Suicide Squad Almost Commits Itself

DC Comics and Warner Bros. Studios haven’t had a good run critically with films since the Dark Knight Trilogy. While Man of Steel was a financial success, critics everywhere have bashed and clobbered Zack Snyder’s new approach for the DC Cinematic Universe. The reasons vary from the films being “too dark” when compared to Marvel’s direction, to complaints that the films don’t reflect the correct attitudes or ideals of the characters. This year was no different with the release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice which succeeded financially but bombed critically. Now comes Suicide Squad, while I have to admit that it was fun to watch, it had a lot of problems that have caused the film to receive negative attention.

Suicide Squad is significant for many reasons and it was important that DC Comics had to do this right.  First it was going to be the re-introduction of arguably DC’s famous villains, The Joker who is played by Jaret Leto (Lord of War, Dallas Buyers Club), the role was previously held by Heath Ledger who unfortunately passed away after The Dark Knight. The second reason is it would finally be the introduction of the Joker’s famous assistant, Harley Quinn who is played by Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street).  The film would also introduce other famous villains from DC like the assassin, Deadshot played by Will Smith (Ali, Concussion) as well as Killer Croc and Captain Boomerang. The chemistry was present in this cast but it was the story itself that carries the biggest flaws.

DC’s Suicide Squad is a famous story about a secret agency that decides to put some of the most dangerous villains to use by force in order to fight the battles normal people can’t. Created by the dangerous Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis (How to Get Away with Murder), she sends them off as a team of expendables in the name of national security. The film stays true to this aspect and Viola Davis’s performance was on point as the dark boss of the worst heroes ever. So what was the mission that called for the activation of Task Force X?

The film takes place some time now after the death of Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the world is still in mourning. Now people are scared because the world has been attacked by forces beyond their comprehension and there’s no Superman to defend them. Things get worse unfortunately when a new threat arises and Amanda Waller is authorized to use Task Force X to neutralize the threat and retrieve a valuable asset. Just when things couldn’t get any worse, the Joker arrives to throw more gasoline on the fire which only creates more chaos. It’s a non-stop action ride that keeps your attention but asks more questions than answers for people who don’t follow the comics. That’s been the biggest weight on the shoulders of the DC Cinematic Universe.

This film is a lot like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Man of Steel because it really appeals to people who know a lot about the DC Universe. If you no nothing then you’re going to be left out in the dark because there’s very little character development and not much backstory to fill in the people who are oblivious. The universal problems with this film are the main villain was weak and Jaret Leto’s performance as the Joker doesn’t hold a candle compared to Heath Ledger. The main villain felt like the antagonist in Ghostbusters, just someone that had to be there to start trouble and not much thought was put into it. For people who are seeing the film for the Joker; you’re going to be extremely disappointed more than anyone in the film.  

Jaret Leto as the Joker was an even bigger disaster than Jessie Eisenberg who was cast as Lex Luthor but I mostly blame the direction and creation of this character more than the actor. When the first images of his appearance came to light, it wasn’t a welcomed sight at first. Dressed like a gangster and covered in tattoos which is something nobody has seen before from the famous clown prince of crime. If this was an attempt to re-image the famous villain, then I’m sorry to say that this one shouldn’t been crumpled up with the rest of the bad ideas. As far as the usual charismatic and spontaneous character we’re all accustomed to, we see an approach that’s more brutal with bullets instead of cunning and creative. The only thing I can say that was a good thing was the fact that he had the least amount of film time; it makes sense because it’s mostly about Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn who was fantastic playing the psychotic and sexy femme fatale.

Will Smith as Deadshot was a great move considering he took a more demanding lead that supplied the most comic relief as well as being the bad ass of the group. I personally like to give this film a 7 but it gets 6 out of 10 because it’s a great film for DC fans who know a lot about the characters and they’re story but not for people who only know a little. I can see this movie having a great first weekend but it will drop and drop fast with the release of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon and several other films coming out soon. There’s good surprises during the film and after the credits so make sure you stay a few minutes after the film. I sincerely hope DC and Warner Bros. takes everything they hear seriously because the success of the cinematic universe now falls on the shoulders of Wonder Woman and Justice League due next year, good luck.

