Peacemaker

I vaguely recall watching Suicide Squad and I vaguely recall it being extremely bad. Possibly I was high, but overall it can't be that memorable. Nonetheless (and although I'm a superhero skeptic) I ventured into this one, because of the American flag on the poster, and the vague 'Vertigo Comics' feel of it all. Well it's not gritty, in fact it's downright goofy, but it's a lot of fun - similar to The Boys for its take on superheroes, but less centred on (a rather generic) worldbuilding, and more focused on characterisation. The mixture of grotesque patriotism, extreme brutality, glam rock and testosterone-toilet humour was hard to pull off and Gunn generally succeedd, helped by a good performance of John Cena, and by some very catchy dialogues. The action is also quite good, low on digital effects and high on unexpected violence. I look forward to more.

Following the disappointing characters and flaws in Suicide Squad, its sequel, The Suicide Squad, introduces us to a brilliant cast, notably The Peacemaker. This well-written character seeks justice and peace through any means possible, enriched by a believable past with family issues.

The ensemble gathered for the missions in Peacemaker impresses with their performances. Peacemaker himself, Harcourt, Adebayo, Peacemaker's dad, the Police inspector were designed well and John Cena, Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick & Annie Chang portrayed it well. Personally, I found Vigilante and Economos to be the standout favorites!

The series excels in its compelling story, well-crafted plot, captivating antagonists, and lightning music keeping audiences entertained throughout. The DC Universe introduces us to their version of Iron Man, however, for few minutes (Dad).

However, I highly disliked the excessive profanity. While I understand that characters undergo diverse arcs and scenarios, they could still be a little gentler with their words instead of resorting to constant and gratuitous use of offensive language. This aspect requires moderation. Is using the F words and offensive languages a fashion now?

In conclusion, Peacemaker remains an exceptional series overall. I enjoyed it.

The opening sequence is the best I've ever seen. Its so hypnotic I never skip intro.

This show is uncomfortably hilarious and easily one of the best superhero shows ever.

Peacemaker wasn't a stand out character in The Suicide Squad for me, so I wasn't that excited for this series, however after watching the show, seeing the character development and intriguing story line, I'm glad I decided to give it a go, I cant wait for the second season.

The casting is perfect. I LOVE vigilante, I hope S2 brings even more psychotic behaviour from him. His back story in the 1983 comic would make a great story line and help views understand why he is so messed up, and I wonder if we will het to meet 'Stuff' the Chinatown Kid.

I loved 2021's Suicide Squad, but if you'd asked me who from the movie I would give their own series, Peacemaker would probably have been my last choice. Not that John Cena wasn't good, but who'd want to be stuck with that guy week after week?

But the brilliant James Gunn pulled it off. This Peacemaker is a surprisingly complex character with a backstory that puts his flaws *somewhat* in perspective, and also the movie is hilarious and way out there (the opening credits are a first rate dance number).

The story is great, the action is great, there are terrific performances, more touching moments than you would expect, and a lot of amazing action sequences.

Highly recommended.

DC is finding its lane as the anti, non family friendly, comedically dark (or just dark dark) alternative to Marvel and I'm here for it. Gunn continues on his raunchy, goofy take on super heroes and while I guarantee it won't be everyone's cup of tea I believe it will be a smart move in the long run to go full on with the dark, more adult adaption of comics to contrast with Marvels increasingly Disneyfied approach.