Film Review: Suicide Squad (3/10)

Christian Vallejo
Aug 24
3 min read

While the concept is intriguing, the execution of the story faces challenges, with pacing issues and an incoherent plot.

"Suicide Squad," released in 2016, is a film that dives into the darker corners of the DC Universe, bringing together a ragtag group of villains for a high-stakes, government-sanctioned mission. Directed by David Ayer, the film aims to blend action, dark humor, and character-driven storytelling. The screenplay, also by Ayer, intertwines the backstories and personalities of its diverse cast of characters. The ensemble cast, featuring notable names like Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, and Jared Leto as the Joker, brings a unique energy and depth to these iconic villains. Set against a backdrop of chaotic and high-risk scenarios, "Suicide Squad" explores themes of redemption, morality, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.

STORY (0/2)

The story of "Suicide Squad" revolves around a group of imprisoned supervillains recruited by a secretive government agency to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency. The narrative attempts to balance the introduction of multiple characters with the development of a cohesive plot. Set in a world reeling from the events of previous DC films, the story grapples with integrating its ensemble cast into a larger narrative universe. While the concept is intriguing, the execution of the story faces challenges, with pacing issues and a sometimes incoherent plot. The film struggles to give adequate attention to its many characters, leading to a narrative that feels both overcrowded and underdeveloped.

VISUALS (1/2)

Visually, "Suicide Squad" offers a gritty and stylized portrayal of its comic book origins. The film's use of special effects and CGI works well in creating an immersive and visually dynamic environment. The character designs and costumes are particularly notable, capturing the essence of the comic book characters while adding a modern twist. However, the film's reliance on CGI sometimes results in visually cluttered and overwhelming scenes. The overall visual style is consistent with the dark and edgy tone of the film, though it occasionally feels disjointed from the narrative.

SOUND (1/2)

The sound design and soundtrack of "Suicide Squad" are standout aspects of the film. The eclectic mix of music effectively complements the film's tone, adding an additional layer of personality to the scenes. The balance between the soundtrack, sound effects, and dialogue is generally well-handled, though there are moments where the music overpowers the scene. The sound effects in action sequences are impactful, enhancing the film's overall energy and intensity.

CHARACTER (1/2)

The characters are both a strength and a weakness of "Suicide Squad." Will Smith's Deadshot and Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn stand out with their charismatic performances, bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Jared Leto's Joker, though a divisive interpretation, adds a fresh take on the iconic villain. However, the film struggles to develop its extensive cast adequately, with many characters feeling underused or superficially explored. The performances vary in quality, with some actors delivering memorable portrayals while others are hindered by the script's limitations.

FACTOR X (0/2)

On a personal note, "Suicide Squad" had the potential to offer a unique and compelling take on the superhero genre but ultimately falls short of its ambition. The film's moments of humor and standout performances are overshadowed by its narrative and structural issues. While it provides entertainment value, particularly in its action sequences and character moments, it fails to fully realize the depth and complexity that its characters and story deserve.

In summary, "Suicide Squad" is a film that struggles to balance its ambitious goals with its execution. While it boasts strong performances and a distinctive visual style, it is hampered by a disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters. Available in theaters and on various streaming platforms, the film may appeal to fans of the DC Universe and those looking for a visually driven action movie. "Suicide Squad" is an example of the challenges inherent in adapting a complex ensemble of characters to the screen, offering lessons for future adaptations in the superhero genre.