Cindy Prascik's Review of The Suicide Squad

My dear reader(s): The weekend just passed brought us the latest installment in DC Comics' extended cinematic universe, the Suicide Squad.

A collection of the criminal and the criminally insane embark on another secret mission.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers or a general familiarity with the product.

Technically, I believe the Suicide Squad is considered a sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad. In reality, minus Jared Leto's Joker and with an almost completely new cast, it feels more like a do-over. The original was universally reviled (though I didn't hate it), so putting maximum artistic distance between the two probably was in the best interest of the new movie.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Suicide Squad and *the* Suicide Squad are two very different films. As mentioned, gone is Leto's deeply divisive Joker. While that's a significant character to remove from the mix, I don't think the movie misses him. Gone, also, is Will Smith as Deadshot. The team's new leader is Bloodsport, portrayed by Idris Elba. Will Smith is cool, but I can't say there are many actors I wouldn't happily swap for Elba, and Mr. Smith is no exception. (Sorry, Will. Love ya.) Margot Robbie makes her third big-screen appearance as Harley Quinn, and — given the character's psychoses — it feels inappropriate to say she's delightful, but delightful she is. She's come to own the character, and certainly she owns the screen whenever she's on it. Joel Kinnaman returns as Rick Flag, and Viola Davis as Amanda Walker, but most of the other faces are new to the property, if mostly familiar to movie-goers. Notable are the brilliant Peter Capaldi, John Cena, and David Dastmalchian, a favorite of mine since he named Rachel Dawes as next on the Joker's hit list in the Dark Knight. (Dastmalchian and co-star Michael Rooker have also done time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.) Sylvester Stallone is a scene-stealer as the voice of King Shark. Most of the performances can fairly be called terrific without a "for the genre" qualifier. The Suicide Squad uses a solid score by John Murphy and an interesting selection of tunes to underscore its dark mood, another important distinction from the original, which often felt more like a series of music videos than it did one cohesive film. The movie has its fair share of juvenile humor, but an equal helping of legitimately funny bits. CGI is decent throughout, and action scenes are exciting and don't wear out their welcome. Harley Quinn features in a fight sequence that is right up there with the Freebird/church scene in Kingsman: the Secret Service as a new classic and maybe an all-time great.

While the 2016 and 2021 Suicide Squads are very different, they're also quite similar. Both are very, very violent, though in a stylized way that doesn't seem as much about the gross-out as it does about interesting visuals. Both have a bright comic-book look to them, with colorful graphics and bold text. Both feature an abundance of bad language and disturbing content. (Why does James Gunn hate birds??) Both play Harley Quinn's insanity for laughs when, really, hers is a grotesque and unsettling story. If the houses ended up looking quite different, it's clear their foundations were the same.

The Suicide Squad is now playing in cinemas worldwide, and streaming on HBO Max through the first week of September. It runs 132 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use, and brief graphic nudity."

The Suicide Squad is good fun for those who aren't squeamish about extreme content, a definite improvement over the original. Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Suicide Squad gets seven and a half.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE GREEN KNIGHT

 

King Arthur's headstrong nephew embarks on a daring quest to confront the Green Knight, a mysterious giant who appears at Camelot. Risking his head, he sets off on an epic adventure to prove himself before his family and court.

Director: David Lowery

Cast: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, Ralph Ineson

Release Date: July 30, 2021

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Rated R for violence, some sexuality and graphic nudity

Runtime: 2 h 10 min

Review:

David Lowery’s deconstructed Arthurian tale is a methodical pensive take that’s moody and visually stunning.  Lowery’s film isn’t going to be for everyone since his pacing is deliberately slow as he lets visual and moments linger on screen for an extended amount of time.  Everything moves at a slow simmer allowing the thematic meaning to seep into your mind.  It’s the opposite of a blockbuster film since it asks you actively digest what’s being presented on screen. Dev Patel leads the film ably in a understated but thoughtful turn as Sir Gawain as he tackles destiny and life during his journey. Patel’s dialogue is sparse but he communicates a books worth of emotions via his eyes.  The supporting cast is equally effective with Alicia Vikander making the biggest impression in a duel role one of which leaves her nearly unrecognizable. David Lowery’s film fits nicely next to John Boorman’s classic Excalibur and much like that film it’s a visual feast that will leave you thinking about it long after the film is over.    

