Rating: 4.2/5
Review: "Suicide Squad film review"

"A decent entry to the DC Extended Universe. It may be chaotic but David directs a decently paced blockbuster packed with enough thrilling action, pretty CGI and an interesting yet questionable sense of morality and justice."

This film has confirmed that critics detest DC Comic films. It even manages to score a lower percentage than the poorly received Batman V Superman. Critics blasted it for its shallow and tonally jarring plot, poor character's development and overdose of wacky visuals and kinetic action. I was a little surprised with its criticism and went in the cinema with an open mind. After it ended, I walked out and thought the critics are too harsh. Sure, it is not faultless but it is damn entertaining film.

The story: Since the film has to deal many characters, it starts with introducing the main characters to the audience. It is a smart move as we get to know more about Deadshot, Harley Quinn and some other characters' background. We learn that they are not nice characters but they do have weaknesses. The actors and actresses did a decent job in bringing the inner demons and emotions of the characters. Will Smith plays Will Smith. Margot Robbie plays a sexy yet somehow annoying Harley who loves Joker blindly. Jared Leto plays a menacing Joker. His acting is mostly good but a few times, it seems not very consistent. Perhaps that is the nature of his character. The rest is decent. The plot is actually fairly simple with a one-day mission for the team. It does not try to pack in many subplots like how Batman V Superman does. Director David Ayer may not be very sure on how to utilize the characters fully but he directs the action confidently and sets a decent pace. At times it may get a bit chaotic with rapid fast editing and loud pop songs, but it is still an entertaining two hours. With its many characters fighting for screen time, it needs a director's cut but David is firmed that the theatrical version is his cut. The dream is thrown out of the window. Music by Steven Price is good although sometimes the funky pop songs overshadow it.

Overall: It is a decent blockbuster to wrap up the blockbuster season. With a hefty budget of US$175 million, it is packed with enough thrilling action and expensive looking CGI and a few notable stars. Critics may not enjoy but I suspect the general audience and fans will enjoy it more. It is clear that this is connected to the world of Batman and Superman by adding cameos and references to the previous and future DC Comic films. The villains and the grey line of morality and justice are a fresh take to the already tired superhero genre.