“Suicide Squad”, quite literally, gave consumers nothing more than a bang for their bucks. Sadly, that was all that consumers got. “Suicide Squad” had the potential to be the number one blockbuster of summer 2016. With the general excitement and buzz surrounding it, “Suicide Squad” fizzled out, as it lacked the overall quality of a summer hit. This is particularly true when comparing the expectations of the film to the previous lackluster DC films, “Man of Steel” and “Batman v. Superman”. The film itself failed to match the hype raised by dramatic and exciting trailers featuring the memorable sounds of Queen, Twenty One Pilots, and other stellar star appearances. “Suicide Squad” can be identified as an action movie, without a doubt, but lacked the key cornerstones of the genre that more prominent superhero flicks bring to the table.
The film has a serious absence of a plot, with many gaping holes in it. Ranging from minor character flaws to unexplained events, the movie’s inconsistencies disallow the wholly enjoyable experience the public now associates with the action genre. Here are a few:
How did everyone survive a HELICOPTER crash? Like, really. The Squad was taking a lovely scenic tour through the war zone of Midway City when they were shot down. Most people wouldn’t exit a trashed aerial vehicle saying, as Harlequin does,“What a ride!”. Yes, what a ride, good for you.
If audiences failed to notice the DC character Slipknot in the movie, it’s understandable. It seems like the filmmakers did, too. Some may recall the first Squad death in the film. Captain Boomerang (whose language is generally unintelligible) and actor Adam Beach’s Slipknot were having a lovely discussion regarding the escape of their servitude when the latter attempted his escape. And was promptly terminated.
Perhaps, just maybe, the whole movie could have been avoided. Period. Let’s break it down. Amanda Waller (portrayed by the magnificent Viola Davis) says, “Hey, let’s get a team of rejects and hope for the best. What are the odds that they’ll actually do something bad?” Huh. But then her lackey, June Moone (seriously??), who Cara Delevingne somehow makes work (kinda, sorta), goes rogue. So, all in all, if Waller never cemented her asinine plan, everything would have been okay. Well, those millionaire actors have to make a living somehow…
Aside from the aforementioned inconsistencies, “Suicide Squad” had a detrimental lack of a plot. The film contained a myriad of backstories that took away from the film’s continuity; DC could have done it the Marvel way and solved some problems. Nobody had any issue (well, some people did) with the Dark Knight and Superman getting their own movies. Even a film before the Squad could’ve given the multiple backstories that “Suicide Squad” needed. It could’ve been called “Prequel of a Plot Hole”. Yeah. That’s a good name.
Despite its lack of reason the first half of the film had some sort of spark. I admit it. It was so much fun to watch the characters develop in their own little way. It was great! They all bonded together and went through team building! Yeah! And then they to go save Amanda Waller from the top of some building while the entire world was at stake. Isn’t there some order of importance? Like, hey, we may be facing apocalypse, why don’t we try to get Amanda later? Because the Squad really needs her.
To make up for the fundamentally lacking plot, some high-flying action was necessary. And it’s necessary to admit, yes, the visual effects were really good, and El Diablo’s fiery bit at the end was pretty cool. The action-packed flick was distracting enough, so one only thinks about the ridiculous holes after leaving the theater. The dialogue between the characters also featured some hilarious banter that helped with progression and the transitions from scene to scene were also enjoyable. Needless to say, most everyone enjoyed the hilarious tidbits throughout the movie.
But for everyone’s favorite, the Joker, I have mixed reviews. I feel Leto superbly portrayed the character; he performed well as an insane criminal with a touch of psychoticism. Well done. I can’t help but say, though, that there is no Joker that compares with Heath Ledger’s. He had it made. From the voice to his darkness, Ledger’s Joker had complete apathy. While Leto perfected the Joker that the Squad needed, it is a good quality of his that he does feel emotion. The plot of the film would not have progressed well if he didn’t.
By this point, perhaps it is clear for which team the author roots. Yes, MARVEL ALL THE WAY! For instance, “Captain America: Civil War” was better executed than “Suicide Squad”. “Civil War” had far fewer inconsistencies than its summer rival, and featured a better progression of events.
The audience saw more familiar characters, and where explanations were necessary, they were brief and coherent. Here’s an example: the Squad presented a plethora of new characters, most of which had an origin story that time was taken to explain. On the other hand, “Civil War” introduced the Black Panther, whose motivations for becoming active in the battle were due to his father dying when the UN was called together to solidify the Sokovia Accords. No additional backstory was needed for the Black Panther at that point; his origin story is coming out in 2018. In “Civil War”, Chadwick Boseman’s character was given motivation and a purpose throughout the film, all without a lengthy backstory.
On the whole, “Suicide Squad” presented a subpar venture in DC’s cinematic history. Though enjoyable to watch when bored or in need of entertainment, it lacks the general je ne sais quoi by which action movies of this era are defined. Perhaps the DC universe will produce better movies in the years to come, but for now, the author will stick to the reliable party, Marvel. Who’s looking forward to “Doctor Strange”?!?!