this film was what SONY was trying to do with their SINISTER SIX film. By having all the villains having spider-man as an arch nemesis and deciding to work together. As here the appearance of BATMAN helps bond the characters and their histories.

This is obviously a film made to be pure entertainment. Not too deep not that it tries to be either. It just feels abrupt instead of the epic feel it should possess.

As the films advertising seemed to seek an off kilter vibe or a sort of TANK GIRL, the move style. Here the film seems to want to acknowledge a Darkside of the underground and dangerous elements of that world, but never seems willing to cross the line they hint at. As you keep getting excited as they come close then they carefully back away. Leaving you disappointed. Though they try to make it up with a lot of cursing for a PG-13 movie.

This film had so many chances to be something different or at least special. It just seems like a film made more by committee. Rather then being inspired by it's source material or even allowing for it's odd premise. So that while it isn't anything like MARVEL's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY which seemed to have fun and hit all the right spots. This film is fun to a certain. Degree that seems to dumb itself down as it goes along. Though still more entertaining then BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. As at least it doesn't take itself as seriously. Though it also is 't as visually stunning. Though it is colorful.

You will have more fun with this film at least. As there are rumors of different cuts just like BATMAN V. SUPERMAN. And re-shoots to add humor to the film. Though this happens with most big budget films. This one was just more publicized. Unfortunately for all that gossip. The film feels basic and almost thin in story. The action isn't even that noteworthy.

The characters here are likeable enough. Here only some seem to be mythological. As they have these dramatic back stories. That inform them and tell do their struggles with their talents and powers. Now while most of these characters turned bad. As the film introduces them throughout the film they seem like they could easily go either way. They just seem to have more attitude and aren't going to do something for nothing. So that they are more anti-heroic mercenaries. Which automatically takes the edge off of them and does the same to the film.

The action sequences throughout seem more like music videos in themselves. As the film is strongly guided by it's soundtrack. Which has original modern music but also some familiar classic hits of the past. Wonder what could inspired that? Now while it makes me nostalgic for blockbusters of the 90's. Where half of the film seems written or at least sequences to the superstar soundtrack the studio had arranged.

This film is more built by it's soundtrack to set the tone that is more noteworthy and contains the kind of spirit the film lacks. Though reminds one of the event movies or blockbusters where the soundtrack is a hot as it is advertised as much as the movie and has the hottest music stars of the time. So this film does fit into the summer blockbuster of yore mode and spirit

The film spends a substantial amount of time for the audience getting to know some of the characters and their back stories. Though that takes up time that could have been devoted to story more or at least characters at the current time instead of flashbacks. Especially as later on in the film a few new characters come into the film with little to no explaination and are dealt with rather thinly and quickly.

Will Smith gets to play to his strengths as the leader of this group. He ends up becoming more a heroic lead and is especially filmed that way In The middle of the film where he leads and all it assault against the enchantress minions taking them all out while most stare. As his character never misses. Why the need for the mask? I guess it works for the comic fans and when he does his hits to help stay anonymous. A few times it feels more like a will smith film with big name actors or more an ensemble then He usually works with. Then the film takes a stronger direction. His character DEADSHOT who is so evil I. Comic book form is softened by a relationship (here with his daughter) even seems like here he is supposed to be a less comedic and low key DEADPOOL to a degree.

Margot Robie steals the film. She has a dramatic ark. While her character constantly stays memorable, crazy and sexy. She is the most animated out of the cast. As would figure considering the character she is playing.

When it comes to Jared Leto's Performance as The Joker. It feels like his costume does most of the work. As his look is iconic but his performance feels like filler. He does the role as more of a typical villain. He doesn't really make the role fully his. He only feels like he has been fit in to satisfy fans. As his purpose is limited and he never really interacts with any other characters. He is really bright in as an interest and to be a subplot or side story to poke holes in the original plan of the team. Though the film treats him like a celebrity cameo or big name guest star. Maybe also to set up a sequel.

As even the character of boomerang seems here only to have a new member of the team and to fill out the tanks and really to showcase THE FLASH. Other then That he has no real reason to be there even though he seems to provide some comedic relief and is probably the best performance I have ever seen Jai Courtney put it. As it is a fun performance. His character is ultimately disposable.

Viola Davis is strong and scary in the film. She is at least believable as the force who needs to be behind and controlling them.

Just as another character in the film seems only to be added to show that the explosives indebted Ito them are real. As it seems like a bit role. So that characters exit whole surprising has no real stakes.

When it comes to the character Jay Hernandez, Diablo's character change of heart. It's not entirely Surprising as it seemed set up from the beginning, but the exact strength of his power is, as he seems almost as powerful as one of the god's In This film is.

Which then makes the team bond and become like family way too easily and quick. That can be seen as natural eventually but here comes out of nowhere. The film's advertising tries to make it seemed bonkers and might break the rules and be as crazy as the mindsets of the characters ala DEADPOOL. Only this film went with something more familiar. Which while the film is crowd pleasing it also skips out on aspects that could have made the film one of a kind.

It seems that the film only occasionally necessarily remembers how evil the characters are supposed to be. Only by being heroic, not really to save and innocents as everyone seems to have mostly been evacuated. They are here just to stop a more destructive presence. Which could have worked even with them keeping their evil ways.

The film feels rather simple or like a typical ragtag action film. Where we get to see each individual's use and help for the team even if you forget some members are In the film as they are kept more on the sidelines more. Take for instance Killer Croc who really is only useful towards the end and why is his dialect so street. Is it more for comedy or a real reason?

Almost every character could have heir own somewhat more interesting film, but could never see them ultimately as the main villain of any story. Henchman yes. The joker is the only one who fits as an conventional villain at least in film form.

The characters tend to fight mostly demon sci-if henchman with no personalities who are disposable and pose no real threat. Like Saturday morning wrestling. Where you would watch professional established wrestlers vs. amateurs trying to make a name for themselves basically scrubs. Who put up a well choreographed fight. It you k ow who is going to win with minimal effort by the end or even think storm troopers in Star Wars. All that armor but fall so easily.

The film dropped the ball even questioning that aspect of playing with the roles of what makes a hero or what makes a villain. Is it intention, character, morals actions. As to me usually in superhero tales the so called villains always have the more interesting back stories as they are always so full of tragedy and heart break usually after a great opportunity or instead of having their skill or power prove to be a blessing or gift. It disfigured them and turns society against them. As here most of the so called villains seem just selfish above all else.

As even though their mission is against one of their own. None of them know her or have met her. So that takes away the drama as o lay their government leader has a connection to her and males the end so hard to complete.


GRADE: C