‘Suicide Squad’ is actually a really good comic book movie
Aug 5, 2016, 11:52 PM
Suicide Squad stars Will Smith and Margot Robbie as super villians Deadshot and Harley Quinn. (Warner Bros.)
(Warner Bros.)
I thought I would never again give three stars to a comic book movie, but I’m giving “Suicide Squad” three out of four stars.
It’s very dark but it’s also shockingly good, with a fast-moving story and humor. I have personally come to lose patience with all superhero movies. It always seems like we’re watching the 143rd version of Spider-Man, or the 92nd version of Batman.
Related: Tom Tangney says “Suicide Squad” doesn’t live up to the cast
And “Suicide Squad” is in the same DC Comics universe that produced the recent “Batman Vs. Superman” film that flopped — and deserved to have flopped. “Suicide Squad” is completely different, however. This is inventive, energetic and the characters are fresh.
Again, it’s very dark. It’s about a group of criminals in a maximum-security prison. They each have some special ability. Some have superhuman abilities. This group of misfits and criminals are eventually incorporated into a government program by a tough government operative.
The film does have its problems. One is who they are going after – some supernatural beings called forth by “The Enchantress.” It’s just one plot. Very often in films, there is no plot. In this film there is enough plots for five or six other movies. And none of it adds up to the idea the Suicide Squad has to battle these ancient spirits
And don’t worry, Batman turns up more than you would expect.
As well as the Joker, played by Jared Leto – one of the great performances in this film. He completely pulls it off. It’s a riveting performance. This is Oscar winner Jared Leto. This is a role that has been brilliantly played by Heath Ledger. Jack Nicholson as well. And this, in a way, is by far the best. This Joker is compelling.
You can understand why the insanely beautiful Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, is in love with him. One of the themes in the film that actually works is the romantic chemistry between her and the Joker. One of the elements they carry over from the comics is the abusive nature between them – she is both physically and psychologically transformed by this hideous Joker.
This movie is PG-13, but very loosely. It is borderline rated R. There’s some violence and torture in the film, as well as some other disturbing material.
In the end, you leave the theater looking forward to the next installment. And there will be a next installment.
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