Review: The Suicide Squad is Fun in James Gunn’s Hands

Taken a leave from his mainstream Marvel movie, but he will be returning for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'), James Gunn made its DC debut in 'The Suicide Squad', which is sort of a redo of David Ayer's critically reviled but financially successful 'Suicide Squad' that was released five years ago — never mind the fact it features some of the cast reprising their roles from the first film (Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman's Colonel Rick Flag, Jai Courtney's Captain Boomerang, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller).

"The Suicide Squad", while it isn't a sequel or continuation, can be enjoyed as a stand-alone film. Gunn should have chosen to direct this film as a sequel. It's unnecessary to do a reboot, redo or reboot. Perhaps it is just me. The first Suicide Squad wasn't nearly as bad as the critics claim. Although the film was not perfect, there were some flaws. Adam Beach's Slipknot, and Karen Fukuhara’s Katana are two examples. However, it does have its moments. Especially the carefully curated soundtrack. Margot Robertbie and Will Smith both did a great job as Harley Quinn or Deadshot. It's a shame that the former isn't returning to James Gunn’s version because of scheduling conflicts.

Gunn decided to remake Will Smith’s Deadshot. Instead, Gunn introduced Idris Elba in Bloodsport. She also happens to have the sharpshooting skills of a top-class marksman. Amanda Waller gave him the task of searching for the Thinker (Peter Capaldi), a villain behind Project Starfish. The project is also linked to destruction.

Bloodsport will have a few oddball characters join them, starting with John Cena (helmet-wearing Peacemaker) and Daniela Melchior (ratcatcher 2), who are able to communicate and control rodents. Others include Polka Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), an oddball character who can wear a funny, polkadotted costume and shoot colorful polka dots. Finally, Nanaue (voiced Sylvester Stallone), is a Great White Shark that walks and talks in humanoid bodies with superhuman strength.

James Gunn's experience making team-up films like 'The Suicide Squad' makes it a wise decision. This is where he can embrace all his B-movie sensibilities in all their R-rated glory. This one is gory, violent and profane. Gunn also wrote the script. He had fun injecting hilarious and vile humor into it with reckless abandon. Flag and his team infiltrating Corto Maltese Beach is one of the best examples. There are many funny moments, including the opening scene. Nathan Fillion was Gunn’s best friend.

It's not easy to follow the "Dirty Dozen"-like men on a mission storytelling model. Furthermore, the film's long running time of 132 minutes is too much. Films would be better served if they moved at a more rapid pace. The soundtrack to the needle drops, while it should have been Gunn's forte (his "Guardians of the Galaxy", films are the evidence for this), is not as memorable.

If you are willing to look past those flaws, however, 'The Suicide Squad’ is still an improvement over David Ayer's 2016. Although the action is well staged, Harley manages to take down small armies by his own accord. The special effects don't seem as spectacular as you would find in a comic-book movie these days. The seamless CG Nanaue character as well as the lengthy effects-heavy final must all be credited.

It's just as impressive with the rest of the cast. Gunn uses Margot Robbie's wonderfully comical turn as Harley Quinn, while Idris Elba delivers a typical charismatic performance in Bloodsport. Sylvester Stallone, David Dastmalchian, and Nanaue both give hilariously slapstick performances. John Cena is the Peacemaker while Daniela Malchior plays Ratcatcher 2 and Daniela Dastmalchian as Nanaue. The former gives this otherwise horrendously violent film some heart and soul. Gunn gave Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, Viola Davis, enough space (no pun intended), to shine in her role of fiercely assertive. Gunn’s regular collaborator Michael Rooker makes an appearance as the disgruntled Savant.

Do not leave the cinema or click away (if this is on HBO Max), as 'The Suicide Squad’ will want you to watch the teaser after credits.