Suicide Squad
Hollywood’s newest superstars?
by Phil Perich for the Legends of DC Blog
If you’ve been anywhere near a TV or the internet in the last few weeks, you know that DC Comics’ newest movie is set to hit theaters at the end of this week. For those of you that aren't familiar with the Squad (hi mom!) , The Suicide Squad is made up of some of DC’s most dangerous villains. After their capture, they are given a shortcut to freedom: join the US government’s ultra secret Task Force X and undertake dangerous missions where death is right around the corner in exchange for lighter prison sentences, or die in the field. After the darker tone of this year’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, the next Warner Bros/DC Comics release is going for a more comedic action tone. Will it be welcomed by the open arms of moviegoers everywhere? Let’s take a look at some elements of this film.
Famous Cameo
Not only has it been announced that Batman will appear in this movie for a few minutes at least, put pictures also leaked of his scene awhile back. I would assume he appears early on, probably capturing Harley Quinn and the Joker for the Police, showing us how both end up incarcerated. If there’s one thing Warner/DC has had right from the beginning it is the idea that Batman sells more tickets (or comic books, Blu-Rays, Books etc.) than any other property they have, with Superman a close second.
Sex Appeal
All great movies have any or all of the following: Intriguing main characters, physically and/or emotionally attractive characters, and surprise twists and turns. I think we may get all of those and several storylines in one with Harley Quinn. She goes from Doctor at Arkham Asylum, to Joker’s girlfriend/sidekick, to anti-hero of her own.
Expanding Universe
While it’s true some squad members are Batman villains (Harley Quinn, Killer Croc) we get a bigger look at the larger DC Universe with the other villains, including Deadshot, The Flash’s enemy Captain Boomerang, Enchantress, and Slipknot. we even get government agent Rick Flag and the mysterious hero Katana.
Evil Incarnate
And finally, to make these villains and anti-heroes likable and the “heroes” of their story, you need a villain who is truly despicable, scary, and embodies everything evil and wrong in the minds of the audience. No villain fills that role in the DC Universe better than Batman’s insane arch-nemesis and Harley’s abusive ex-boyfriend, the Joker! What makes him even more frightening is that no one knows his true orgin, even the Joker claims to be so crazy that even he remembers his former life different every time he tries to recall it.
It’s all speculation right now, this weekend’s box office will tell the tale. What are you hoping to see in the movie? Let me know and let me know what you think after you see it also!
@nightwingpdp or @BeforetheBatPod on Twitter
You can hear me and my friends discuss all things DC Comics on The Before the Bat, Legends of DC, and Newcastle Crew podcasts. I also write another blog, True Believers where I discuss all things Marvel. You can find all of my podcasts, blogs, and those of others at www.southgatemediagroup.com. If you want one stop shopping for all of my creative endeavors, you can find it at www.philperich.wordpress.com.
Get your “squad” together, go see the movie, and I’ll see you here next week!