The anticipation for that movie was palpable. Rumors swirled, trailers teased, and fans were on the edge of their seats. When the first public screening finally arrived a couple of months prior to release, the audience, including myself, went wild just knowing what we were about to witness. This early viewing, while an unfinished version with some CG still in progress, offered a raw look at a film riding a massive wave of hype.
My personal excitement was high, and while I ultimately enjoyed the experience, a critical eye reveals some significant flaws. Even by superhero movie standards, labeling it a “good film” feels like a stretch. The feedback from the initial audience was, I felt, quite harsh but honest. The core issue? A story that felt thinner than paper, relying almost entirely on the charisma and dynamism of its characters to keep things afloat. The narrative felt scattered, lacking cohesion, as if brilliant scenes were strung together with flimsy threads.
However, and this is a crucial however, the characters, and more specifically, their interactions, were magnetic. Witnessing Joker and Harley Quinn on screen together was, for many, and certainly for me, worth the price of admission alone. Deadshot also emerged as a compelling figure, while the rest of the squad and the antagonists unfortunately faded somewhat into the background. It felt as if the filmmakers had crafted some truly exceptional character moments and then struggled to meaningfully connect them into a unified narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the movie does deliver a couple of genuinely good twists and some fun surprises, ensuring a degree of entertainment. But let’s be clear: if you’re going for a masterclass in storytelling, this isn’t your destination.
Let’s talk performances, because this is where the film truly shines. Jared Leto as the Joker. Wow. Just wow. He didn’t just play the Joker; he embodied him. He killed it. Having admired both Jack Nicholson’s and Heath Ledger’s iconic interpretations, I can confidently say Leto carved his own space in the Joker pantheon. He masterfully blended elements of those previous portrayals into something uniquely his own, and the result was utterly captivating. It’s like he took a cara auto scan to the very essence of the Joker, meticulously analyzing every facet and rebuilding it into a fresh, yet recognizable, chaotic force.
Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn? Equally phenomenal. She nailed the role with such vibrant energy and manic charm. It’s clear she was born to play Harley. The chemistry between her Joker and Leto’s was electric, volatile, and utterly mesmerizing. In retrospect, it feels almost like this film should have begun with a deep dive into their twisted dynamic, perhaps even in their own standalone movie, before expanding into a larger ensemble piece. Their scenes felt like the heart of the film, making you almost forget about the remote dvd experience of the weaker plot points surrounding them.
Ultimately, while perhaps not a must-see on opening night, this movie is definitely worth experiencing on the big screen. Go in with the right expectations: leave your critical thinking at the door, grab a bucket of popcorn, and prepare to be entertained by the sheer force of its characters, especially the unforgettable Joker and Harley Quinn.