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE SUICIDE SQUAD

 

The government sends the most dangerous supervillains in the world -- Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, Harley Quinn and others -- to the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Armed with high-tech weapons, they trek through the dangerous jungle on a search-and-destroy mission, with only Col. Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave.

Director: James Gunn

Cast: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi

Release Date: Rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, some sexual references, drug use and brief graphic nudity

Runtime: 2 h 12 min

Review:

James Gunn's The Suicide Squad is a visually aggressive Dirty Dozen grindhouse film in the guise of a superhero film.  Gunn's Guardian of the Galaxy was one of first Marvel films that had a decidedly unique feel to it but those expecting something similar in DC universe will be surprised.  In this film Gunn has gone back to his gory roots by mirroring his first film's, Slither, story and using his refined directorial talents to great effect.  He delivers some truly beautiful sequences which will leave a lasting impact, Harley's escape is colorful collage of carnage.  His story is goofy, bloody but heartfelt at the same time even if all those elements don't hit the mark perfectly.  The character arches are filled with lingering mommy and daddy issues which doesn't give the ensemble much depth outside of being an outcast.  Robbie's Harley fares the best since her character has had three films to evolve into herself.  Idris Elba instantly feels like a more natural fit for this film than Will Smith did in the original film. Elba has a natural toughness that oozes through the screen which works perfectly for his character.  John Cena's Peacemaker should be the stand out of the piece but the script doesn't give him much to work with so he's not as impactful as the script wants him to be.  Daniela Melchior's Ratcatcher 2 ends up being the beating heart of film with her and Bloodsport's relationship providing the emotional string to the film.  Joel Kinnaman's Col. Rick Flag gets an expanded role here which makes him feel more like a complete character even amongst the insanity of Sylvester Stallone's, R rated Groot, King Shark or David Dastmalchian's Polka Dot Man.  Gunn's film embraces the insanity full bore by the final act by delivering the kind of big budget midnight movie madness which you have to appreciate for its sheer audacity.  

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Sparks Brothers

 

My dear reader(s) — assuming I have any left, given my lengthy absences — among the pandemic's ripple effects not noted by the CDC, a big one for me has been my "conscious uncoupling" from the cinema. Even in rare cases where a new release interests me, it doesn't interest me enough to get out and see it on the big screen. The few recent movies that might have gotten me out to the cinema haven't played on any big screens locally; thus, I come to my (so far) most anticipated release of 2021, Edgar Wright's The Sparks Brothers, via Amazon Prime.

The incredible true story of "your favorite band's favorite band."

I'm not sure you can actually spoil a documentary, but if you're concerned, best watch before reading.

Edgar Wright has become my favorite director, largely due to his uncanny feel for music. Nobody can put the right song in the right place in the right movie like Edgar Wright. When I heard he was doing a straight-up music documentary, my tiny heart soared. I am pleased to report The Sparks Brothers does not disappoint.

Wright mixes live and video footage of Sparks with terrific new interviews and clever animated sequences. In addition to "the Sparks Brothers" (Ron and Russell Mael), band members past and present and artists/fans across media and genres weigh in with anecdotes and opinions. There's a dry — but never cynical — sense of humor about the whole that is both expected and surprising for a band that is simultaneously hugely influential and a great mystery. It speaks volumes that former band members seem to carry no hard feelings (regardless of the circumstances of their dismissal) and that the Maels are not bitter about the many times their strange art has been less appreciated than they might have liked.

A documentary is a strange animal, seemingly a harder sell than a scripted movie for viewers who are not previously invested in the subject matter. The enthusiasm of The Sparks Brothers is contagious and more than up to the challenge of entertaining old fans and winning over new. This is a film crafted with the greatest affection, but for everyone, not just for those who already share that affection. There's also a generosity not often found in today's "gatekeeping" fandoms. These people love Sparks, and they want you to love Sparks too, even if you've only just heard of them or only know one song. If the story of Sparks sometimes seems too strange to be true, this telling is simply magical from start to finish.

