Unless you’ve been avoiding the internet for the past few days, you’re probably aware that Suicide Squad, the DC Extended Universe follow-up to Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, has been getting less than a warm reception from critics.
After the lifting of the review embargo, Suicide Squad started getting absolutely bashed by the critical community, plunging to a whopping 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was clearly a labor of love for director David Ayer (as is clear from any interview you could ever see with the guy), so, no matter what your feelings are on the film, you have to feel pretty bad for him. After the vitriol started coming out, the director of the supervillain team-up took to Twitter in response.
Prefiero morir de pie que vivir de rodillas – Emiliano Zapata
– David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) August 2, 2016
The quote, which is attributed to a leading figure from the Mexican Revolution, translates, “I’d prefer to die standing, than to live on my knees.” Based on his choice of quote, Ayer seems to be making it clear that he didn’t make Suicide Squad for the critics, he made it for the fans (of which he is often adamant about being). He stated this outright in a follow-up tweet.
Zapata quote is my way of saying I love the movie and believe in it. Made it for the fans. Best experience of my life. â¤ï¸
– David Ayer (@DavidAyerMovies) August 2, 2016
While the film is tracking to open at an incredible $140 million over its opening weekend (as well as becoming Fandango’s highest-selling August film in advance tickets), it will be important to see how the critical backlash affects the film in its second weekend and beyond.
Either way, I can’t wait to see Suicide Squad for myself and make up my own mind.
Suicide Squad opens in theaters on August 5. Check out the five things I think Suicide Squad needs to do in order to succeed!
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