Exactly what it said on the tin

Rating: 7/10 (4 August 2016)

For the past couple of days I've been hearing a lot of stuff about this film. I've been very excited for Suicide Squad ever since it was announced, being a bit of a DC Comics fanboy myself, and have thus been keeping up with the film regularly. For the past few days a lot of negative reviews have been thrown at this film and now, after watching it, I don't really understand where all that negativity comes from.
Let me just start off by saying that if you're coming into Suicide Squad hoping to get a really deep and interesting story or to see Leto's 'Joker' then you're probably going to be disappointed. That's not to say Leto is bad, despite my fears I actually very much enjoyed Leto's portrayal of 'The Joker', it's just he isn't often present. And that's a good thing, I was genuinely concerned that Leto may take centre stage and was pleased when he didn't.
The plot is probably one of the film's weakest points. This plot is a very overused plot by now and especially in superhero flicks. If you're expecting a film full of twists and turns there aren't many here. However, the lack of sophisticated plot feels both justified and adequate to me as instead we are treated to a lot of interaction between the large cast, of mainly unknown characters. I was surprised by just how much characterisation most of the characters received in this film. Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Enchantress, Rick Flag, Captain Boomerang, Katana and El Diablo all get given a glimpse of detailed backstory that helps to develop the characters, some more than others, and it surprised me. Not only is this characterisation surprising to me, but it was also done rather well in my opinion, especially with Deadshot, El Diablo and Harley.
The performances in this film are actually all very solid for me. Margot Robbie had a monumental task in bringing one of DC's most beloved villains of recent years to the big screen and she pulls it off pretty perfectly. Viola Davis is a very good Amanda Waller. Will Smith pulls a good amount of weight as Deadshot and he really pulls the role off, despite my worries, all the more fool I. I enjoyed the other characters also, most receiving less screen time but all of them having their moments to shine.
The visuals in this film too, are amazing. Some of the scenes with Delevingne's 'Enchantress' are simply amazing just to watch, seeing as that character visually is the most difficult to pull off with the possible exception of El Diablo. The final battle especially, for me, looked amazing. It is very rare for me nowadays to honestly come away from one of these superhero films, Marvel or DC, and say that I saw something new. However, the final battle and the visuals on the main villain really sent chills down my spine, I hadn't quite seen something so intimidating in one of these films yet and it really affected me.
The only other thing I think that is worth noting on this film is that the pacing can sometimes feel a little off, especially at the beginning. Most of this I attribute to the main character's introductions and backgrounds and thus I give it a pass. I myself know each and every one of these characters well, but I perfectly understand why the introductions need to be done for those who don't know the universe as well as myself.
To round off, I found 'Suicide Squad' to be an extremely enjoyable film. There is nothing truly groundbreaking here, so if that's what you're looking for you will probably be disappointed. Where the film lacks a complex plot it makes up for itself strongly with characters, a wise focus because each and every one of these villains is extremely interesting. If you're going into this film expecting Killer Croc or Katana to steal the show then also be prepared for some disappointment, as the film focuses more on Quinn and Deadshot than the lesser known characters. Regardless, 'Suicide Squad' is still a crazy, insane, fun joyride that asks you to simply sit back and enjoy the show. It's not trying to be complex, it's not trying to blow your mind, it's just trying to give you a good time and for the vast majority of the time, I was extremely content to let the film take me wherever it wanted. Ignore the reviews online and see it for yourself, as long as you sit back and relax you'll have a great time.