The Suicide Squad was originally a group of characters, generally perceived as “antagonists” that were incarcerated and/or on Death Row and used as an “anti-hero” weapon to assist in the protection of humanity in the event of a hero’s corruption or an episode of rebellion against the law.

Grading Scale:
● Plot consistency
● Enjoyability
● Character Development
● Backstory
● Creativity & Originality
● Last thoughts/Personal opinion
● Rating

If you are comparing the film to the comics or basing your opinions solely on “how well Jared Leto portrayed The Joker,” then you’re most likely going to have a bad time. I personally went into the theater expecting nothing more than a good time, and that is exactly what I got. A fairly upbeat film with heavy/dark undertones and little to no issues cinematically. The editing wasn’t “harsh” or “choppy” in my opinion, possibly due, in part, to my background in YouTube video editing culture, and the flashbacks were actually quite essential considering the fact that not only die-hard,original Suicide Squad fans are going to see the film, but people who have absolutely no clue as to what the “suicide team” is and need the backstory to be filled in for them in order to understand the present story line.

The plot was fairly consistent; the Joker’s short appearance(s) weren’t an issue for me as I wasn’t expecting a movie about Joker, but a movie centered around the origin of the squad. The clown is involved, but is not the main character. If anything, one should think of the Joker’s role in the film as more of a cameo of sorts, to shield oneself from disappointment.

Margot Robbie’s performance was lovely, the lack of effort in attempting a high-pitched voice was thoroughly appreciated.

Jared Leto’s performance as the Joker was… different. In comparison to Heath Ledger’s debatably excellent performance in The Dark Knight, Leto was much less energetic and more broody. His approach to The Joker’s, agreed upon, lack of mental stability is more rooted in manipulation and passionate anger than a blatant lack of respect for life. Rather than having scars embedded in the shape of a smile across his face, Leto’s interpretation of the deranged clown had a simple open-mouthed smile drawn (or possibly tattooed) onto the back of his hand, holding it up to his mouth area when the situation beckoned. As well as the peculiar version of the Joker’s smile, Leto’s laugh as the Joker was much more hearty and deep than his high-pitched counterpart. A less nerve racking approach for certain, it felt like more of a lack of an ability cope than a genuine expression of amusement.

Will Smith’s interpretation of Deadshot was extremely satisfying. Smith’s delivery of the comedic aspects of Deadshot’s personality felt natural and spot on. It seemed as if every time he spoke the crowd would go from completely silent to roaring with laughter. Despite his fairly heavy, seemingly stressful origin and motives, he made light of most situations along with Harley and the others.

The movie begins in the middle of the squad’s battle prep, making you feel as if you’ve just walked in during the middle of the movie. Each backstory seems as if it could be its own film. The film does well in combining the character’s fates, albeit some cameos were a bit questionable.

Take Batman’s short, and I mean short, appearance for example: Batman randomly shows up to capture Deadshot whilst he is presumably walking home with his daughter, succeeds, in part, and then vanishes, never to be seen again throughout the rest of the film. Despite the huge artificial tornado/black hole of death protruding from a building in the center of the city that was producing a black mist of death in the sky, dying it black, and turning the city’s population into mindless henchmen for the Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), he decided to go on vacation.

The characters developed personality wise throughout the film, which was interesting to watch and actually pretty heartwarming. A plea from a cop to a convicted felon to help save his, rather unfortunately employed, loved one. The chief officer instructed with supervising the criminals grew to learn that they didn’t have many differences aside from the cuffs… and the super powers. This realization finished off the film with an emotional bang and topped off the experience for me.

The film left me satisfied though it could’ve used a bit more wow-factor, but the emotional scenes and action based scenes were well balanced. Suicide Squad is an enjoyable piece of cinematography.

Rating: ???