Review: Margot Robbie Is A Standout Once Again In James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’

It’s been five years since we had our first taste of the Suicide Squad. While it was deemed a disastrous first attempt, I have to admit being a fan of the DC franchise I actually enjoyed it. From darker themes to the Joker, to Harley Quinn and even the cameo from The Dark Knight, it delivered most things I love about the DC franchise. Now James Gunn is taking another swing at DC’s motley crew of supervillains, and this time he’s adding more gore and more weirdness you would never anticipate. Gunn’s first foray into the DCEU has been described as being “half-sequel, half-reboot”, the Guardians of the Galaxy director swapped out the majority of the cast, and demanded an R rating, all while keeping the original title.

In the latest installment of the DCU we see Robbie’s return as Harley Quinn who is joined by newcomers John Cena and Peter Capaldi. Exit Will Smith who is replaced by the dynamic Idris Elba. In this story government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles a team of hardened prisoners, dubbed The Suicide Squad, to take out a former Nazi lab hidden on an island off South America. The appointed leader Bloodsport (Elba), must work with, Peacemaker (Cena), and they’re soon joined by Harley Quinn (Robbie). They apprehend the evil scientist Thinker (Capaldi), who reveals that the lab has been housing a fearsome interstellar creature, Starro, and if unleashed, could destroy all humanity.

James Gunn previously directed the Guardians Of The Galaxy pictures, and while both series focus on a group of underdogs who join forces to save the day, this film is a bit more bonkers with sinister characters at the core. Gunn brings a little bit of the Marvel influence over to the DC world, while we get the humor and energy of the MCU, Gunn manages to contain the stronger action sequences of the DC franchises and add some glorious carnage. The Suicide Squad is far gorier and expletive-heavy than the first version, which might be his take on the more darker elements of the DC franchise.

Idris Elba is superb playing a reluctant mercenary who learns to care about others, although that doesn’t stop him from feuding with Peacemaker. Elba was a fantastic strong replacement I feel for Will Smith, his leadership and confidence was felt throughout the story. Margot Robbie once again commands the screen as the charismatic Harley Quinn. This character at the moment has become more popular than Batman, or at least, close enough that keeping her around is a no-brainer in the DCU. King Shark (Sylvester Stallone) is the heart and soul of The Suicide Squad. Viewers might develop a soft spot for the villian who has the vocabulary of Marvel’s Groot.

I guess no review can go without some kind of criticism, and with this film I have to say I couldn’t help feel at times it was a bit silly, but that might also be because I wasn’t completely familiar with these new characters. Also has Gunn just replicated another ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’? From the characters to the story development, the dark elements that I’ve become succumbed with the DC films was almost invisible, instead we’re delivered a more comical version of sinister characters. Is Gunn’s version a better vision of the first Suicide Squad? Well I’ll leave that decision with you.

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