Do I Need To Watch The First Suicide Squad
So, the big question buzzing around: do you really need to suffer through the first Suicide Squad movie before diving into The Suicide Squad (the one with the definite article!)? The answer is...complicated, but mostly no.
Think of it like this: it's like knowing the backstory of why your weird Uncle Jerry always wears a tinfoil hat. Intriguing, maybe, but not essential to enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.
Characters: Familiar Faces, Fresh Starts
The newer movie, The Suicide Squad (2021), does bring back a few familiar faces. Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, and Amanda Waller all return.
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Knowing their past experiences might add a tiny layer of understanding, but each character's introduction is done well enough that you won't be completely lost.
Imagine watching a new season of your favorite show. A few characters are back, but they're dealing with completely new problems. That's The Suicide Squad in a nutshell.
What You Might Miss (and Honestly, Probably Won't Care About)
The original Suicide Squad sets up the basic premise: villains forced to do good (or at least, less evil) under threat of exploding head implants.
There are references to the previous film, such as Harley Quinn's origin story, but it's nothing that isn't quickly recapped or understood through context.
Let's be honest, most people who watched the first movie probably blocked out large portions of it anyway. So missing those details is a blessing in disguise!
Why You Can Skip It (and Still Have a Blast)
The Suicide Squad (2021) is essentially a soft reboot. It keeps some of the core concepts but injects a whole lot of new everything.
Director James Gunn (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame) brings his signature brand of quirky humor, heartwarming moments, and over-the-top action to the table. It's a completely different beast.
Think of it as a super-violent, super-funny, and surprisingly heartfelt war movie with superheroes...and a giant starfish alien. No prior knowledge required!
Focus on the Fun
The newer film isn't weighed down by the baggage of its predecessor. It's free to be its own crazy, chaotic, and often hilarious thing.
The characters are more developed, the plot is more engaging, and the overall experience is just plain better. It’s about enjoying the ride, not deciphering obscure references.
So, save yourself some time (and potential frustration). Skip the first Suicide Squad, and jump right into the glorious mayhem of The Suicide Squad. Your sanity (and enjoyment) will thank you.
Ultimately, if you are a completist, by all means, watch the first movie. But if you're looking for a good time and a fun superhero flick, go straight to the source of the real enjoyment: The Suicide Squad.
Just remember to buckle up. It's going to be a wild ride.
