Verdict: 3/5
If you’ve seen ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and loved it, then I have little doubt you’ll lap up James Gunn’s work with ‘The Suicide Squad’.
Gunn has brought much of the comedy, underdog style battles and violence that made ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ so good to his new work with DC, and appears to be having a blast while doing it.
As we watch this collection of criminals with super powers head off for their mission, and experience all the violence and drama that comes with it, the comedic moments offer some wonderful relief.
Those with knowledge of the behind-the-scenes machinations of DC and Marvel would know there’s all sorts of expectations, demands and problems that come with films from the respective universes.
That can sometimes make these films feel like box ticking exercises to appease those with the big offices, but Gunn largely manages to avoid this with ‘The Suicide Squad’, though I dare say the final 20 minutes feels like ‘we’ve been here before’ as the predictable conclusion is reached and style is played out.
Even if you can’t get into the groove of the film, you’ll love Sylvester Stallone’s King Shark – the laughs are cheap, but they are laughs nonetheless.
And Margot Robbie? As usual, she brings an extraordinary energy to Harley Quinn, with the right mixture of laughter, empathy, skill and innocent naivety.
‘The Suicide Squad’ is fun. It’s far from the best superhero movie around, and it’s a little long at more than two hours, but it’s an enjoyable return to the movies after lockdown.
See The Suicide Squad at Hoyts Penrith.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.