America is divided, the government is broken and a new rebellion is born.

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Final Orders

To everyone in the Restricted Zones,

My name is Commander Conner Bradley, former commander of the former real United States Army and this is the last letter that I’m going to make before I die. Copies will be made for every loyal man within the Restricted Zones to read so that nothing will be lost in translation and all rumors shall be laid to rest. I dedicated my life to protecting my country and I would’ve died for it, even to this day no matter how corrupt it is. When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was a protector and save lives because frankly that is the greatest honor anyone can have in his or her life. Now things aren’t as they were back when America was whole. Before the country was split in two between the rebs or rebels and the conformists or cons, before President Frank Mason.

The year 2088 was a desperate time, enemies were everywhere from Mexico to Australia now that everyone had a nuclear weapon at their disposal. The value of the American dollar wasn’t worth the paper that it was being printed on and a majority of people were fighting to stay alive while a certain few suffered little pain. That’s when Frank Mason, a senator from North Carolina rose at the perfect time and everything started to turn around. But like the rise of most dictators, he rose when people were so desperate for the bubble to be repaired, they were willing to sacrifice everything without thought or consequence. This hurts me to say because I was one of those mindless drones willing to fall if he told me to lay down.

I had been a one-star general and saw the fires surrounding my country and the only thing I wanted to do was save it. Frank Mason told me of his plans and how at the end of his two terms that he was going to do the one thing that would change everything. He succeeded, somehow the money started to circulate again and raise in value, other enemies started to become neutral or allies, and the majority who had suffered started to prosper again.

Job unemployment was at an all-time low, virtually everyone had a roof over their heads, and threats against our nation were disappearing at an incredible rate. For a short time, it was seen as a miracle and people believed that he was going to replace Lincoln as the greatest president in history. But eventually the smoke and mirrors can only hide the illusion for so long.

Clear Skies Defense Corporation. Absorbing all weapons manufacturing companies became the military’s greatest ally until it became the military in general. All military personnel, equipment and actions became the direct responsibility of the company’s owner, Peter Wesson. While it was alarming at first, thing did get better for the soldiers and the country was improving and so I stayed loyal to my oath. It would only be the first of many offenses the ‘savior’ of our country would commit and ultimately lead to what we know as The Great Division.

The one accomplishment that President Mason wouldn’t take credit for when our country was divided down the middle. Especially after he committed the greatest act of treason in my opinion and something we all should be ashamed we let happen. Despite all of his accomplishments, he still guaranteed to do something that would change everything and near the end of his second term, he succeeded.

During an emergency state of the union address, he literally shredded the constitution live on television for the entire nation to see. He spoke of how the old ways don’t work anymore and clinging on to them is what got us in such a desperate state in the first place. He spoke of how the nation had to evolve in order to survive and that he had a plan that would guarantee our nation’s survival.

I’ve lost many soldiers under my command and on that day, I wish I could join them after seeing everything that I lived for shredded apart in a mere few seconds. The balance failed to stop the check, the house and senate just rolled over and let him do what he wanted, even dropping the amendment that would deny him a third term. An election that people knew was fixed, never in American history has a president won an election with a 2 percent popularity vote.

I wanted to stage a coup d’état but with law enforcement and military being monitored as they are these days, it would’ve been impossible to do anything in secret. It would surly have meant my discharge and my death along with several other commanders who felt shared my rage. How things got so bad, only the former politicians who are still alive know.

The ones who were there when he made the announcement that he was dissolving the house but keeping the Senate just to show that he cared about the voices of the people. President Frank Mason cares so much that he removed all power so now the Senate is just a play for the masses to see. Putting on a good show but in the end, proving to be useless at because the president still had opposition. Those who were brave enough, the first opposition started to protest openly even though they didn’t have the requirements and for the first time, the president got nervous.

