Let’s talk about a movie that’s been getting a bad reputation since its premiere date; Suicide Squad. On Aug. 7, the DC Extended Universe welcomed the worst team of good guys into the world, and boy had we been waiting for them. The entire world looked forward to this release. Let’s just face it, villains always do it better, and these were the best of the best. Of course when the release date fell upon humanity we might have reacted in a chaotic way. This way probably consisted of cosplaying the super villains themselves, wearing all the memorabilia imaginable, and camping out; because what’s an anticipated premiere without a camp out?
Once all was said and done, Suicide Squad racked up $678 million worldwide and set new box office records. Unfortunately, Suicide Squad also fell victim to a many of negative critics and reviews; they are still strongly circulated today. To a regular movie goer, this movie could be a little hard to understand. All they know is that The Joker and Harley Quinn are making an appearance. To the true comic book fans, this movie has been on our minds since the first teaser trailer was released at the San Diego Comic Con by Director David Ayer.
The world received an all exclusive look into the DC Extended Universe, and all it did was make them wish a year would go by faster. Multiple trailers, character profiles, and other little treats gave a small introduction to a team of super villains that wormed their way into our hearts, like a bad cold in the winter. The only way you could cure that cold is to watch the Suicide Squad and see who these nefarious characters really are. For those that only follow the DC movies, it would be difficult to really appreciate the characters in the movie. That audience would be used to movies that set the plot in real cities, going through genuine issues that create a realistic plot. They wouldn’t appreciate the traditional comic book styles going on in this movie.
The chiaroscuro within the movie creates immense contrast and gives the Suicide Squad it’s dark and chilling moments. Most of the movies scenes are set up in dark and dreary places, where the light of the sun has no purpose; the mission they’re assigned in the movie is done during the night time. Every shadow and light detail plays to the idea that this group of rag tag super villains can’t be seen, yet they’re the heroes in the story. The constant explosions and neck breaking transitions from present mission turmoil to individual character flashbacks can be a bit much, however that’s how a comic works.
The work done to properly introduce the characters came through, and it also added to the element that the Suicide Squad is mostly responsible for which is comedic relief. It highlighted the comedy that each villain can bring to the table. Many argued that the Joker didn’t receive enough time in the movie, but let’s remember that this movie is called the Suicide Squad, and only Harley Quinn is directly involved. This movie focuses on her adventures with her team of bad men and women, not her relationship with the Joker. It was a trick used to lure in the audience, and it worked. However, the true staples of this DC movie have to be appreciated. The character profiles are strong and the Ayer created a true to comic book style movie. It’s not what the world is used too, and certainly not what they expected. That’s why Suicide Squad will be a classic and is an extraordinary movie.
