The Suicide Squad from DC Comics and Warner Bros has received a lot of mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. However, it cannot be denied that the “hot” nature of the Suicide Squad has led to the release of three “copycat” films based on this phenomenon since last year.
1. The Funhouse Massacre (2015)
The Funhouse Massacre revolves around six psychopathic killers who escape from a mental institution just in time for Halloween. They wreak havoc in a haunted house, engaging in a series of gruesome murders with no one suspecting anything because they all appear to be just actors in a horror show.
Aside from the killer clowns that emerge from the haunted house, there is one character dressed in black, a striking figure like a harbinger of doom. This character is known as Ms. Quinn. If you recognize Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad, Ms. Quinn’s portrayal in this film shows a more brutal and murderous side. This film contains plenty of bloody and chaotic murder scenes.
While it is a horror-comedy that is clearly a “copy” of the Suicide Squad, The Funhouse Massacre has surprisingly gained a higher score on Rotten Tomatoes. Could it be that the Suicide Squad is just too “over-the-top”?
2. Vigilante Diaries (2016)
Released a few months before Suicide Squad, Vigilante Diaries is an action film that borrows the idea of a team of mercenaries aiming to “cleanse” the world of crime. The group is led by a vigilante skilled in using firearms (sounds familiar, right?), known as “The Vigilante”.
The film also features numerous “action-packed” sequences that keep viewers engaged with thrilling, violent, and shocking moments across various global locations. However, with a low budget and mediocre execution, many scenes also feel “cheap.” The performances of the actors are a mixed bag, showcasing varying levels of talent and engagement.
3. Sinister Squad (2016)
Among the three films, Sinister Squad stands out as the most blatant “knock-off”. Produced by Asylum, a studio known for creating parodies of blockbuster films, Sinister Squad is a mishmash of characters inspired by various superheroes.
Not only does it borrow the name, but the characters in Sinister Squad also seem like “carbon copies” of their original counterparts. The team includes a knife-throwing expert, a sorceress, a large brute with supernatural abilities, a trickster, and a character who has “bloodlust” within them, reminiscent of the serious character Alice from Alice in Wonderland. However, the execution and content of the film feel like a low-budget “rip-off” and nothing more.
Ironically, Sinister Squad ends up being the most criticized of the three films compared to the original versions. Perhaps it is due to the fact that no one really cares about it enough to throw shade.
Conclusion:
Regardless, forming a team of villains to do good is quite a creative and interesting concept. Suicide Squad has also achieved success in various aspects. Hopefully, DC Comics and Warner Bros can learn from these shortcomings to help the DCEU bridge the gap with the MCU in the not-so-distant future.
