It’s been arough debutfor Warner Bros., DC Comics, andDavid Ayer’sSuicide Squad, but the toughest time of all has probably been had by hardcore fans of the comics, their characters, and the beleaguered cinematic universe. Those fans are understandably upset, flipping plates of chicken nuggets and swallowing LEGO Batman figures in their grief. But there’s a bright side to the gloomy reviews that have emerged forSuicide Squadso far!
Though the majority of critics, including our ownMatt Goldberg, found the antihero film to be lacking, there are a number of other reviewers out there who found plenty of positive things to say. In summation, there are heaps of praise forWill Smithas Deadshot,Margot Robbieas Harley Quinn, andViola Davisas Amanda Waller. There’s also a lot of optimism that the style and substance ofSuicide Squadis a step in the right direction for the DC Cinematic Universe at large. We’ve compiled the best of the best below:
DC Comics super-nerd and collaboratorKevin Smithposted his thoughts on Ayer andSuicide Squadon hisFacebookpage for all to see:
Wonder WomandirectorPatty Jenkinsalso chimed in onTwitter:
Now, for the opinions of some folks not quite so closely tied to Warner Bros. and DC Comics, let’s take a look at some other reviews from around the net. First up,Complex’sZach Frydenlund’sreview, which touts the performances of Smith, Robbie, and Davis, calls the movie:
[E]xactly what DC needs right now. The film is not only enjoyable and will be a commercial success, but it’s proof they’re going off the established Marvel formula: kick-ass action scenes plus witty jokes and plenty of teases for future projects.Suicide Squaddoes that in bunches, with plenty of Easter eggs to keep fanboys happy and enough intense action scenes to satisfy the casual fans at the same time. The film directly answers the issues ofBatman v Superman—those boring, action-deprived moments. Instead of getting retreads, like howBvSforced us to see Batman’s parents die AGAIN, fans get to see Batfleck square up against the Joker and Deadshot; they get to see Will Smith shoot guns while Kanye West blasts in the background.
Screenrant’sBen KendrickfoundSuicide Squadto be “a lively comic book movie – albeit one that is undermined by plot holes and uneven execution of action, character, and comedy.” Kendrick also found Smith, Davis and Robbie’s performances to be standouts:
Harley, especially, is a living-breathing version of the fan-favorite villainess and Margot Robbie manages to highlight the character’s humanity as much as her deranged mind. For all of Harley’s over-the-top antics, Ayer and Robbie ensure this version isn’t just crazy. She’s unhinged but self-aware – enough to offer insightful reflection on the irony of the team’s assignment: save a world that hates them. In a film that struggles to define certain Squad members, Harley is fully-realized, brought to life by a dynamic performance, bubbly physical comedy, and several of the film’s best lines.
Similarly, Deadshot’s journey from selfish gun-for-hire to de facto leader of the Squad keeps the movie grounded. While Lawton’s goal remains the same (care for his daughter), the crisis in Midway City affords the assassin opportunities to evolve and redefine his identity. Will Smith brings his usual charm and action chops to the role – making Deadshot a (comparatively) sympathetic entry point into the Suicide Squad, while at the same time serving up slick weapons-work and sassy digs at his teammates… Fortunately,Suicide Squadmakes good use of Waller, positioning the hardline A.R.G.U.S. commander for future appearances in the DCEU. Davis is solid in the role – presenting a Waller who is just as intimidating, manipulative, and cold-blooded as comic book fans remember.
Aback-handed positive reviewfromPhil Villarreal describes it as:
A brazen, exuberant rush of cinematic sizzle that serves as an antidote for the brooding misery of “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” ‘Suicide Squad" fuses its unlikely rogues gallery into a ridiculous but fascinating train wreck of an action flick. Director David Ayer manages to expand the interconnected DC movie world –laying the groundwork for a bevy of compelling characters that will pop up in later films – while spinning off a satisfying, self-contained one-shot.
DailyMail’sBrian Vinerfour-out-of-five-star review says:
It’s explosive, preposterous, exhilarating and like all the best films based on comic-book characters, doesn’t take itself too seriously. Indeed, there are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments.
The Mercury’sTim Martainsums it up as follows:
In all, I thoughtSuicide Squadwas a joyously deranged action flick that was great fun to watch.
It is a long way from perfect, but might have breathed a little life back into the DC Extended Universe series of movies in the wake ofBatman v Superman.
Alex DoenauofTrespass Magazinefound optimism inSuicide Squadthat the DC Cinematic Universe will hopefully carry forward:
Suicide Squadis a risk: an edgy name, an edgy campaign, a cast of characters mostly unheard of out of established DC fan circles. It’s also the first DC Extended Universe filmnotdirected by Zack Snyder, an indicator of what these movies can look and feel like without that singular vision at the helm. And, while it’s not the complete package,Suicide Squadshows a promise thatMan of Steelnever managed to muster: maybe DC movies are going to get better from here on out…Suicide Squadis the best looking and most satisfying entry of the three DC Extended Universe films to date.
Michael Smith’sTulsa Worldreview sums up the experience as follows:
Embrace the bad-guy version of being good, and how visibly uncomfortable that fit is on the members of “Suicide Squad,” and you’ll find some fun.
Peter HowellofThe Staralso seesSuicide Squadas a step in the right direction for Warner Bros.’ DC Comics' future:
Still and all,Suicide Squaddeserves to live, if only because it whets our appetite for what these super freaks will do in future chapters. Now that they’ve got the pesky introductions over with, maybe they can really get on the good foot to do the bad thing.
For more onSuicide Squad, be sure to get caught up with our recent coverage below:
