Critics have been tearing apart the new DC comics antihero themed movie “Suicide Squad” since it premiered weeks ago, and although I had been anticipating the movie for months, the negative feedback lead me to expect the worst of the worst. Half expecting to leave disappointed, that was not the case. So before you refuse to give the movie a chance, listen up.
1. It’s based on a comic book
What did you expect, for this movie to compare to high standard films such as Shawshank Redemption or The Godfather? Clearly not. This movie is based on a comic book, people. Obviously I’m not saying that this was doomed from the start, I’m just saying critics are acting as if this movie was going to be up for an Oscar this upcoming year. Not the case. It was light and fun in the darkest and craziest of ways, it was enchanting (no pun intended) with a twist of absolute insanity.
2. Considering the behind the scenes drama, it did what it could
Rushed production, cut scenes, change in direction, etc. Hollywood was gossiping for months about the many complications the movie had while editing the final project together. Deciding last minute to head in a more comical direction, writers had to suddenly write in jokes to add a lighter flair. Jared Leto came forward claiming a lot of the Joker scenes were cut from the film, unable to give the character a fighting chance. When it comes down to it, there was so much information that needed to be explained in the movie that had the writers kept it all, you would have been sitting there for more than just a couple hours.
3. You don’t need to be a comic fanatic to understand the movie
Often times with superhero/comic book movies they throw you into the film expecting to already know a little of the backstory. From the very beginning you’re walked through each villain’s backstory and why they became the way they are. For example, I had no idea going into the film the character of Harley Quinn, once the doctor of the Joker, became the psychotic child-minded girl due to her love and dedication for the Joker himself.
4. The cast
There is no denying this cast was killer. Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne (although her character has been argued part of the films downfall), Scott Eastwood, Viola Davis. Come on. Viola. Davis. It doesn’t get much better than that. Margot Robbie plays the twisted now-psycho-once-psychiatrist-turned-baby-doll Harley Quinn as perfect as one could. Jared Leto, in my opinion, excelled when he stated he would not try to beat out Heath Ledger, Cesar Romero, and Jack Nicholson as the “best Joker,” yet transformed the character altogether, giving the Joker an almost completely different backstory. Each character clearly gave it their all, which is something to appreciate.
5. Its portrayal of villains
Finally there is a movie that shows you the flipped perspective of heroes vs. villains. Batman is viewed as the bad guy, and the assassin Deadshot, played by Will Smith, is suddenly a character you’re secretly rooting for. El Diablo, a former gang member who has fire-conjuring powers with such a sad back story that you actually feel bad for him, realizing he as well as the rest of the villains, has a heart. "Suicide Squad" approaches villains in a better light, forcing you to fall in love with the characters and viewing them in a more humane perspective. It also left you with a craving for more of the evil, hoping for sequels and spin-offs.
6. It left you with a few giggles
I can’t deny "The Dark Knight" wasn’t a fantastic movie, because it totally was. It’s obviously very dark and morbid, and a lot of critics expected "Suicide Squad," being a movie about antihero villains to follow in that same, more serious and dark pattern. Au contraire. As I stated before, the writers changed the direction the movie was going in and reshot a lot of parts to add some comedic flair to the film. Whenever the movie got too serious, too cheesy, too superhero-y, there was a great satirical joke or witty remark written in to give it just the right amount of fun to it.
