Suicide Squad - Movie Review

Suicide Squad Review

Chris Stuckmann begins with high expectations for Suicide Squad. He likes David Ayer’s previous films and is excited by the cast and the idea of a team of villains taking on a threat. The first 20–30 minutes seem promising to him, but he says the movie soon becomes muddled.

What Works

Stuckmann thinks Will Smith’s Deadshot and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn receive the strongest characterization, and he enjoys their performances and the film’s lighter, jokier tone. He also praises Ben Affleck’s brief appearances as Batman, finds Jai Courtney unexpectedly fun as Captain Boomerang, and likes Jared Leto’s distinctive take on the Joker.

His main frustration with Leto’s Joker is how little the character appears, despite the secrecy and publicity surrounding the role.

What Doesn’t

Stuckmann says many squad members are introduced through explanatory dialogue and flashbacks rather than developed naturally. He finds the later action choppy and repetitive, and says the editing makes it feel as though important scenes were cut or added afterward.

He is especially critical of the Enchantress as a villain, joking that her strange movements look like hula dancing. He also points to messy continuity in the finale: a character who seems badly injured later reappears looking spotless. Overall, he describes the action as people fighting strange shapes, with little that feels memorable.

Verdict

Stuckmann enjoys some performances and jokes, but finds the story and editing too disjointed to deliver. He gives Suicide Squad a C.

At the end, he mentions that he’ll review Stranger Things and jokes about seeing Nine Lives, the movie about Kevin Spacey’s cat.

People and Characters Discussed

• Chris Stuckmann
• Will Smith as Deadshot
• Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn
• Jared Leto as the Joker
• Ben Affleck as Batman
• Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang
• Viola Davis
• The Enchantress
• David Ayer