Suicide Squad (2016?)

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Summer 2016 movies have been straight trash. The only movie I've enjoyed this summer is Star Trek. I'll probably see this tonight though and hope to be at least entertained.

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[Blzer]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

In theater right now, though it doesn't start for 45 minutes. It's an IMAX 3D showing, getting pretty stoked. Only problem is guy next to me is dressed like Leto Joker. Aurora is flashing through my mind, no joke.

[Blzer]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Security is really tight around here. Adrenaline just got the best of me is all. Came to this area early to beat any traffic, so I caught Star Trek Beyond beforehand which was a fun ride. This seems like the perfect follow-up. Five more minutes!

[The JareBear]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Security is really tight around here. Adrenaline just got the best of me is all. Came to this area early to beat any traffic, so I caught Star Trek Beyond beforehand which was a fun ride. This seems like the perfect follow-up. Five more minutes!

The sounds like a fun night, I'm jealous

[Blzer]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Okay, ya'll strapped in? Let's go!

There's no reason the OS crowd won't like this movie. You know what you're getting into, just don't expect anything different and you'll be set. If you saw the trailers and said, "That's a movie I want to see," you should see it, and see it in a theater where everyone else is there for the same reason. No excuses! Now I'm not going to say that you need to see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before this, but this does run chronologically after and is aware of that film's events.

THE REST IS NOT SPOILERS, IT'S JUST LONG.

Spoiler

Driving home, I was trying to relate this film to something without really spoiling it, and I think I got it. It's your favorite rock band coming out with a new pop single: unconventional yet somehow still works, performs on its own merits even if there is another collection that it is just another piece of, and not something that you're hoping they become over the long haul. So when I judge this film, I have to do it both as a standalone and as a piece of the DC universe.

In some ways, I really wish this was a standalone film. Some people already know some of my earlier concerns about playing too much with villains as protagonists (and I won't reveal how it ends of course), but aside from that this one can get so lost in the wave of all of these other comic book movies that it doesn't get rewarded for doing what it did. Again, the appeal of this film is already sold to the audience before they see the film, then all that's left is to watch it. Ten years ago before Iron Man came out, this movie would have eaten the critics up. No one would have ever dared to do this kind of movie. Now, the risk is so low that I think critics feed off that and expect only perfect execution to truly separate it. Anyway, I think Suicide Squad is a great standalone film and just wish this found its own moment in the sun.

As a part of the entire universe, there are good and bad things that come into play. By the time the movie is over, you get to know the characters. This is good, because many CBM's have the villain's origin come in during the same time frame that the movie starts as well, rushing things in such a strange way. Also, these are more so antiheroes than they are villains. These aren't "world domination" types. It would be weird if we see any of the JLA taking on any of these guys though, that's all I can say. I wouldn't be in favor of a Suicide Squad 2 really; there is only so much you can stretch this kind of movie with these kinds of characters, and although they didn't maximize every character to its potential, it would lose its appeal fast giving it another go (besides the fact that story-wise it probably wouldn't make much sense, or at least not the sense you'd want it to make).

You get in trouble when you start comparing this film to the Marvel universe. I think they took the reception of the ultra serious MoS and BvS and said, "We want to add a little flair to this project." They have their own sense of humor here, completely unlike Marvel's. They are two different pieces of entertainment completely. Movie-wise, obviously it's most like Guardians of the Galaxy ("band of misfits" approach), though of course on Earth. Strangely enough also, though Deadshot and Harley Quinn both have the abilities of Hawkeye and Black Widow respectively, they get the Iron Man & Captain America treatment. They get the most lines, run the show, get many exchanges with each other, and provide bits of humor that pertain to their characters and their experiences.

So, let's get into the movie. The more recent trailers is what this film is really like. It is fast. It hits the ground running immediately. The first half of the movie kind of really just acts like the trailers. Lots of one-liners, lots of cuts that either **** up the timeline or switch different settings within a scene, and holy hell you have a killer soundtrack of classic rock songs that just never wants to let up (no Ballroom Blitz sadly). It is fun. You will love it. I won't say the second half fully turns a 180, but it simply shifts gears because the story progresses into the mission. If there's one way to really contrast this to other CBM's, it doesn't have the luxury of having like five fight scenes in all different locations. No, this takes place more in real time once the mission starts.

