'The Suicide Squad' Review: James Gunn's Film Is A Beautiful Cacophony Of Madness

The Suicide Squad easily earns its place as one of the best comic book movies ever made; like a talented painter, director James Gunn creates a canvas that is bloody, raw, creative, artistic, and monumentally spectacular.

When I saw the original Suicide Squad (2016) directed by David Ayer, I was so vexed that I almost made up my mind to avoid any other film about the ragtag team.

James Gunn was then hired by Warner Bros. to helm this latest version, touted as both a sequel and a reboot (whatever that means) and I was like, 'Okay, another loony who will most likely make a bigger mess.'

For what it's worth, I admire James Gunn as I love what he did with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. But I felt even he wouldn't be able to redeem the mediocre and nonsensical excuse of a film that Ayer made earlier.

I'm so glad to say that not only has Gunn proved me wrong, he exceeded my expectations so much so that I'm left in awe of the crazy genius' psyche.

Now to my review; Suicide Squad sees Idris Elba play Robert DuBois/Bloodsport, a gifted mercenary who becomes the reluctant leader of the titular team of some of the most messed-up lunatics you could ever imagine. The mission is to make it to an island in South America and destroy a Nazi-era laboratory.

Dubois is compelled by the cold and calculating Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) whose job is to ensure that the mission goes well, no matter the price or cost.

Joining Dubois on the trip is Christopher Smith/Peacemaker (John Cena), a stoic who basically does the same thing DuBois does, only that he wears a "toilet seat" on his head and is even crazier.

Other members of the team are Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Cleo Cazo/Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), and a few others.

The team reaches their destination and from the moment they set foot on the island, everything that could possibly go wrong does, and they must reach down deep within their devious minds, look past their differences and complete the mission or die trying.

READ ALSO: I've Never Been Tough In My Life — John Cena

One thing I enjoyed about this movie is the ever-present danger lurking around the eponymous characters. The film doesn't play it safe in terms of the casualties and by the third act, I was shocked by how the team members kept dying one after the other.

The script is creative and the story suspenseful, bold, daring, and visually arresting. The blend of colours masterfully employed by the director is something that also wowed me.

The plot is laced with unexpected twists and as it unfolds, so does the method to the never-ending madness taking place before the viewer's eyes.

When it comes to the humour, Gunn leaves no stone unturned and the constant hilarious quips from almost everyone is as natural as it should be.

In terms of the acting, singling out anyone for praise would seem unfair because all the actors bring their A-game here. I will just try to mention a few who come to mind.

Idris Elba embodies the charismatic leader of the team well and his performance is flawless. John Cena is outrageously funny and magnetic as the Peacemaker, Daniela Melchior's depiction of the kind-hearted rat lover will steal your heart, and of course, Margot Robbie is just the embodiment of everything that is crazy as Herley Quinn.

The action is hard-hitting, explosively raw and gory, and cinematically well choreographed. The visual effects are out of this world, with many subtle hints to the intellectual wonder behind the camera.

Also, movie fans should watch out for a cameo appearance from another filmmaker who is as crazy as Gunn is.

The Suicide Squad is one 2021's best movies and one that will be talked about for many years to come. With it, James Gunn shows that when it comes to mixing raw talent with creativity and lunacy, there is no limit. I will be watching the film a second and third time!

Two thumbs way up for James Gunn, the cast and crew for making this spectacular mess so unforgettable and thrilling! The comic book genre needs more movies like this!

Rating: 8.5/10.