The Suicide Squad Review – The Perfect Way To Redeem The DCEU?

“The film emulates everything to do with letting loose and just being creative”

What happens when you let James Gunn literally run riot with a big budget comic book film? Well, you potentially get an absolute hit it seems! With a stellar cast, an outrageous script, and as much gore and swearing as you like…The Suicide Squad is easily the strongest entry into Warner Bros’ DCEU.

The film follows the same principles as David Ayer’s less-than-successful Suicide Squad back in 2016. Amanda Waller has villainous inmates of Belle Reeve penitentiary roped into fulfilling life threatening missions. In return for this? Ten years off each of their prison sentences. Fail to succeed or attempt to flee? A micro-explosive will make short work of them. Sounds simple enough, right?

This particular mission sees the officially named Task Force X headed to the fictional Corto Maltese (nice Batman ’89 reference) to destroy Nazi-era laboratory Jötunheim, base of the secretive “Project Starfish”. As you can expect, the mission doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. This outing’s tone is much grittier and fitting of a 70’s war film. You know from the off that you’re in for a rougher ride than seen before.

Director James Gunn publicly noted that no one should get too attached to any of the Squad members. It’s safe to say, he wasn’t kidding. Unexpected deaths run amok throughout the story, but it doesn’t take away from the star studded line-up. Big names such as SNL‘s Pete Davidson and Firefly‘s Nathan Fillion are included, but there’s no doubt who the standout characters are.

Idris Elba’s Robert DuBois/Bloodsport acts as a perfect replacement for Will Smith’s Deadshot from the previous film. With similar character traits and goals, plus more ruggedness, Elba is a welcome addition. Other new additions include Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher 2, David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man, Sylvester Stallone’s King Shark and Peter Capaldi’s Thinker. Without giving away too much, Melchior gives us the true heart of the soul of the story and Dastmalchian turns a low-level comic book villain into someone you root for. This is all whilst Stallone provides the lovable factor and Capaldi mixes his Doctor Who and Malcolm Tucker characters to create a ruthless scientist.

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Oh, there is also the introduction of John Cena’s Peacemaker. He does serve his purpose as an outlandish Captain America. But unfortunately, Cena doesn’t play around with the role as much as he could have. Hopefully this can be fixed in his solo series on HBO Max.

We of course also have the return of the ever-popular Harley Quinn played by Margot Robbie and Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag. Just when you think there couldn’t be more layers to peel back on The Joker’s ex, we get her as outrageous as ever. Funnier also. In the case of Flag, Kinnaman gets much more to do. He has more fun, is less two dimensional and also gives us one of the most emotional moments in the movie.

Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller doesn’t have as much to say or do as in the last film. However, when she is on screen she is on screen. She steals her scenes and her ferocity is doubled up from the last instalment. This is a Waller I wouldn’t want to f*ck with.

The overall plot is simple to follow thank god. It doesn’t play too much on the previous film to call it a sequel, but also doesn’t forget everything to call it a reboot. Gunn truly proves that he is a magician with storytelling and can pull anything off simply. You won’t come out with your head on swivel like with Batman V Superman or 2016’s Suicide Squad. Even with a lot mis-direction and some big plot twists, if you pay attention you’ll enjoy every step of the story. Gunn also leans heavily into the graphic novel side of things by splitting the story with headings, just like volumes in a comic book. A fresh and easy way to follow the story.

The only side of Gunn’s story that is maybe overkill is the destruction and blood splattering. We get that this is an action packed film and is played out like a war epic in some ways, but there is sometimes too much which feels a bit gimmick-y. As much as we’ve never seen so much rubble and destruction fill up a screen before, the gritty tone can still be overplayed. However, it is the only slight fault in this regard.

You also need to remember that this is a James Gunn film, and with that comes a killer soundtrack. Just like his time at Marvel, the director ensures his film has you tapping your foot from start to finish and there isn’t a missed opportunity for the perfect song to play. Always trust in this guy to fit the genre and tone with a fitting tune.

All in all, this is a perfect re-entry for both the DCEU and James Gunn with a different side of the comic book world. The film emulates everything to do with letting loose and just being creative. Everything from the characters and dialogue to the plot points and cinematography leap out and scream “this is something new”.

Mark this (hopefully) as a signed, sealed, delivered promise that Warner Bros. are going to trust in their filmmakers and let them complete their mission (pardon the pun). For a rating, there’s no question – 9.2/10.

The Suicide Squad is currently in cinemas worldwide and exclusively on HBO Max in the US.