When I was first hesitant about the 100-minute run time, I started to realize how much it made sense once I saw this is the kind of film they had to make. It wouldn't have worked doing a film where there is action on different days in different places, etc. That being said, I wasn't a fan of the mega-enemy. One of the only things that brought the film down. It's funny though because I was saying how future DC films won't have an issue of "becoming the enemy" within the film, but this one had that exact issue. The villain in this film is terrible, for spoiler reasons I cannot say but there are a lot of negative things with this film involving the villain that bring it down as a whole in the narrative. I have one other little quibble, but it'll be saved for spoiler talk after others have watched the film. Of course, my issue would only be resolved through rewriting the entire end of the film, which would of course affect the universe going forward.

Okay, onto the parts you all care about: the characters and the actors who played them. I already mentioned Deadshot and Harley Quinn, and like most will feel these were the standouts. Will Smith and Margot Robbie kill it. The thing with Will Smith though is he is playing Will Smith... and whether Ayer wrote Deadshot with Smith in mind or whether he got control of his character on the script and ad-libbed some lines is uncertain, but if he ever shows up in another film it's going to be weird to see us rooting against him. Robbie on the other hand was just tasty. She looks like she had the most fun on set for sure. Take these two away (either the actors or characters), and you have a significantly less compelling flick.

Unfortunately, many other characters don't get as great of a combination of both exposure and backstory as these guys do. Characters like Killer Croc get a lot to do (who if he is your "Hulk" is much different of course, and he was fun) and you get to learn a lot about Diablo, but then an interesting character like Captain Boomerang who is always in the background, trying to do one-liners with the boring and useless Katana. The actor who played Rick Flag did the best he could and it was probably better that it wasn't a standout name like Tom Hardy, and Cara Delevingne was excellent as Enchantress, though she comes in more than one form and I was really not digging one of them.

Oh yeah, The Joker was there too. I'll just go ahead and say he is not the centerpiece of the film to begin with as Heath Ledger's portrayal in The Dark Knight, and it's a completely different character anyway. Pretty much a gangster who has a little more order than chaos, and seems to "want to be crazy" rather than truly being a lost soul who is just aimlessly wandering around the city. It's basically like criminal versus terrorist, and he is more on the criminal side of things. Jared Leto was fine, but I don't think he really was asked to do that much either. I like Leto's dynamic with Robbie, though. Should his character live on for a standalone Batman film (and why not?), I'm expecting more and I hope I get it.

So ultimately, Ayer has a good ground attack, not resorting to many "Oh man, did you see that?" kind of moves and more so just pushing the story forward with the action. It was a weak narrative for sure, but the team chemistry more than made up for it. Good or bad, this squad would be the scariest to face when turning the corner down a dark alley compared to JLA, Avengers, Guardians, X-Men, F4 and Deadpool crew. Lights out creepy, especially when you include The Joker in that list.

In my heart, I know that an R-rated version of this would have been better only if they used it in places where necessary as opposed to going with an R-rating and abusing it, but they're not limiting too much with the PG-13 rating either. This tone is nowhere near MoS or BvS. It is a far different style, and is pure octane. Very loud film, lots of gunfire and explosions.

So that's it! By the way, there is a mid-credits scene and no after-credits scene.

[The JareBear]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Thanks for your impressions

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I thought it was fun. It did get a bit messy in editing but I forgot about that because I loved Harley and Deadshot so much. Amanda Waller was perfect too.

He had a short appearance but Joker was great too. I can't wait to see more Joker and Harley together.

Didn't like the villain and the plot is pretty much what you expect in team up super movies.

The rest of the squad was fine too and this is probably the first time ever I liked Jai Courteney in something.

Overall, I give it a 7.5 and hope we see more of these guys.

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[Stormyhog]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I thought it was fun. It did get a bit messy in editing but I forgot about that because I loved Harley and Deadshot so much. Amanda Waller was perfect too.

He had a short appearance but Joker was great too. I can't wait to see more Joker and Harley together.

Didn't like the villain and the plot is pretty much what you expect in team up super movies.

The rest of the squad was fine too and this is probably the first time ever I liked Jai Courteney in something.

Overall, I give it a 7.5 and hope we see more of these guys.

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I'll be seeing the film tomorrow. Do you think we'll see an ultimate cut like BvS?

