The Suicide Squad: sadistically comical
(Spoiler Free)
Let me start by saying this is thoroughly more enjoyable, and an overall improved film compared to its predecessor. If you are looking for some remarkably graphic, gory and gruesome sadistic entertainment, The Suicide Squad is the kind of film for you.
I’ll start off with a brief look at some of my favourite characters. Pete Davidson’s appearance at the start provided some early laughs, this was rather welcome as success isn’t always found when incorporating someone who is primarily a comedian, however, this was certainly an exception to the rule.
Peacemaker, John Cena’s character, consistently provided ironic laughter. I couldn’t help but laugh when he announces “I cherish peace with all of my heart. I don’t care how many men, women and children I kill to get it” – utterly riotous. To me this seemed like a manifestation of the anti-America political climate, given his patriotically coloured outfit. His character certainly provided a criticism for America’s past transgressions and various duplicitous shenanigans in foreign nations, conveyed in a comical manner.
I think the reason why the film appealed more this time around is in part due to their ironies. This is the case with the aforementioned Peacemaker, but holds true for a loveable yet vicious shark, and a deadly assassin fearful of rats. Coupling this with a fixed perspective (for the most part – minus Quin’s little adventure in the city), the story becomes more engaging. Forget exposition haplessly plugged at the start, we want to see things from characters perspectives to learn how they react, and consequently how they are as an individual.
About two thirds of the way through my viewing, however, I did have a contemplative moment, where at one point I realised that I am literally watching superheroes trying to save the world from a giant bloody starfish… If that doesn’t say something about Hollywood right now, I don’t know what does. I’d like to think, perhaps optimistically, that this was a somewhat Tropic Thunder intended style parody, where the movie is very much aware of what it wants to be, instead of trying to be something it is not.
I did relish in a brief Peter Capaldi ‘Malcom Tucker’ moment with a rant that could have been taken straight from The Thick of It. He was well placed as a villain, though I did find this performance a little underwhelming when contrasted with the said BBC show.
That said, the movie undoubtedly knows what it is, and is a vast improvement on Suicide Squad (confusingly named, I know). I would have to give this a rough 7 out of 10 overall, but an 9 for enjoyability, so money well spent at the cinema if you ask me.
