Reviews Film / The Suicide Squad

Simply Amazing

After the first Squad film received such a virulent thrashing from critics and audiences alike (which, in hindsight, I agree with more now than I did at the time), DC knew they needed to take the series in vivid and fantastical new directions in order to avoid another bomb, and who did they call? James motherfucking Gunn. If he could make a talking raccoon and his buffoonish tree-man friend an awesome movie, then he could surely improve upon the Suicide Squad!

And improve he did! This is, in many respects, the perfect sequel; it vastly improves on the numerous flaws of the original film. Instead of just being a half-baked Excuse Plot for the Squad to fuck shit up like the first movie, this film's plot is gripping and complex with layered characterization, various unpredictable twists, and trenchant political commentary. The editing and pacing are also far superior; the events flow naturally, never once feeling rushed or dragging as an appropriate amount of time is afforded to each important character and plot point, and the use of licensed music is actually subly implemented rather than in-your-face like the original. And the villains are actually interesting this time around; Luna is fascinating as a brutal dictator who's convinced himself that he's doing the right thing, the Thinker is a terrifyingly evil bastard with a commanding presence and great dialogue (if Peter Capaldi has ever played a bad role, I've never seen it), and Starro strikes a great balance as both horrifying and sympathetic. I didn't think it was possible, but they actually got me to feel sorry for Starro!

The film also improves upon its predecessor's positive qualities: namely, the characters. They were fine in the first film, I thought, but in hindsight, they didn't really get a chance to shine. Here, however, those archetypes are used in new and creative ways that feel true to what these characters are. Waller is actually believable as a brilliant mastermind this time around, Flag gets some serious development as he's forced to ask himself serious questions about duty and patriotism, Harley is just as fun and lovable as ever but without the demeaning and gratuitous cheesecake shots, Bloodsport is a wonderfully sardonic straight man who manages to be surprisingly relatable and empathetic for a remorseless assassin, Peacemaker is just plain hilarious as a "douchey Captain America" while also getting meaningful depth and carrying much of the internal conflict, Ratcatcher II and Polka-Dot Man are both very tragic figures with dark pasts and plenty of heart and charm, and King Shark is the most adorable carnivorous monster that ever lived.

10/10. Easily one of DC's best movies by far.