He made the call to order all the soldiers back home and close the bases all over the world but not to join their families but to suppress the very opposition. That was the scar that I couldn’t bear, so I went to the generals that I know that I could trust and right then and there, I took off the uniforms given to us by Clear Skies and threw it down on the floor. I wasn’t a protector of the nation that I once loved, the suit that I wore when I was just a soldier was defiled and the country I grew up in was gone.

This was my belief and the belief of the other generals so they joined in and we dawned real uniforms once again. Then I took my personal Old Glory flag and it was placed over them, covering the filth that we had worn for years. April 27th 2095 would be the year that a new rebellion was born but it we made a critical error.

We underestimated how people felt about the new regime, a majority of the population believed in the president. Even with all flag being prohibited including Old Glory, the rights being restricted, and the president forming a “cabinet” comprised of the richest people in America now that they owned the military, banks, media, oil, and medicine.

I was hoping that with all the military put together, we could force the president out of power even but my worst fears arose in the form of General Thomas Cooper, a Lieutenant back then informed the president of our conspiracy. Now he stands as the commander of what we call the Union army created by Clear Skies Defenses. Thankfully soldiers loyal to us were able to keep us out of prison long enough to form a new army that the Union media labelled us as rebels.

Using the media’s own fire, we decided to build on that and in time we accomplished building a formidable army. The other generals and I were able to unite you all in the best way we could by forming the American Rebel Army or A.R.A. but in the end, another reality would keep us from full scale war. Now that President Mason saw a legitimate threat to the nation and the country scared of a new Civil War, a compromise was offered to which both sides agreed to meet to discuss the terms.
An offer that the other generals and I knew we couldn’t turn down. Certain states would be known as the Restricted Zones to everyone who is a conformist as we call them. Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota would be ours to do with as we wanted.

Anyone that didn’t want anything to do with President Mason or the new United States had to be registered as an uncompliant. Trade would still be established with our states providing natural resources as long as the Union provided us with oil and other supplies. The United States would still be considered “United” but like everything else with President Mason, it’s all for show hiding nothing by lies and deception. We were skeptical but after carefully looking over the treaty, we knew it was a legit offer and the only way for peace. At first we wanted to deny it but after a moment, we gave it consideration.

The last Civil War cost too many American lives and we all being seasoned warriors; we couldn’t deal with anymore loss. Furthermore, we spent our lives protecting this nation, even with how bad it’s gotten, we couldn’t be the instrument of tearing it apart.  This was the cause of why we signed the segregation treaty on the eve of the new century that granted us the peace we’ve been enjoying… for now. As I lay here dying in Topeka, Kansas, our own national capital, this fellow soldier writes down my final words. Those words are about how much I’m sorry. I’m sorry for so much and I feel terrible that you all are the ones who will have to deal with this now.

We didn’t fight back at the right time and we didn’t go to the war that deep down, I feel is going to come. I only hope that you all can understand our motives and why we did, what we did. I like it on the record that I nominate Commander Debra Guillen as my replacement on the military council. She has always been a great leader and I know she will fulfill my position with the same fortitude as I did.

To everyone in the Restricted Zones, heed my words and stay vigilante, believe in our government based off the old ways.The Senate and House of Representatives in South Dakota that still serves as the voice of the people. The military council of the A.R.A. that protect our land and finally, please don’t lose faith in our country. I never believed in much but I did believe in the eternal pride of American patriotism and its ability to persevere even through the worst of times. May God bless and watch over you all.

Sincerely,

Commander Conner Bradley
August 15th 2109

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Ghostbusted?

After decades of waiting for The Ghostbuster franchise to return into the mainstream spotlight; the remake has finally been released despite overwhelming hatred from fans of the original. Most of the complaints about the remake mainly circulate around director Paul Feig’s decision to make it an all- female cast. Some see this as a feminist approach to the classic since that stared an all-male cast but frankly it’s a childish complaint and we’ll leave it at that. What matters here is the quality of the movie and whether it works with this new generation where more can be offered through computer enhancements. As far as the film itself goes, it’s fun to watch but it had potential to be great and doesn’t hold a candle to the classic.

