The Suicide Squad Review: Following the previous film of almost the same name, ‘The Suicide Squad’ sees the return of some familiar faces. Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Viola Davis respectively reprise their roles as Harley Quinn, Colonel Rick Flag, Captain Boomerang, and Amanda Waller. Newcomers include Idris Elba as Bloodsport, John Cena as Peacemaker, Michael Rooker as Savant, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2 and David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man, while Sylvester Stallone voices King Shark. Of course, that’s not even the entire roster, but we’d run out of space merely listing them all down.
When you have such an extensive ensemble, it’s obvious some of them are disposable. However, James Gunn is a master at subversive storytelling, especially when it involves groups of colourful personalities. As the film’s writer, Gunn’s dialogue is deceptively whip-smart, luring you into false notions about certain squad members. Then, as director, he builds specific scenarios to tease outcomes and immediately throws curveballs along the way with hilarious, often shocking results. This keeps the film fresh and inventive even at a runtime of over 2 hours because it’s impossible to foresee who will make it to the end.
Implicative of their defiant stance, some of the unlikeliest villains also end up growing on you. Actors Margot Robbie and Viola Davis are probably the least surprising in this regard. The ladies continue to exceed expectations as fan-favourite Harley Quinn and one of the most devious bad ladies in Amanda Waller, respectively. Perhaps predictably, Elba’s Bloodsport makes his mark, but John Cena is remarkably efficient as Peacemaker. Often going head-to-head, the two macho men make some of the film’s best humour amidst numerous amusing sequences. Beyond heroic antics, adequate heartfelt moments come from the unlikeliest places. Daniela Melchior’s Ratcatcher 2 and David Dastmalchian’s Polka-Dot Man are examples of how well this works.
Combining whimsical fantasy, ample heart, and wit, along with bloody yet creative gore, James Gunn proves yet again why he’s amongst the best comic book storytellers working today. This is ‘The Suicide Squad’ you’ve been waiting for.
