Should You Bother With the First *Suicide Squad* Before *The Suicide Squad*? A Hilarious Investigation
Alright, let's talk Suicide Squad. We're tackling the burning question: Do you *really* need to suffer through the 2016 version before diving headfirst into James Gunn's 2021 masterpiece, *The Suicide Squad*?
The short answer? Probably not. Think of it like this: they share a name, a premise (misfit villains doing dirty work), and a few characters, but that's where the similarities end.
Plotting Your Course: A "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Approach
*Suicide Squad* (2016) introduces us to Amanda Waller, the puppet master pulling the strings, and a team of baddies reluctantly fighting for the good guys. There’s Deadshot showing off, Harley Quinn making questionable relationship choices, and… well, a whole lot of questionable choices all around.
Now, *The Suicide Squad* (2021) also features Amanda Waller. It also has Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, and Captain Boomerang (briefly!). But the story, the tone, and the sheer level of chaotic fun are miles apart.
Gunn's vision is like a hyper-violent, surprisingly heartwarming, and utterly bonkers comic book come to life. The other one... well, it tried.
The Great Re-Introduction: Why It Works
The beauty of *The Suicide Squad* is that it smartly reintroduces the returning characters. You don't need a PhD in Suicide Squad-ology to understand who Harley Quinn is or what Rick Flag stands for.
Think of it as meeting a friend's friend at a party. They might have a shared history you're not privy to, but you can still have a blast hanging out. Harley will do something crazy, Amanda Waller will act like she's in charge, and Flag will try to hold it all together.
Easter Eggs and Deep Cuts: For the Completists
Okay, there *might* be a few tiny, blink-and-you'll-miss-them references to the first movie. These are more like sprinkles on a sundae, not essential ingredients.
Dedicated fans might catch a callback to a line of dialogue or a knowing glance between characters. But honestly, you're not missing out on any major plot points if you skip the 2016 version.
The Verdict: Embrace the Chaos!
Ultimately, whether you watch the first *Suicide Squad* is entirely up to you. However, for pure enjoyment and a coherent storyline, you can dive straight into *The Suicide Squad* without fear.
Prepare for explosions, bizarre characters, and a surprising amount of heart amidst the mayhem. You might even find yourself rooting for a giant, talking shark. Who knew?
Consider This: A Fun Experiment
Here's a thought: watch *The Suicide Squad* first. Then, if you're feeling brave (or just incredibly bored), give the original a try.
You can then truly appreciate the difference in direction and execution. Think of it as a bizarre cinematic science experiment. See how the same material can be interpreted in wildly different ways.
So, go forth and enjoy the chaotic world of the Suicide Squad. And remember, sometimes the best way to understand a story is to just dive right in.