I attended a 3D showing in the evening and saw the auditorium half full which isn’t a good sign for an opening weekend for a well-known franchise. I have to admit that if I didn’t see it in 3D then I probably wouldn’t have liked it as much. The special effects were cool with the ghosts popping out as well as the proton streams coming at you but it couldn’t justify the price of the admission ticket. There were plenty of laughs but virtually nothing really scary that made people want to hold on to the people next to them. Nobody left during the film which was good but there were plenty of people who were wondering what did they just see when it was over, so here’s where I start. 

Like most remakes, Ghostbusters used the same context as the original only Paul Feig built a new story around it with a cast of comedians. The top stars are Paul Feig’s favorites, Melissa McCarthy whom he also worked with in Spy and The Heat along with fellow co-star from Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig. This brings a familiar bond to the film that the audience recognizes and connects with immediately. The newcomers that complete the new team are Saturday Night Live stars Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon who got the most laughs or reactions from the audience. Most dedicated fans didn’t feel the chemistry of the new team but they turned out to fit well and complemented each other throughout the film. These women did a fine job in their roles but the biggest problem in the film was the story itself.

This film does supply a healthy dose of shocks but there is little horror behind them. In the original, there were monsters that not only scared people but gave the children nightmares while this film only supplies a moment a suspense that was followed by a comedic response. It pretty much cuts the audience off from any scares they may have had. As far as the comedy goes, there’s different variations from each comedian that appeals to one or all but some were just lost on it. The weakest part of the film falls on the antagonist who was weak and boring to watch every moment he was on film.

The biggest disappointment will be when a certain creature is “chosen” to fight the paranormal super troopers that was short and bitter. I’m not even going to get into the remake of the classic theme song that was done by Fall Out Boy and Missy Elliot. I give this film 6.5 out of 10 because while it can’t be compared to the original, it still creates a new story which is rare in remakes. Paul Feig did his best to try and bring Ghostbusters back but it’s clear that his vision doesn’t work for fans of the original. This film was fair but the long-time fans of the franchise will immediately forget about this film after they see it.

Ghostbusters was crippled before it even finished production by dedicated fans who hated this remake months before it was even released. The movie trailer holds the Youtube record for most hated video and that hate is shown in lack of attendance tonight. It’s been over three decades since the last Ghostbusters film so for this to return in such a way is a disaster because I don’t see a sequel coming anytime soon. I’m sorry to everyone involved in the film because I’m sure they worked hard to give the fans what they wanted and to the dedicated fans of the franchise who were disappointed. I have a feeling you’ll have to wait longer for a Ghostbusters film you can fall in love with.

New Age Rebels Free Until Thursday

Nations rise and fall but it's the people who live in that time that decide whether a civilization becomes the phoenix or submits to the raven. This is a novel based on what one man can do when a culture gets so desperate after depending on a pattern that's done nothing but lead them to stray. With ideas so radical, he is willing to tear apart the fundamentals on which the United States was founded for his ambitions. He sells the dream for a new United States that is owned and not free but is once again strong. However the president soon finds nothing happens without resistance.

Men and women of the former United States military decide to stand against the president and his corrupt agenda. Branded as rebels by a bias media and seen as traitors by the government, they quickly assemble another army from fellow soldiers and officers. With the threat of another civil war rising, a new deal is formed that would keep the country united but only as a formality. The rebels are allowed to live in selected states and uphold the old traditions as long as obligations are met by both parties.

Everything went according to plan for a brief time and the country moved after the events of The Great Division. The country moved on while everyone in the Restricted Zones kept to themselves and moved on with their own ways. Now something threatens the peace and starts a chain of destruction that is leading the country to another civil war. Certain individuals from opposite sides realize the danger and decide to act to uncover a conspiracy. United by a common belief, they must rush to save lives and a country they both love.

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America is Divided and a New Rebellion is Born. New Age Rebels is Free on Amazon.

Nations rise and fall but it's the people who live in that time that decide whether a civilization becomes the phoenix or submits to the raven. This is a novel based on what one man can do when a culture gets so desperate after depending on a pattern that's done nothing but lead them to stray. With ideas so radical, he is willing to tear apart the fundamentals on which the United States was founded for his ambitions. He sells the dream for a new United States that is owned and not free but is once again strong. However the president soon finds nothing happens without resistance.

