Movie Review: 5 Reasons James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is a Must-See
There are two things that James Gunn does better than just about anyone else: One is making superhero movies that can march to the beat of their drum (e.g. “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”), and the other is making over-the-top bloody action scenes so gross, but also so totally awesome! And that is what he did with “The Suicide Squad.” This film has is now on my top five favorite films for DC and here are 5 reasons why:
1. The Cast
One of the first movie's biggest strengths was the casting, and the same is true here. Alongside Davis, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Margot Robbie also return from the first film. Robbie gets to deliver her most full-blooded turn as DC's breakout star Harley Quinn and is our favorite Harley performance to date.
The newcomers include Idris Elba as hitman Bloodsport, combining natural leadership qualities with a foul-mouthed antiheroic streak. Then there is John Cena. Cena is so good and so funny as the uptight Peacemaker. Joining the fantastic cast includes Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Pete Davidson, Alice Braga, Taika Waititi, and Peter Capaldi. Everybody is perfect and having immense fun. There is not one Squad member that viewers will not fall in love with.
2. Harley Freakin’ Quinn
Harley Quinn is one of the most recognizable DC characters from the comic books, and Margot Robbie was born to play her, but I haven’t been a huge fan of the recent movies she’s been in and how she portrayed Harley — until now. This is Robbie’s best performance as Harley, and the best written and directed Harley seen on the screen to date! She is brutal, badass, a little bit crazy — but still lovable as she has a soft spot for the squad. Many of her actions in The Suicide Squad had us cheering her along!
3. Cinematography
The cinematography in this film takes everything to the next level. Nearly every scene in this movie, angles, slow-mos, was well crafted and thought out, which proves the VFX team in this film delivered! And it is made for IMAX - which brings added warmth and sharpness.
4. Action Pack + Bloody
The Suicide Squad is graphic and violent. It earns its R-rating. There are buckets of blood and gore from the time the movie even starts. The film is stunningly brutal at times, with characters torn limb for limb, blown up in graphic detail, shot, and exploded with casual ease. The entire premise of The Suicide Squad is that nobody on the team is safe, and without any spoilers - NO ONE IS SAFE!
5. Lots of Humor
And there is a lot of humor. It’s a very witty screenplay with lots of humorous back and forth among the Squad and the lines are very funny. From Harley lines to the rescuing of Rick Flag, there’s so much wit that had us laughing our butts off. Jon Cena’s Peacemaker gets one of my favorite lines when he admits “I am the Peacemaker and I’ll kill anyone who gets in my way to make peace.”
“The Suicide Squad” is easily one of the best DC comics movies. All the production levels are A-plus. The main thing, you’ll want to see “The Suicide Squad” again, and again. I can’t wait to see it again. It all be in the running for the top movie of the year! I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars!
You can watch The Suicide Squad in theaters on August 6th or HBO Max.