Warning this article contains spoilers for "Suicide Squad".
One of the most anticipated films of 2016, "Suicide Squad" was released last week on August 5th. Surrounded by hype since its development was announced over 2 years ago, comic book and movie fans alike were salivating to see the film was that said to be the savior of the DC Film Universe, "The Avengers" darker counterpart, a fun and wild ride to see summer out. Unfortunately the film did not live up to these expectations, and honestly tanked. While "Squad" ranked in massive amounts of money its opening weekend, the reviews were less than favorable. Currently at 26% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is being burned by critics everywhere. Having seen it myself during opening weekend, I agree with the majority of the reviews. Many fans are upset that critics are biased, claiming that they do not understand comic book film adaptations. But, I can say as a comics fan with full confidence that the film is just bad. From the film's awkward opening, to the ridiculous ending, I found myself anticipating the movies end so I could be done with the mess that I paid for.
Plot
Described as a cross between the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, "Suicide Squad" is the story of bad people (villains of the DC universe, particularly foes of Batman) being used by the United States government as clean up forces. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) uses the villains that currently incarcerated to essentially clean up her messes. The team is disposable. No one cares if they die, and if they disobey their leader, Rick Flag (Joel Kinnerman), they are killed on the spot. On paper, the story sounds intriguing and interesting. This was not the case in the film's execution. Honestly, I couldn't tell you the what the story of "Suicide Squad" was, because I'm pretty sure the writer/director David Ayer knew either. The plot is muddled, their is not clear direction or endgame. The movie just barely trudges along for two hours and three minutes.
Characters
Touted as featuring a cast of "bad people doing bad things" "Squad" was expected to have the worst of the worst. Characters that have done bad things, and do not care about redemption. Well, was I surprised. For some reason films tend to shy away from having bad people in the spotlight. They cannot have their protagonists be one-note villains. Deadshot, a ruthless assassin played by Will Smith is given a daughter, a stale attempt at making him sympathetic that comes off an annoying rather than touching. Dr. June Moon, played by Cara Delevigne has no character development whatsoever, and is used a pawn and reason for Rick Flag to even be involved in the squad. Her ancient counterpart, the goddess Enchantress is a pathetic excuse for a villain. The only standout is Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie steals every scene she's in. Robbie's work as Quinn makes up for the lack of effort from her other co-starts. However, the writing surrounding Harley is stale and a little sexist. Harley is seen as the "sexy, crazy one", none of her character layers from the comics and animated series are presented. Seen as the Joker's personal sex-toy, Harley just wants to get back to the Joker for most of the film. Also, apparently a baseball bat can fight ancient, mystical beings! Good to know.
Jared Leto as the Joker
Jared Leto, an Academy Award winner actor, and mystical heartthrob plays the Joker. Known for never breaking character during the entirety of filming and pulling crazy, Joker-esque stunts, his performance was hotly anticipated. What a letdown that was. Leto is barely in the film, and when he is, his scenes make no sense, and weigh the plot down. His interpretation of the Joker was grating and not the Joker. Made to look like a leader of a drug cartel in 2016, any trace of the infamous villain was gone. I am not afraid for an actor to put a different spin on a character, but the spin Leto did was horrible. He wasn't the Joker, he was a combination of Captain Jack Sparrow, and man doing a bad Heath Ledger from "The Dark Knight" impression.
Overall, "Suicide Squad" was a mess. There was not a clear plot, defined characters, the effects were bad, and the fight scenes looked like they were choreographed by a five year old. I was excited for "Suicide Squad", I thought it would be the answer to DC's prayers. What a disappointment.
