The first reactions to James Gunn's The Suicide Squad are in, and it's an unqualified success. Across the board, critics are calling it one of the best superhero movies in years.
Though the film doesn't release until August 5th (July 30th for British audiences), several high profile reviewers got to see early screenings. Clearly, they liked what they saw, because as of today the movie has a higher score on RottenTomatoes (98%) than any DC or Marvel movie so far.
Much of the praise has centered on Gunn's writing, particularly for previously obscure characters like Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher 2. His comedic approach to the franchise has been positively compared to David Ayer's much grittier take in the previous film, as well as to Gunn's own past work on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. Moreover, as is almost tradition for the DCEU at this point, Margot Robbie's role as Harley Quinn was hailed as the standout performance.
Critic Reviews
Lmaooo #TheSuicideSquad was hilarious. Very fun time!! Whole theater was laughing Great job team it was\u2026\u2026\u2026..killer pic.twitter.com/caNeekVaQ2— Dani Fernandez (@Dani Fernandez) 1627361969
Wow. #TheSuicideSquad. Very few filmmakers can so perfectly meld over-the-top action, comedy, and genuinely emotional character moments like @JamesGunn and he's at the top of his game with this film. I was not prepared for Ratcatcher 2 to be my favorite... but here we are.pic.twitter.com/NMju4c3PqM— Matt Martin (@Matt Martin) 1627400535
The Suicide Squad is PURE ADRENALINE from start to finish! @JamesGunn goes FULL James Gunn & it is GLORIOUS! I fell in love with EVERY SINGLE Squad member! Best Harley performance! Polka-Dot Man & Ratcatcher 2 are standouts! soundtrack, insane bloody action! #TheSuicideSquadpic.twitter.com/1GqkXZnzIa— Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky (@Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky) 1627350648
It\u2019s so funny because I don\u2019t remember dropping acid before watching #TheSuicideSquad but I must have!\n\nWhat a fabulously grotesque ride @JamesGunn took me on. My DC loving, nerd beating heart is so happy.\n\nMy favorite Harley Quinn we\u2019ve seen yet.\n\nBuckle up @SuicideSquadWB— Roxy Striar (@Roxy Striar) 1627353656
Saw an early screening of #TheSuicideSquad last night and my honest, unbiased review is: it's my new favorite superhero movie. Gloriously bloody, chaotic, tender and unabashedly, whole-heartedly FUN. What a goddamn delight of a film. Well done @JamesGunn & co.— negaoryx (@negaoryx) 1627406517
"Freed of Marvel's family-friendly fetters @JamesGunn has found the perfect home for his gloriously bad-taste blend of gore & classic rock; '80s action flicks & forgotten comics; scurrilous humor & foul language" #TheSuicideSquad\n\nhttps://cnet.co/3y6GhUa\u00a0 via @RichKnightwell @CNET— Jonathan Skillings (@Jonathan Skillings) 1627492876
Despite this influx of new reviews, DC's publicists have succeeded in keeping much of The Suicide Squad's plot under wraps. From the trailer, it seems as though the new Suicide Squad will be led by Bloodsport (Idris Elba), with help from Robbie's zesty Harley Quinn. Their team will travel to a mysterious island and face off with Starro the Conqueror, a giant telepathic alien. However, Gunn boasted that an enormous amount of twists await audiences, meaning that nothing in the marketing can be taken for granted.
In addition to Robbie and Elba, The Suicide Squad features Fast and Furious star John Cena, Pete Davidson, Sylvester Stallone as King Shark, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Taika Waititi, and Nathan Fillion. The movie simultaneously releases on HBO Max and in theaters on August 6th, 2021.
- Ranking Every Portrayal of the Joker, From Worst to First - Advocate ... ›
- John Cena Makes Shocking Return to WWE - Advocate Channel ›
- Everything We Learned From the 'Suicide Squad 2' Trailer ... ›
- 'The Suicide Squad' Cast Takes Fans Behind-The-Scenes On Thrilling New Film - Advocate Channel ›
- WATCH: The Cast of 'Heels' Takes Us Inside Their New Drama Set In The World of Pro-Wrestling - Advocate Channel ›
- The Cast Of 'Heels' Takes Fans Into The Pro-Wrestling World - Advocate Channel ›
