Given the underwhelming performances of Suicide Squad (2016) and Birds of Prey (2020), I figured that this would be OK at best. I took more interest in it after seeing an episode of the ensuing TV series, Peacemaker. Then I learned that this was the kind of sequel that makes very few allusions to past events, so I wouldn't feel too left out.
The title refers to a ragtag bunch of talented convicts who have opted to do ostensibly heroic black ops in exchange for lighter sentences, albeit with the threat of remote execution if they don't follow orders (no actual suicides herein). Their current mission: Sneak onto the island of Corto Maltese and wreck the lab of a powerful secret project before the new tinpot dictator (Juan Diego Botto) can use it against the U.S. Don't get too attached to the first several squad members we see, because most don't make it past the beach. Fortunately, the B team hasn't been intercepted yet....
So who's worth knowing? Well, you probably already heard about Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), former henchwoman/lover of the Joker. She spends enough time away from the rest of the gang to come across as the main character. The second most focus goes to Bloodsport (Idris Elba), who has doubts about his assigned role as team leader. Funny how Peacemaker (John Cena) got his own show despite not standing out much on film, apart from being the most loyal to his government. If you want straight-up superpowers, there's King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), the dumb muscle; Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), with a Willard-type army at her command; and Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), who's so screwy I won't say any more about him.
From other DC Comics works, I had prior knowledge of only four characters: Harley; King Shark; the Thinker (Peter Capaldi), now in charge of the targeted project; and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), founder and boss of the squad. Harley still seems unhinged if not ditzy, but she's a lot more competent than I've ever seen her before. Meanwhile, King Shark has gone from normal intelligence to about Baby Groot level. Well, James Gunn wrote both movies. The Thinker, who has a new real name, falls short of impressive brainpower as well. Only Waller hasn't really changed.
It's because of Waller's lack of change that the story has some serious value amid all the silliness. The well-intentioned hard-liner walks the line of villainy, sometimes demanding things even unrepentant murderers find morally troubling. Way to make us feel better about them. In truth, she might just be my favorite non-combat character in the DC Universe.
That said, this is an action comedy first and foremost. Basically every squad member is played for laughs, however darkly. There is a high casualty rate among non-villains, so you have to curtail your sympathy to appreciate it, but at least we're not treated to the antiheroes following their worst impulses.
Indeed, I almost put it ahead of Deadpool 2. It's no grosser or less mature. Despite having a less centralized fount of humor, it feels more consistent. It's about on par for verbal versus visual gags and includes at least one song that mismatches the scenario. Perhaps the main ingredient missing is fourth wall breaking. The closest we get to that is with chapter titles appearing in colorful ways.
TSS isn't something I'd recommend to my dad, let alone my mom. But if you're fine with gritty yet comical comic book fare, why not tune in?
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