Frank and Thomas take on James Gunn's The Suicide Squad and dig into why this 2021 reboot stands out as one of DC's strongest entries. They break down the movie's balance of chaos and heart, the bold creative risks Gunn took, and how it set the stage for Peacemaker and the DCU's future. From standout performances to behind-the-scenes choices, they explore how this film redefined what a comic book movie could be.
Timestamps & Topics:
00:00 Show open and intro to this week's challenge
00:17 James Gunn's career crossroads and DC opportunity
01:14 How Gunn handled David Ayer's original film with respect
02:04 Recurring collaborators, casting choices, and Gunn's style
04:02 Redemption, trust, and working with familiar talent
04:25 Scene-by-scene breakdown – the shocking beach opening
07:25 Watching Peacemaker before this film changes everything
08:27 Gunn's recurring parent/child themes in his work
09:43 Team intros at Belle Reve and Bloodsport vs. Peacemaker
12:20 Non-linear storytelling and bold early kills
14:46 Starro's comic book history and why Gunn always wanted him
17:29 Ratcatcher 2's emotional core and spin-off potential
19:10 Building connections – Ratcatcher 2 and Bloodsport parallels
21:10 Peacemaker/Bloodsport rivalry and payoffs
22:50 Polka-Dot Man's surprising depth
25:55 Harley Quinn's growth and breakout scene
31:53 "Fan art moments" and DC embracing color
36:40 King Shark as tragic comic relief
40:05 Gunn's comic panel approach to action
43:23 Final battle with Starro and visual payoffs
46:51 Government cover-ups and moral gray areas
49:13 Creature Commandos connection to this film
50:28 Critical reception, HBO Max impact, and pandemic release
53:47 Fun facts and production details
1:02:27 Why Peacemaker worked and the helmet that shouldn't
1:03:16 Ranking this film in the DCU and top 100 consideration
1:05:57 Planning the "Top 100" list for the show
1:06:22 Next challenge: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S1E1
Key Takeaways:
Gunn's creative freedom led to bold choices and deep character work.
Emotional themes around family and redemption anchor the chaos.
Ratcatcher 2 is the heart of the movie; Polka-Dot Man and King Shark surprise.
Harley Quinn remains perfectly cast with Margot Robbie.
The film's style embraces comic book colors and memorable "fan art moments."
This movie directly influenced Gunn's DCU leadership role.
Quotes:
"James Gunn works with people he trusts—and when he bets his career, he brings them along." – Frank
"Nothing in this movie is wasted. Every joke, every prop, every scene comes back in a meaningful way." – Thomas
"Harley Quinn isn't just chaos; she has lines she won't cross, and Gunn shows that without hitting you over the head with it." – Frank
"It's violent, it's heartfelt, and it's one of the most James Gunn movies ever made." – Thomas
Call to Action:
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Links & Resources:
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Listener Questions:
Where does The Suicide Squad rank for you in the DCU? Send us your thoughts and we might feature them in a future episode.
Apple Podcast Tags:
The Suicide Squad, James Gunn, DCU, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2, Harley Quinn, Polka-Dot Man, King Shark, Starro, DC Comics, DC Studios, Movie Review Podcast, Challenge Accepted, Frank Lourence, Thomas Craig, Comic Book Movies, HBO Max, Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman
