For many months, Warner Bros. seemed to be on a roll with their upcoming Suicide Squad film. They hired a talented director in David Ayer. They picked an all-star cast, including Will Smith and Jared Leto. Their movie features fan-favorite characters such as Harley Quinn and Deadshot.
Yeah, things seemed to be going perfectly.
Well, just yesterday, David Ayer released our first look at Suicide Squad’s Task Force X. Fan reactions have been ... well, mixed at best.
Suddenly, it seems 2016’s most unique superhero (supervillain?) film has become completely reviled. Granted, it doesn’t help that this image comes on the cusp of Jared Leto’s controversial “Joker” reveal.
Should we be worried about this film? Are the fans’ reactions justified? There’s no right answer to that question -- however, I’m here to tell you why I think we should remain excited for this movie.
1.) Nothing Has Actually Changed
I think I know what some of you are saying to yourself right now:
“What are you talking about, you idiot?! Everything has changed!!”
Well, not really. The only thing that’s actually changed is your own confidence in the film’s performance.
A few months ago, everyone was incredibly excited about of seeing Fury director David Ayer at the helm of this project. Guess what? David Ayer is still at the helm of this project. People were thrilled at the prospect of Margot Robbie playing Harley Quinn. Guess what? Margot Robbie is still Harley Quinn.
Now I’m not trying to tell you how to feel about this film. If you truly think it’s going to be an awful mess, more power to you. I’m just saying that these lackluster pictures don’t change the fact that there is some impressive talent attached to this movie.
2.) Looks Aren’t Everything
Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on whom you ask) looks are only half battle when it comes to telling a story. This doesn’t just apply to comic book movies, but comics as well.
How many comic books have you read that are filled with spectacular art, but have god-awful storytelling? (Ahem, All-Star Batman & Robin.) Now how many comics have you read that have okay art which is complimented -- and even enhanced -- by excellent writing? Mike Dringenberg and Neil Gaiman’s work on Sandman comes to mind.
Sure, they can often go hand-in-hand, but which is more important? Great visuals? Or great storytelling?
...The answer is storytelling, in case you didn’t know.
Which leads me into my third point --
3.) Concerning David Ayer
David Ayer is not just a director, he is a screenwriter. He has writing credits on such critically acclaimed films as Training Day, End of Watch, and Fury. True, he’s also worked on turkeys like Sabotage and Harsh Times, but the fact remains -- he is, first and foremost, a writer.
Personally, I think when it comes to making a good movie, half the battle lies in writing a good script. I’ve stated this before in one comment thread: a great script can be turned into a bad movie. A bad script can’t be turned into a great movie.
There are tons of directors capable of directing incredible-looking films: Baz Luhrmann, the Wachowski siblings, Tim Burton ... Zack Snyder.
But as I said before, looks aren’t everything.
4.) Fanboys Are Stupid
Now this is an inflammatory remark, and I’m sure it’s going to make a lot of you hate me. Oh well.
Fanboys are morons. They are indecisive, ignorant, self-important idiots who think they know everything there is about making movies. That includes me.
Need I remind you all of how some fanboys complained when Henry Cavill and Chris Hemsworth were set to play Superman and Thor? How about the reactions to Joe and Anthony Russo directing Captain America: The Winter Soldier?
Now what are you guys saying about the Russo bros. directing The Avengers: Infinity War?
Sorry for calling any of you guys out here, I’m just trying to prove a point. Fanboys aren't the smartest tools in the shed.
We are tools though, that's for dang sure.
So those are my thoughts on this matter. Do you agree? Disagree? Want to see me crucified? Comment below, let me know.
Take care, guys.