2nd Time's the Charm

*WARNING SPOILERS*

A review of Suicide Squad

Okay, so where do I begin? I've seen this film twice at the cinema now. The first time, I was buzzing with excitement from; reading spoiler free reviews, watching cast interviews and seeing promotional pictures EVERYWHERE. Everything Suicide Squad, I wanted to know. In taking in so much knowledge of the film before watching it, I think it allowed me to appreciate the picture more than someone that may not have fallen into the vat of DC publicity. For my first viewing of this new take on Superhero films, I was in 4DX. For anyone that doesn't know what that is, basically the chairs move, lights flash, wind blows through the room, and you even get sprayed with water at times (it's a great experience and I recommend you try it at least once). Anyway, so there I was in my special 4DX seat and it wasn't even 2 minutes into the film before I knew it was going to be good. At the beginning, the DC logo spins and, being in a movable chair, so did I. Then came the first of numerous perfectly chosen and placed songs (the opening number being "House of the rising sun"). The hairs on my back stood up and I just sat in awe for the rest of the film. 

My thoughts from my first viewing were as follows: Great cast, phenomenal effects and fight scenes but what the hell was the plot? My brother had a nice way of summing the film up, "It was so close to being amazing that it was annoying". Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it so, so, so much but the way the plot had been put together was painful to watch at times. It was like they had a folder full of best bits and just tried to put them in some order that would create a hint of a narrative. To say I was confused would be an understatement; I honestly thought that the Suicide Squad were recruited to save Rick Flag, because the actor looked so different from shot to shot (I later found out this was down to the re-shoots and them forgetting that hair grows).

Now move forward in time a week. I had a whole 7 days to reflect on my opinions and read more information on what made the film what it was. In those 7 days my enjoyment of the parts I did understand and like only grew stronger and when it came to the second viewing it felt like I was watching it for the first time. However, this time I knew the plot and I wanted to focus on all the things around the loosely constructed story. Let's just say, I walked out that theatre with a huge grin on my face and the inability to shut up for a good 2 hours. Going that second time allowed me to watch the film and fully enjoy the creation put before me, instead of trying to follow every single element of the plot. If there is anyone out there who is on the edge of liking it, go and see it again. I promise you a second time round will tip you right into the "loved it" category.

It's now been around a week since I saw the film; I'm still reading articles and watching videos (I even bought temporary tattoos that relate to each of the characters). I've been able to gather all my thoughts and I officially want to say I love the film. The casting was perfect and I truly felt each of the actors were their roles. I especially liked Jai Courtney (Boomerang) and of course the stunning Margot Robbie who threw herself completely into bringing Harley Quinn to the big screen for the first time. Her performance was definitely the highlight of the entire film and while there were times which upset me about her character (like the over-the-top "voices in my head" sequence or the fact she was literally the most femme fatale character I have ever laid my eyes upon), I highly appreciated her take on the therapist-turned-insane partner of the notorious Joker. Speaking of the Joker, I can't do this review without mentioning Jared Leto's take on the character. Going back to a more Comic version of the villain, Leto offered what seemed like a more controlled, businessman version. Personally, I did like Leto in the role but I feel like the main reason why a lot of people aren't taking to his performance is because he was cut from so much of the film. If we'd got to see more of him and more of the effort that Leto seemed to put into the role I think more people would have taken to him just like they took to Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008). Not going to lie, I could easily sit through an R-rated Joker film with Leto as the lead.

One scene which really stands out to me is just after Harley has jumped from the crashing plane and she waits for the squad on top of a car. She has lost her "puddin" and in that moment you can see the pain and vulnerability in her eyes. As the squad moves towards her no one tries to fight her or jab a harsh comment at her. Instead, she is the one to offer a broken smile and jump right back into the action. I loved this because it showed the character to still feel emotions. More times than none, someone who kills as much as her would be portrayed as having no emotions at all. Even Dead shot says he "can't feel love and still sleep at night" to which Harley replies "classic textbook psychopath". In that response alone you see Harleen Quinzel still in there and it allows for us as viewers to connect with the character and feel more satisfied when she does see The Joker again. 

I think what DC have succeeded in doing is creating a new team of anti-heroes who we like more than our stereotypical ones. I might be alone in saying this but if there is a Justice League Vs Suicide Squad film, I am rooting for the latter. Hopefully, the sequel will be given an R-rating so it can be darker and show more of the villainous sides to the characters because sometimes they did come across as too nice but maybe thats just how it seems in our desensitised world. You could have killed hundreds of people but if you have a daughter who you help with her math homework, i'm on your side.

Thank you for reading,

Haynes.