Now that Suicide Squad is only two months away from release, Warner Bros. are steadily increasing the amount of test screenings their holding. Last month, the first batch of screenings led to several early reactions on Twitter hailing David Ayer’s movie as a crazy masterpiece, adding to the considerable buzz generated from the film’s trailers and cementing the movie’s status as perhaps the most anticipated blockbuster this summer.
Now, after more test screenings, we’ve gained a slightly better understanding of where the film’s strengths and weaknesses lie. One Reddit user going by the name “soyodu” was perhaps the best source of insight into the movie, claiming to have liked it overall but calling the villain a “big disappointment.” While he didn’t reveal the specifics of the villain (could be Jared Leto’s Joker, could be someone entirely different), he elaborated on why he felt somer aspects of the film simply didn’t work.
“There were two characters I didn’t like. Felt nothing towards them and when they had that so-called emotional scene at the end, nothing. The villain was a big disappointment considering how fresh the idea I thought it was. I still thought it was a very good movie. This is an unfinished cut. There was lots that I really liked, good action, pacing (for the most part). But as I’ve said there were 2 characters who had a decent sized role in the plot/story that did not connect with me. I could care less about them. They tried for an emotional scene and yea…didn’t work.”
Another Reddit user dubbed “Malachim” was also forthright in his appraisal, saying that he enjoyed it but adding that critics will find a way to hate it, which will perhaps unsettle those that are holding out hope that Suicide Squad would restore critical balance to the DC Extended Universe after a merciless mauling for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
“This is the type of movie that demands a sequel. I’m sure critics will find ways to hate it (it’s basically a gritty action movie with comic book characters and a Hot Topic aesthetic, which honestly might turn critics off), but DC fans will like it. The BIG thing is that the movie literally saves DCEU Batman. This Batman is BTAS personified.”
These comments are interesting, but we happen to disagree with his view that Ben Affleck’s Batman needs saving. The Dark Knight was easily the most enjoyable aspect of Batman v Superman and the buzz around his solo film is already enormous. Many hardened comic book fans have anointed Affleck as the finest on-screen iteration of the character to date, which is high praise indeed.
Other folk who gained access to the early screening opted to shower glorious praise on the movie and Ayer, which you can see below. Test screening reactions should always be taken with a huge pinch of salt and there is a suspicion that several fans are paid to watch the movie and call it a masterpiece, no matter what they truly felt about it. With these latest reactions, we gain a more balanced view of the film. While they’re still positive overall, some of the comments pinpoint potential downfalls and seem to be more honest than merely saying ‘best film ever’ over and over again.
Just Saw #SuicideSquad in Sacramento. #BlownAway David Ayer is a damned genius.
— Spencer Dennison (@ThrowAway123157) June 3, 2016
Saw an early screening of Suicide Squad. It blew my mind. Best DC movie I’ve ever seen!
— Scott C (@Jeffrey_Scott41) June 3, 2016
