Suicide Squad movie Review

DC Comics seem to have responded to many accusations that in DC films, there is less action than in Marvel Studios movies. Although I doubt that they were responding to these criticisms intentionally, Suicide Squad is just that. This movie is an almost completely non stop action comic movie following the band of criminals that Amanda "The Wall" Waller "frees" temporarily under the direction of Col. Rick Flag to combat major metahuman problems that now face fearful governments all over the world since Superman revealed himself to the world following the attacks by General Zod (in this continuum of the DC universe). The implanted bomb in their necks assures their good behavior. I liked the way this movie showcased little known c list and d list villains, while throwing in a few b listers, although Joker has never been below A list and Harley has climbed her way up into a highly recognizable face of DC villainy over the years. I felt everyone did well portraying the different characters, yes even Jared Leto's Joker, which has been getting a lot of flak in the media and social media circles. I especially loved the nods to the animated movie Assault on Arkham. If you haven't seen it ; please do so immediately!

Here is a basic run down of my thoughts on some main characters and their portrayal by the actors. We'll start with the most controversial. Joker.

Joker: Before I get into Jared Leto's version of the Joker, please allow a bit of history on the character first. The overseer of these last three DC movies (this one included) is DC writer Geoff Johns, who has been tasked with transferring the content of the DC comics to the big screen. Jared Leto's Joker doesn't seem to jive here, but it does, because no one really knows who the Joker is. You have basically three Jokers. Golden Age (1938-1950) Joker where he is a typical mobster with a sadistic comedic twist killing his enemies and leaving his calling card on victims: a burned smile on the face. Also, he makes masks out of his victims faces. A real psychopath serial killer. Silver Age Joker was affected by the self imposed Comics Code Authority starting in 1954, which pretty much banned acts of horrific violence from being in comics. That is why you see in comics from 1954 to about 1970 more monsters in comics that heroes have to fight instead of other people. The Joker himself during this period in comics actually stopped being a criminal for a time after receiving an inheritance, which turned out to be counterfeit. During this age in comics, the Joker focused on stealing money and pranks with gadgets like the flower that spits knockout gas and the bang bang gun that does nothing. It was the family kid friendly Joker. He didn't kill anyone during this period in comics. Bronze age starting in 1970 saw the Joker murdering again and he hasn't stopped. Also, the comic delved more into the psychology of all the characters, from Joker to Batman. Issue in the Modern Age and The Dark Knight Returns four issue series in 1986 by Frank Miller. Dark Knight Returns fleshes out the Joker and his psychological state. So movie wise, you have three Jokers : Cesar Romero's Joker where he doesn't kill anyone, Jack Nicholson's Joker who is pretty much the Golden Age Joker, and then Heath Ledger's totally chaotic Joker, which is of course from Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns. Where does Jared Leto's Joker fit into this? He is kind of a mix of Golden Age and Modern Age Joker : Nicholson and Ledger with a modern thug twist. Gone are the days of slick dressed mobsters that control the streets driving their Cadillacs. Now, its thuggish gangs that roam around fighting over territory violently. There is no real order to it all. As such, I think that Jared Leto's Joker fits perfectly into a present modern interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime. Also, in referring to Dark Knight Returns again, Jason Todd was killed by the Joker, then revived in the Lazarus Pitt.

He comes back as the Red Hood, a mantle passed down by different criminals. What if Leto's Joker is Jason Todd? I think this theory is not out of the realm of possibility. Consider the spray painted Robin suit in Superman VS Batman: "HaHAhAhA: The jokes on you, Batman". Geoff Johns had an interview where he explained the Robin costume: Geoff Johns Interview Also, the tattoos of Leto's Joker featured a robin and a J, his first initial. Jared Leto's portrayal is what was wanted and I think he delivered it perfectly. Heath Ledger , however is still my favorite.

Harley Quinn : Make no mistake. This was Harley Quinn's breakout movie and in my opinion, Margot Robbie nailed the role. She obviously did her homework on this character, and owns it. She is the star of the show, and deserves this status for her beautiful portrayal of one of DC's most loved villains. I look forward to seeing her portraying Harley hopefully in many more movies, especially if DC decides to make Suicide Squad a movie series. If they don't ; it would be a shame and a stupid move.

Amanda "The Wall" Waller: I was worried about the portrayal of Amanda Waller after seeing who they picked to play The Wall on the Arrow. But, Viola Davis was a spectacular pick. She really nailed this role and I look forward to more Suicide Squad movies with her in it.

Deadshot: Will Smith as Deadshot. Well he didn't ruin the character. He did well, and I almost forgot he was Will Smith, so mission accomplished.

I didn't see many weaknesses in any of the characters portrayed, but there are some and I don't think that is the fault of the actual actors.

In short, I highly suggest that people who love comics go see this movie, as I feel it is a great representation of the Suicide Squad comics. Even those not in the know about this comic will enjoy this movie. I really liked how they combined elements from the new Superman movie, and Batman VS Superman, and how they are tying these three movies all together in the same universe. Go see this movie!

~Neo Khan