Suicide Squad (2016) hit theaters after what seems like several years of rumors, teasers, and set photos. With David Ayer bringing his gritty west coast style filmmaking and writing (check out End of Watch or Fury) — this film was destined to finally put DC films on the map in this battle of comic book franchises. Add on the amazing cast injected with Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney, Viola Davis, and Jared Leto, we are led to believe that Suicide Squad was going to knock us down with entertainment with a quality film. How did that turn out?
No Talent Present: Every aspect that makes a good comic book film is missing in Suicide Squad. Sound editing must have been an afterthought in post-production since every scene with “background” music turned into a music video while straining to hear the important dialogue. The fight choreography was elementary at best. Fight scenes were slow and anticipated with no surprises or moments that put me on the edge of my seat. Overall direction was lacking inspiration which is probably the most disappointing aspect of the film considering David Ayer is one of the best directors on the rise who utilizes a personal touch and creates relatable stories. This downfall was very visible when the finale was ripped straight from the first Avengers (2012) film, The Amazing Spider Man (2012), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).
Missing a Beginning: Suicide Squad jumps straight into a very long second act, completely skipping a real introduction. The first 15 minutes of the film is just one long trailer that felt like a commercial before the actual film started. This created some of the worst pacing which I've seen featured in any comic book film. Not only was the second act long and drawn out but it was even difficult to pick when the third act began. You really only realize there was a third act when the end credits begin to roll.
Terrible Representation of Ensemble: Suicide Squad did not balance the multiple members of its team. This was mainly a Deadshot (Will Smith) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) movie. It was like a really weird sequel to Focus — that was supposed to be a joke...but it's true.
One Upside: This is a very bad movie, but at least the main cast did a fair job of representing these comic book characters that we all love. An extra hat-off goes to Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jai Courtney for their portrayal of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and Captain Boomerang.
Suicide Squad will go down as one of the worst installments in the new line of DC comic book movies. The film lacks a sense of purpose, along with enough talent to make it watchable.
