FILM REVIEW : THE SUICIDE SQUAD

The Suicide Squad shows what a difference a talented filmmaker can make to a ptentially sinking franchise.

The Suicide Squad :

Starring : Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Syvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, and Pete Davidson.

Written and directed by : James Gunn.

Tagline : They're dying to save the world.

If you need proof that James Gun can work miracles, look no further than  The Suicide Squad, the joyously riotous return of the titular DC team that lifts the antihero collective from -

From the dumpster fire that was their initial 2016 outing and places them in a glorious masterpiece of  absurd comedy driven by hyper-violence, off beat wit, biting satire, and, perhaps most shockingly, a whole lot of heart.

The story, on paper, doesn't seem all that exceptional. A ragtag team of convicts has, once again, been recruited by the U.S. government to carry out a dangerous mission in exchange for lighter sentences.

Everything around this basic storyline, though, is surprisingly brilliant.

Each player - be it blissfully unhinged Harley Quinn [ Margot Robbie], troubled mercenary Bloodsport [Idris Elba], jingoistic soldier Peacemaker [John Cena], gentle thief Ratcatcher 2 [Daniela Melchoir], or even -

A character as absurd as Polka-Dot Man [ David Dastmalchain] - is not only perfectly cast but somehow ends up fitting seamlessly into the story's mechanics while bringing something unique to the table and adding unexpected emotional depth to the tale along the way.

And it's to the writer's credit that a seemingly plain core plot still ends up subverting expectations left, right and centre. You can easily see how much passion Gun has put into this project.

The confidence in the tone and visuals, the payoff some of of the setups deliver, several beautiful shots [ a character reflected in a puddle, a fight reflected in a helmet, a rain sequence, and many more], the musical selections from [from Johnny Cash to the Fratellis], a triumphant third act, things like how he uses birds and rats....... there so many memorable touches and each of them  shows Gunn's filmmaking prowess.

[ Also, John Murphy's score is wonderful, and 'Ratism' just might be the most beautiful, fitting piece of cinematic music that has come along in a long, long time.]

It's a marvel [ no pun intended ] how a superhero movie - especially one built around glory, vulgar mayheim and starring a giant alien starfish as an antagonist - can remind you just why you fell in love with films in the first place. Its dark wit and ultraviolence may not be for everyone, but those who dig this tone will have a lot of fun watching and rewatching this crazy chaotic - and unexpectedly touching - flick

The World Students Society thanks review author Sameen Amer.