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

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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