The Suicide Squad movie review 2021

MOVIE TITLE: The Suicide Squad

This loudly irreverent action movie from the DC Extended Universe is now available in theaters and on HBO Max.

It was released exactly 5 years after the 2016 Suicide Squad release date.

RATING: R as in HARD R!

LENGTH: 2 hours 2 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Welcome to Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A, where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out–even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin, and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then, arm them heavily and drop them on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave…and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself). If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them–all of them.

The film is directed by James Gunn, who said The Suicide Squad is the most fun film he has ever made. Warner Brothers was surprisingly supportive and allowed him to make the film he wanted. He described it as a 1970s war movie action-comedy. He wanted it to be clear that this is not a reboot of the first film, nor a sequel, but its own story.

THINGS I LIKED:

I don’t read comic books, so I was completely unfamiliar with all of the characters, except for Harley Quinn. I assumed the movie would be quirky and weird, but was surprised by how entertaining it would be.
Fantastic inro and the opening scene let you know you’d be in for a fun time.
Great introduction to the Suicide Squad.
A lot of fun humor. Not all of it lands, but the majority did for me.
I love the energetic soundtrack.
Really great performances all around. The talented cast includes some pretty big names in Hollywood such as Academy Award winner Viola Davis, Idris Elba, John Cena, Sylvester Stallone, Margot Robbie, Pete Davidson, Joel Kinnaman, Michael Rooker, Taika Waititi, and so many more.
I love that each of the characters has clear, unique personalities and skills.
As for how James Gunn got Sylvester Stallone to voice the role, it didn’t take a whole of convincing: Gunn said to him, “I wrote this role for you in The Suicide Squad. It won’t take too much of your time.” Stallone replied: “Oh yeah?” To which Gunn said, “Yeah. It’s a big, kinda chubby, human-eating shark.” Stallone replied, “Anything for you, brother.” The director tried to recreate the hammerhead shark from the 52 comic book origins, but he explained to fans on Twitter that the design just didn’t work well on film. King Shark is endearing and funny, although super violent and gory.
If you enjoy THE BOYS TV series, you’ll love this. If you think that show is too violent and gory, don’t watch this one either.
James Gunn made some positive changes to Harley Quinn’s look, getting rid of the “Rotten” tattoo that neither he nor Margot Robie liked, as well as dressing her in the class red and black she was seen wearing in the video game Batman: Arkham City – Game of the Year Edition. Margot Robie says she loves playing this character.
We get to learn a few backstories of the characters, but not all of them. The director described Ratcatcher 2 as the heart of the film. She’s played beautifully by Daniela Melchior. Notice that her father is played by director Taika Waititi!
John Cena described his character, “Peacemaker” as a “douchebag Captain America.” All of the characters are interesting enough that a spin-off feature film could be made about them.
Comic writer John Ostrander plays Dr. Fitzgibbon in the movie.
Probably the most surprising character for me was Polka-Dot Man, played by David Dastmalchian. His backstory was both touching and hilarious, creating a sad superhero with emotional trauma.
Director James Gunn used practical visual effects, which he especially enjoyed because he was tired of all the CGI-heavy effects he used in the Guardians of the Galaxy (Theatrical) movies. I love that franchise!
Great cinematography.
Keep watching after the rolling credits for a sneak peek at which of the characters is going to get a feature film next…

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There were quite a few characters I really liked and wanted to see more of, especially those that died early in the movie.
If you blink and miss the text clues about the timeline, you might be confused.
It’s extremely violent, brutal, and graphically bloody.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This movie is NOT appropriate for kids.
Lots of violence, most often with blood and gore
Super high body count. A lot of people die in brutal ways up close.
Profanity in English and Spanish, crude language, and tons of F-bombs
Crude gestures
Complete disregard for human life
You see a lot of dead bodies
You see John Cena in only his underwear (tighty whities)
Lots of rats
TONS of destruction.
Super gross images.

THEMES:

Friendship
Teamwork
Purpose
Appreciating each person’s unique skills and value
Hope
Never giving up

FUNNY LINES:

“I got road rage…in a bank.” – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)
“Millennials.” – Peacemaker (John Cena)
“We’re all going to die.” – Peacemaker John Cena “I hope so.” – Bloodsport (Idris Alba)
“I don’t like to kill people, but if I pretend it’s my mom, it’s easier.” – Polka dot man (David Dastmalchian)
“If you would be so kind to join me…” – prince guy “I’m so kind. Sure.” – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)
“Might I be frank?” – prince guy “You might be.” – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie)
“If we find out you have personalized license plates, you die.” – Harley Quinn, referring to the Joker who had a license plate that read “HAHAHA”.