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SUICIDE SQUAD (2016, 123 minutes, PG-13)
The
Quick of It -
DC
has always been my fav of the top 2 megamonsters. They have a more serious tone and find darker corners to
explore. So, how well does DC attempt
at a lighter side? Well... they
probably shouldn't try so hard.
Director
David Ayer with a directorial history of FURY, SABOTAGE, and END OF WATCH was a
perfect choice to have that grittier sense of the streets, with antiheroes at
the forefront. The SUICIDE SQUAD is a
story that sings to all villainous hearts.
The government takes the worst of the worst, making a team of badasses,
and sends them into the impossible.
Such a fun concept. Here we get
to see Enchantress, Harley Quinn, El Diablo, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang,
Killer Croc, and Slipknot. They are
accompanied by Rick Flag and Katana, under the direction of Amanda Waller. Each character brings something to the
table.
I
found this to be an enjoyable film. Not
great, but worth the money. They did
well with the introductions and backstories.
The pacing was quick since there was little time left for actual scenes
to drive the plot, versus the flashbacks and character interactions to flesh
out each personality. This, I think, is
one of the studio directives imposed on these lengthy projects. Give the film the needed viewing time to
have a complete story, not shortened because they believe audience attention
spans cannot handle an extra 20 minutes.
The
hate pushed on this film is only partially called for. Again, the studios should stay away from
completed projects. The SQUAD had
reshoots to add more levity to the film, in hopes of quashing the sober stigma
DC has garnered. This led to parts
being choppy, having poor transitions between shots. But this does not make the project crumble, leaving nothing to be
desired. Critics are nothing more than
a**hats wanting attention. That may
include me... but hey... keep reading, my opinion counts.
Anyways,
the cast was a set of delightful choices.
Will Smith (Deadshot) was used as the sympathetic character, have a
strong relationship with his young daughter.
In some ways, this hurt the film.
Everyone relates to Smith's previous projects with the same formula,
making them seem a rerun. Margot Robbie
knocked the Harley role out of the park.
To me, this was like watching a highlight reel. I don't think it could have been done
better. Viola Davis exuded power and
confidence. Anyone who knows what type
of person Amanda Waller is, Davis was a perfect match. Another strong set of performances, mixed
with the right role, included Jay Hernandez (HOSTEL, QUARANTINE,
CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL) as Diablo and newbie Karen Fukuhara as Katana. The gangbanger stole my heart and was my
surprise performance. Yeah..
weird. There were some whiffs but
nothing that really mattered to me (ahem... Boomerang... cough).
The
one question everyone should be asking is Jared Leto's Joker. As one of the biggest fans of the 'Clown
Prince', did he live up to any expectations?
After mulling it over the past few days, I have to say.
"Yes". To describe him as any
one of the theatrical versions would be wrong.
He is more like the Alan Moore, "Batman: The Killing Joke", a
darker version with a twisted sense of humor.
Although, this Joker is more a street thug who rose to power than
Moore's failed comedian. Leto claims
that there were some scenes cut or clips taken from the film, but I think the
end result was a great pairing. You
have to remember, he was not the star of the film... and should not outshine
the leads. When he gets his time in the
light, we will really get a chance to test his moxie.
SUICIDE
SQUAD may not be what everyone was expecting, but who should be expecting anything,
anyways? Bunch of entitled brats if you
ask me. This lovely film had a great
soundtrack, intense battle scenes, and one heck of a 'Harley'. Need I say more...
Grade:
A
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