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I'll be seeing the film tomorrow. Do you think we'll see an ultimate cut like BvS?

Yeah I believe so. There was some stuff that did not flow well between scenes.

I got so hyped thinking about a Joker/Harley Batman film. I honestly think they can pull off where Joker and Harley are the main focus of the film and Batman is a secondary character. That could shake up some things but its probably something that would not happen.

[LionsFanNJ]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I have a feeling this movie is going to be a case where the critics and movie viewers have starkly different views about. People who have seen it like RockinTheMike and Blzer said its nowhere near as bad as reviews make it to be.

personally, i just need Harley being crazy, joker being Joker for his little screen time(Leto has already come out and said they shot a lot more, but was cut so DAMMIT), and Deadshot shooting **** and i'll be happy.

[Blzer]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I have a feeling this movie is going to be a case where the critics and movie viewers have starkly different views about. People who have seen it like RockinTheMike and Blzer said its nowhere near as bad as reviews make it to be.

personally, i just need Harley being crazy, joker being Joker for his little screen time(Leto has already come out and said they shot a lot more, but was cut so DAMMIT), and Deadshot shooting **** and i'll be happy.

Then you'll be happy.

I think the critics are really falling in tune with the lazy plot writing. The characters themselves are fine (remember though exposure is not very evenly balanced, like X-Men), but ultimately the villain is poopoo and the "coming to be" might be even worse.

Ultimately, when it finishes, it doesn't do anything too groundbreaking either as a standalone film or as a piece of a larger universe. I mean it works into the universe itself, but it doesn't separate itself from the herd when it had a big chance to given its characters.

But no, it's not a bad movie.

[Blzer]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I'll be seeing the film tomorrow. Do you think we'll see an ultimate cut like BvS?

I don't know how much adding content will help the mission-half of the film, but if they add to the first half of the film I would be interested in a completely alternate cut that layers the story in proper chronological order. I think if they added and extended scenes, that would be a very interesting way to see the film so it isn't as whiz-bang right out the door. I'm telling you, that first half plays straight up like the trailer. Might even out the pacing a little bit within the last half.

I wonder how Leto found out how much was cut from the film though. I'm sure his agent could have told him (or Ayer, or anybody else who was on set and watched his every take), but he has stated he doesn't watch his own films. Personally, I don't know if I would either. I wouldn't want to get in my head as an actor and be self-conscious about things. Probably would have to stay off the Internet too heh.

[Jm0ney2001]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Down to 29%. We'll see what the user reviews come in at.

[Leon]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

Just caught it 2 hours ago and if you enjoy puddin' like Harley, then you're gonna enjoy Suicide Squad. Is it groundbreaking? Hell nah! Is the plot amazing? Nope! Is it funny? For the most part, yeah! The story is simple -- so no BvS confusion here -- and we simply move from point A to B. It does it in an entertaining way, especially Harley. If you don't know squat about Deadshot, you'll learn to like him (thanks, Will Smith!). Viola Davis IS Amanda Waller. Back to Harley, my god, Margot Robbie brings her to life. I absolutely cannot wait to see more of her.

What about the Joker? From the little we see of him, he's good. Very different from all the live-action incarnations of the Joker and something I'm looking forward to in the future. I like Leto's Joker laugh -- more sinister and a bit monstrous was the vibe I got. The rest of the cast get their funny moments and the spotlight, except for one -- which most people will see why from the get-go.

The badder guy, to be blunt, is basically Thor 2 level bad. Then again, we don't really need it, since it's really just a plot device.

I do agree with the criticism that the movie REALLY rushes thru the beginning and the editing is a bit wack, so, once again, a lot of people will be curious if there's going to be an "Ultimate Cut" with this as well. Unlike BvS though, you don't get lost in the story.

My rating? I liked it! Numerically, probably 6-7/10.

Oh yes, mid-credits sequence. Stay in those seats.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Suicide Squad (2016?)

I have a feeling this movie is going to be a case where the critics and movie viewers have starkly different views about. People who have seen it like RockinTheMike and Blzer said its nowhere near as bad as reviews make it to be.

personally, i just need Harley being crazy, joker being Joker for his little screen time(Leto has already come out and said they shot a lot more, but was cut so DAMMIT), and Deadshot shooting **** and i'll be happy.

You will be happy. I didn't know that Joker scenes were cut out, I really liked Leto's version.