Before we get started, let's get a few thing things out of the way. First, I am an unappologetic fan of the MCU, the DCU and The Fox Universe. To me, they all have their strengths and yes, some weaknesses. I think, away from this website, most comic book film fans feel this way. While they certainly have their favourites, I am sure there is an overlap between the fans of these franchises.
A couple of days ago, I stupidly waited for the critic reviews of Suicide Squad to start flooding out. I had the misguided impression that this film could be a slam dunk for Warner Bros. I have now decided to never look at the reviews again before seeing one of these films. Rather than fully enjoying the film, I spent the first twenty minutes trying to disect what on earth critics could have hated so much. I think I have the answer to this question and I believe I know some of the reasons why this film, like BVS has faced such harsh reviews. While neither are perfect, in my opinion, they do not deserve the reception they have received. At least, from professional film critics.
I am happy to say that by the bar scene Suicide Squad had completely won me over. Does it have it's flaws? Sure, but every film does and we must not forget, films are works of art. Art is always going to be a matter of perspective. Looking at a painting on a wall, you might see a few squiggly lines with blotches of colour. Another person could see a masterpiece.
On viewing Suicide Squad, many critics clearly viewed it as a jumbled, dull, mess. Or at the very least, wasted potential. I, and I'm sure many others saw it as a love letter to fans. I think, just by thinking about once scene in particular, this is the perfect way to describe Suicide Squad. Like it or not guys, this film was made for us. You can love it, you can hate, you can be completely indifferent. That is entirely your choice, yet the intention was most certainly there.
It would be great if we could just end it there. Critics have their opinion, fans have theirs and the fairly cliche, "we're all different." Unfortunately, I do think there are other factors at play here. You can agree or disagree, this is purely my opinion. Here we go then.
"A New Paris Hilton"
Every so often, the media does choose something or someone to rip to pieces. In some cases, it could be argued they deserve or ask for it. In other cases, it just happens naturally. However, there is no doubt that it does occur. I do think that to an extent, this is what is happening with the DCU. Critics are taking far too much glee in tearing these films apart. These aren't the only films where this has occurred. Ghostbusters took a similar thrashing from fewer critics. Interestingly, these critics were attacked on social media and told their reviews were unfair. So you see, there's crazy fans all over the place for every franchise.
More Of The Same Or Something Different
Psychologically, we love to fit things into boxes. Critics have decided the box for comicbook movies has the label funny and lighthearted. We haven't quite reached the point where they expect slapstick but they do want belly laughs. Marvel provides that and the two other comic book movie producers don't. Love, like or hate BVS or SS, I think we can agree neither sent people into ruptions of laughter. Since Suicide Squad doesn't fit this category, it was never going to be accepted. We are past the days when comic book movies can be dark and brooding. It will be interesting to see if the solo Batman movie is accepted when it undoubtably has these traits.
Expectations And Pressure
No Doubt the pressure and expectations on these films didn't help matters. SS has been trending for nearly a year and was easily the most highly anticipated movie. Some would suggest it was awaited more eagerly than Civil War and that's incredible. Thus, anything other than a master piece was always going to be criticised. Many people thought after BVS Warner Bros desperately needed a win. Whether you or I personally felt that way doesn't matter. The context was already there behind this movie. When it didn't deliver to the extent they wanted it to, the pitchforks were out.
There we have it. These are the reasons why I personally think there is this divide between fans and critics. Now, you can say that divide simply doesn't exist and fans were dissapointed with this movie too. I'm sure for at least one of the reasons I have mentioned, this is true. However, I can tell you after attending the midnight screening, plenty of fans adored it. I am not convinced all of these people were hardcore fanboys either. There was a wide range of different people there and a massive demographic.
I also think it's interesting to explore the psyche of these 'fanboys' that are reacting to the reviews. The best way to analyse this is to think about the movie company like a sports team. These fans want their team to succeed and I share that desire. I want all of these comic book movie companies to succeed. As kevin Smith said, let them make all of them. Good, bad, great, okay. Let's make all these films and then all the fans can win.
As I said, I've chosen to ignore critic reviews from now on. It is clear their perception of these films is completely different to my own. I encourage any fans who haven't seen this film yet to do the same. Watch it for yourself and if you love it, great. If not, we still have Dr Strange to look forward and the new movies in 2017.
Love or hate Suicide Squad, it doesn't matter. We still get Justice League and everything else DC, Marvel and Fox have in store for us for in the years to come.