The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, is a superhero action-comedy film that was released on August 6, 2021. A standalone sequel to Suicide Squad (2016), it brings a fresh, irreverent tone to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The movie blends dark humor, violence, and quirky characters, offering a unique take on the anti-hero genre. With a star-studded cast, including Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, and Viola Davis, the film aims to entertain while also delivering some deeper themes about heroism and sacrifice. In this review, we will explore the movie’s plot, strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth watching.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The plot of The Suicide Squad revolves around a group of misfit criminals, each with their own peculiar abilities, who are recruited by the U.S. government for a dangerous mission. Tasked with infiltrating the island of Corto Maltese to destroy a deadly weapon known as “Project Starfish,” they must face off against not only the local military but also monstrous creatures and political turmoil. With a high body count and unexpected twists, the movie emphasizes that no one is safe, and even the most unlikely characters can make a difference. The team is led by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), a ruthless government official, and features a mix of returning and new characters, including Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and Bloodsport (Idris Elba). It’s a chaotic, fun-filled ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
What’s Good?
Acting
The cast of The Suicide Squad delivers exceptional performances across the board. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is once again a highlight, as she brings a mix of vulnerability, humor, and unpredictability to the character. Her scenes are some of the most memorable, offering a perfect balance of emotional depth and wild energy. Idris Elba, playing Bloodsport, brings a grounded seriousness to the team, balancing out the more eccentric characters. John Cena’s Peacemaker is another standout, offering a combination of absurdity and sincerity that perfectly matches the film’s tone. The chemistry between the actors feels genuine, which is crucial for a movie that relies heavily on the dynamics between its team of anti-heroes.
Direction
James Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy, brings his signature style to The Suicide Squad. The film’s pacing is fast and never drags, with plenty of action sequences that keep the audience engaged. Gunn’s ability to blend humor with dark moments is one of the film’s strongest points. His direction allows the chaotic nature of the story to unfold in a way that feels both fun and meaningful. The film doesn’t shy away from the violence inherent in its premise but uses it to amplify the absurdity of the characters’ situations.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography in The Suicide Squad is vibrant and dynamic, with a mix of wide shots that capture the scale of the action and intimate close-ups that focus on the characters’ emotions. The film makes great use of color and lighting, with each scene having its own distinct visual style. The soundtrack, curated by Gunn, is another highlight. It blends classic rock, punk, and pop songs, which perfectly complement the film’s rebellious tone. The music enhances the action and adds another layer of energy to the overall experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of The Suicide Squad is its unapologetic tone. It doesn’t try to be a typical superhero movie but embraces its chaotic, violent, and humorous nature. The film’s pacing is excellent, with enough action and character moments to keep things interesting without feeling rushed. The unpredictability of the plot keeps the audience engaged, as the film constantly surprises with its twists and turns. The humor is also a big plus, with the jokes landing more often than not. The characters are well-developed, and even the lesser-known ones are given moments to shine.
Weaknesses
On the downside, some viewers might find the violence excessive or off-putting. While it fits the tone of the movie, there are moments where it may feel gratuitous, especially for those not accustomed to such levels of gore. Additionally, while the ensemble cast is fantastic, some characters, particularly the ones with smaller roles, don’t get enough screen time to fully develop. This can leave certain storylines feeling underexplored. Finally, while the film is fun, its over-the-top nature might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more grounded superhero stories.
Target Audience
The Suicide Squad is best suited for viewers who enjoy dark humor, action, and offbeat characters. It is definitely not a family-friendly movie, as it contains graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes. Fans of comic book adaptations, particularly those who like irreverent takes on the genre, will appreciate the film. If you’re a fan of James Gunn’s previous work, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, you’ll likely enjoy the blend of humor and heart that he brings to the table. However, if you prefer more traditional superhero films, this may not be your cup of tea.
Box Office Details
The Suicide Squad had a production budget of approximately ₹1,450 crore (USD 185 million). Despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected its box office performance, the film managed to perform decently worldwide. The movie grossed ₹2,650 crore (USD 167 million) globally, making it a moderate success given the circumstances.
Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)
In India, the movie had a modest opening, grossing around ₹8 crore on its first day. The earnings gradually increased over the next few days, with ₹12 crore on the second day, ₹14 crore on the third, ₹16 crore on the fourth day, and ₹18 crore on the fifth day. Overseas, the film performed better, with an opening of around ₹60 crore on the first day, followed by ₹70 crore on the second day, ₹75 crore on the third day, ₹80 crore on the fourth day, and ₹85 crore on the fifth day. The international box office was bolstered by strong performances in markets like the U.S. and Europe, which helped the film recover its production costs.
Recommendation
Overall, The Suicide Squad is an entertaining, high-energy film that succeeds in delivering a fresh take on the superhero genre. It’s a wild ride filled with humor, action, and heart, making it a must-watch for fans of comic book adaptations and James Gunn’s work. If you’re looking for a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers a fun, chaotic experience, this movie is for you. Highly recommended for those who enjoy action-packed, irreverent films.
Genres:
Action, Comedy, Adventure
Rating:
7.502/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Margot Robbie | Harley Quinn |
| Idris Elba | Bloodsport |
| John Cena | Peacemaker |
| Joel Kinnaman | Colonel Rick Flag |
| Sylvester Stallone | King Shark (voice) |
| Viola Davis | Amanda Waller |
| David Dastmalchian | Polka-Dot Man |
| Daniela Melchior | Ratcatcher 2 |
| Michael Rooker | Savant |
| Jai Courtney | Captain Boomerang |
| Peter Capaldi | Thinker |
| Alice Braga | Sol Soria |
| Pete Davidson | Blackguard |
| Joaquín Cosío | Mayor General Mateo Suarez |
| Juan Diego Botto | Presidente General Silvio Luna |
| Storm Reid | Tyla |
| Nathan Fillion | T.D.K. |
| Taika Waititi | Ratcatcher |
| Steve Agee | John Economos / On-Set King Shark |
| Sean Gunn | Weasel / Calendar Man |
| John Ostrander | Doctor Fitzgibbon |
| Flula Borg | Javelin |
| Mayling Ng | Mongal |
| Stephen Blackehart | Briscoe |
| Tinashe Kajese | Flo Crawley |
| Jennifer Holland | Emilia Harcourt |
| Fernando Martinez | Sliced Dome Soldado |
| Dee Bradley Baker | Sebastian (voice) |
| Natalia Safran | Kaleidoscope |
| Jared Leland Gore | Double Down |
| Rey Hernandez | Teniente |
| Ray Benitez | Coronel |
| Reinaldo Faberlle | Large Guerrilla |
| Jonathan Fritschi | Delicious Hot Dog Guerrilla |
| Josh Ventura | Astronaut |
| Gerardo Davila | General Vera |
| Mikaela Hoover | Camila |
| Lynne Ashe | Polka-Dot Man’s Mom |
| Julio Cesar Ruiz | Milton |
| J.R. Adduci | Road Block Soldado |
| Curtis Lyons Jr. | Road Block Soldado #3 |
| Maya Le Clark | Young Cleo |
| Elideusa Gomes Almeida | La Gatita Presents Traditional Corto Maltese Dancer |
| Shanna Kernan | La Gatita Presents Traditional Corto Maltese Dancer |
| Bridget Taylor | La Gatita Presents Traditional Corto Maltese Dancer |
| Monica Rivera | La Gatita Presents Traditional Corto Maltese Dancer |
| Andrea Andrade | La Gatita Waitress |
| Giovanni Rodriguez | Texting Torturer |
| Giovannie Cruz | Isabella |
| Sergio Carlo | Isabella’s Second |
| Edgar Zanabria | Torn-In-Half Soldado |
| Grecia Balboa | Security Dispatcher |
| Kenneth Trujillo | Bespectacled Soldado |
| Randy Havens | Star-Crossed Man |
| Michelle Civile | Star-Crossed Woman |
| Gabrielle Manning | Star-Crossed Kid |
| Michael Aaron Milligan | Star-Crossed Dude |
| Diany Rodriguez | Star-Crossed Gal |
| Teresita Mans | Star-Crossed Lady |
| Terence Rosemore | Crew Chief |
| Lloyd Kaufman | Dancing La Gatita Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| Pom Klementieff | La Gatita Amable Dancer (uncredited) |
| Victoria Paige Watkins | Tiff (uncredited) |
How is Our Review?
Let us know if you liked our review of The Suicide Squad through the comment box, so that we can keep creating such content for you.
Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
