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| images courtesy WB |
Some people have expressed confusion about why James Gunn’s long-awaited sequel to 2016’s oft-criticized Suicide Squad is called The Suicide Squad rather than Suicide Squad 2. After watching the film, the answer seems as clear as day: it is the version that will satisfy fans, understands the spirit of the comic, and will ultimately be the one that’s remembered. For all intents and purposes, it’s the Suicide Squad that matters, and it’s glorious.
The premise is similar to the last film, but with a (mostly) new set of troublemakers. Something intergalactic and menacing is happening on the remote island of Corto Maltese, and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is on the case. She assembles a brand-new gang of imprisoned supervillains to join the covert group Task Force X, including the notorious Bloodsport (Idris Elba), the ironically named Peacemaker (John Cena), everyone’s favorite clown queen Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and a rogue’s gallery of other bizarrely powered criminals. They are given the directive to destroy a prison which is housing an alien nemesis by any means necessary, and if they survive, they’ll get years shaved off of their hefty prison sentences. What follows is a murderous medley of mayhem and lunacy that never loses momentum and will keep twisted minds laughing.
Perhaps best-known for his Guardians of the Galaxy films, James Gunn manages to make the world of The Suicide Squad distinctive from his Marvel films. The humor here is notably darker, the cinematography has a different feel, and there’s a whole hell of a lot more blood and violence in it. Like Guardians, we are given another iconic soundtrack, and there’s an emphasis on style and kineticism that makes the film absolutely feel like a comic book. The film also shows some “heart” despite all the heinousness that harkens some moments in Guardians, but outside of that is where the similarities end. If anything, The Suicide Squad feels far more inspired by Gunn’s early career at Troma directing schlocky classics like Terror Firmer and Tromeo and Juliet (there’s even a cameo in the film that’s a direct nod to his Troma days for die hard fans with keen eyes). This film unequivocally felt like the perfect amalgamation of “old school” Gunn and “new school” Gunn: it has all the gore and wicked humor of his youth, combined with the slick, action-packed eye candy of his current works. In other words, it’s Gunn at his very best.
While there are antiheroes aplenty in The Suicide Squad, each and every one carries an intrigue about them, no matter how little screen time they’re given. Gunn manages to flesh out each of the core group’s characters with abbreviation, yet care. We understand everyone’s motivations and even grow to like them despite their glaring flaws and lengthy criminal records. It helps that the entire cast reeks of talent and plays every part with unwavering conviction no matter how silly they seem. Even the most absurd leading characters (Polka-Dot Man, for instance) get their moments to shine and feel empathetic, which completely works in the manic, marvelous world Gunn’s created. Further adding to the characters’ charisma is the fact that it’s 100% apparent in every scene that the actors themselves are having a damn good time being in the film. Gunn seems to have a certain knack for unifying his cast like this; they are a genuinely cohesive team supporting each other and giving their all to the cause.
The Suicide Squad also makes some bold choices in terms of its storytelling and actions sequences, amplifying its brilliance. Gunn chooses to have Will Eisner-esque shots scattered throughout the film where the background forms words like “meanwhile” indicating passages of time or narrative details that might need clarification, further enhancing the comic book feel of this film. Several of Harley Quinn’s fight sequences are works of art and mimic her delusional, sugar-coated mind — one of which incorporates 2D animation with live action, the results of which are a Kill Bill meets Roger Rabbit ultra-violent ballet. It’s equal parts insane and inspired, and it’s perhaps one of the most unique fight scenes to ever grace a screen.
Irreverent, gory, chaotic, and clever, The Suicide Squad is an anarchic masterpiece that knocks its predecessor out of the water and oozes more personality than most other DC Films combined. If you were disappointed by the first Suicide Squad film, don’t let that deter you. Give this one a chance, and be prepared to have a blast.
-Andrea Riley