The Sparks Brothers runs a delightful 140 minutes and is rated R for language.

The Sparks Brothers is now playing in cinemas (somewhere) and via streaming services worldwide.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Sparks Brothers gets all nine.

Fangirl points: Beatles, Beatles, Beatles! Duran Duran! The god Todd Rundgren! Nick Heyward!

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: JUNGLE CRUISE

 

Dr. Lily Houghton enlists the aid of wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff to take her down the Amazon in his ramshackle boat. Together, they search for an ancient tree that holds the power to heal -- a discovery that will change the future of medicine.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Cast:  Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Édgar Ramírez, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatt

Release Date: July 30, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure violence

Runtime: 2 h 7 min

Review:

Disney's Jungle Cruise desperately wants to harken back to classic adventure romances like The African Queen and Romancing the Stone.  Jaume Collet-Serra's film is a relentlessly aggressive film that moves from one action set piece to another, leaving you with nary a chance to catch your breath.  He and the script are trying to capture the spirt of those films, Johnson and Blunt's outfits are straight out of The African Queen, its execution is closer to a latter day Pirates of the Caribbean sequel.  It's an FX heavy film that's set in an exotic locale but its possible that there isn't a single shot filmed on location, as such its has an artificial feel throughout.  The script doesn't help matters much with a clunky old school feel where you can see every joke and punch line coming a mile away.  The strange thing about the entire production is that it's a fairly enjoyable albeit mindless watch mainly due to it's central stars.  Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt make the goofy script work even with some of the sillier conceits, Johnson's Frank loves dad jokes.  Their natural screen magnetism is the film's biggest assets even if they don't share any sort of believable romantic chemistry.  Their character's are broadly drawn with Frank being a charismatic rascal and Blunt's Lily being irrepressibly plucky and headstrong.  Jesse Plemons hams it up as the film's cartoonish villain who is only missing a German pickelhaube to complete his ensemble.  The film does start to wear out it's welcome in its final act showcasing the fact there is no reason this film couldn't be a half hour shorter.  Disney's Jungle Cruise emulates great films but ends up being a fun but hallow imitation. 

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS

 

An ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage welcomes tenacious loner Snake Eyes after he saves the life of their heir apparent. Upon arrival in Japan, the Arashikage teach him the ways of the ninja warrior while also providing him something he's been longing for: a home. However, when secrets from Snake Eyes' past are revealed, his honor and allegiance get tested -- even if that means losing the trust of those closest to him.

Director: Robert Schwentke

Cast: Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving, Iko Uwais

Release Date: July 14, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and brief strong language

Runtime: 2 h 1 min

Review:

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins is a busy film serving as an origin story and franchise starter.  The fact that its serving multiple masters should be a recipe for disaster but Robert Schwentke’s still manages to deliver some enjoyable ninja action.  Schwentke’s film harkens back to cult 80’s ninja films like American Ninja with a glossy exterior.  The action sequences are well staged with a keen visual outside of some questionable overuse of shaky came.  The choreography of them is top notch and those sequences are the high points of the film.   Henry Golding and Andrew Koji make for an intriguing duo onscreen and their relationship drives the entire film.  Golding possess leading man charisma but you get the sense he could have used a tad bit more depth to make him more interesting than his counter part.  Andrew Koji performance and character is terribly intriguing as he plays him with a silent intensity that always makes him the most interesting character on screen.  Some fun supporting turns from Úrsula Corberó, Samara Weaving & Iko Uwais add some strong female punch to the proceedings with the latter two there to set up the larger G.I. Joe universe.  The film’s biggest issue is its script that doesn’t take advantage of its cast.  Everything plays out in a perfunctory manner while it checks certain boxes since its primary goal was to put pieces in place for future installments.  Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins ends up being forgettable fluff that might have excelled had it possessed some tighter scripting and direction.

C+