First Take: Suicide Squad- definitely worth the hype

Spoiler free as usual. Because a DC film like this isn’t worth spoiling.

SYPNOSIS:

A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.

DC have had a very bad year to put it bluntly. Their TV properties are going from strength to strength, but their films have suffered as a result of Batman v Superman’s infamous 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I’m very glad to report that even though it shares the same rating as their last film, Suicide Squad is a step in the right direction.

David Ayer has truly written and directed this film for the fans, as it is a 2 hour feast that is very much true to the style of the comics. The performances from the entire cast are brilliant, with Margot Robbie, Cara Delevingne and Jared Leto stealing the show alongside Will Smith, Viola Davis and a much improved Ben Affleck making a cheeky little cameo as everyone’s favourite Batman (it’s in the trailers, so that isn’t a spoiler). It’s shot very well, with some incredible action setpieces and a soundtrack that can rival Guardians of the Galaxy’s mixtape. However, there are some pacing issues that really impact on the overall quality of the film- these are namely during the first act, as it’s all over the shop during the introduction of each character. The second act fixes most of this problem, but it did feel a little bit rushed at points. With Justice League just over a year away (and there is a little something in the credits to tease audiences), this feels like the film DC needs to re-establish their brand.

THE VERDICT

While it’s far from perfect, Suicide Squad is the film that DC need to re-assert themselves as a dominant player in the comic book film genre- even with a great script and a brilliant cast, the pacing of the first act tests even the most hardened of audiences- but the rest of the film is brilliant. It’s the superhero film we need, but not quite the one we deserve right now.

RATING- 4/5