Men and women of the former United States military decide to stand against the president and his corrupt agenda. Branded as rebels by a bias media and seen as traitors by the government, they quickly assemble another army from fellow soldiers and officers. With the threat of another civil war rising, a new deal is formed that would keep the country united but only as a formality. The rebels are allowed to live in selected states and uphold the old traditions as long as obligations are met by both parties.

Everything went according to plan for a brief time and the country moved after the events of The Great Division. The country moved on while everyone in the Restricted Zones kept to themselves and moved on with their own ways. Now something threatens the peace and starts a chain of destruction that is leading the country to another civil war. Certain individuals from opposite sides realize the danger and decide to act to uncover a conspiracy. United by a common belief, they must rush to save lives and a country they both love.

This promotion runs for a short time so get it before it becomes your loss.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Age-Rebels-Anthony-Labson-ebook/dp/B0152IQZAI?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

Poem: A Fallen Angel

A Fallen Angel

An angel is falling from the sky.

She is in a vortex, helplessly

going down a downward spiral,

screaming for help in mid air.

She looks so pure and innocent.

She is an angel, but she can’t fly.

And, as I look with a hawk’s eye, I see

her wings are broken.

I wonder why she has been sent to this realm,

a realm of my vision,

an endless forest were disruption meets oblivion

and lost souls meet renaissance.

She lands in the lake of my forest.

She is 5 foot 2 and about 130 pounds,

But, like a small stone, makes no splash,

just ripples in the water.

Yet, the impact sounds like that of an atom bomb.

I get on my stallion, the eternal mustang,

and ride to the lake where I see her

floating on her back like a flower.

I pull her out and go back to my cabin in the forest.

I put her in my bedroom

because there is no other.

I sleep in front of the fireplace

and wonder where to start.

The next day, she wakes up,

and I come in with breakfast.

She is startled, but I calm her down.

I tell her that I am a friend.

“I am one who cares for all.

I give comfort and shelter to those in need.

You may simple call me friend

because that’s all I’ll ever be.”

She eats the eggs I’ve made for her and

drinks the water that I’ve purified.

After a while, I finally ask her,

“Angel, why did you fall from the sky?”

She says, “I lost my way.

I just got bored with eternity,

so I wanted to leave.

I got my wish, and now I have nothing.

That’s why I guess I’m here,

to be forgotten.”

I say to her, “He doesn’t forget, and he does forgive.

Somebody so beautiful should express happiness, not fear.

In time, you will learn to smile again

and never again feel sorrow.”

With her wings wrapped and her body healed,

she begins to live with me here in the forest.

We take walks in the morning to see the sunrise and

have dinners in the front window of the cabin to see the sunset.

I cook her all my favorite recipes

from lasagna to baked ziti.

But when we get to the desert --

freshly made cherry pie -- her favorite.

Weeks after her arrival, she asks me,

“Why are you here?”

I tell her the truth.

“I was once lost like you were.

I fell just as you did, but found my way.

But unlike me, you still have a choice.” 

She asks, “What kind of choice?”

I say, “You’ll know it when you feel it.”

She gets confused, but, months later,

confusion turns into compassion.

Many times, she welcomed me to bed with her.

Every time I declined, not because of un-attraction.

It was just going to make it easier on me in the end

because I knew the day was approaching.

A year has passed. Her wings are healed.

She flaps them up and down

and gets herself off the floor.

I smile at her success, but she can see

my invisible frown.

The time has come, and I say, “Let’s go to the lake.”

But when we go, there is no lake,

just an open field with a ray of light in the middle.

She sees now the choice that must be made.

Leave or stay?

There is no turning back.

But, before she makes the choice,

she asks me with a heart-broken voice,

“Why did you stay?”

I say, “I wasn’t the first.

I knew I wasn’t going to be the last.

I made the choice to stay

and help other angels like you and I.”

She asks, “What if I stay with you?

Help other angels by your side?

I can’t image eternity alone.

I don’t want that to be your fate.”

I say, “That’s not your choice to make.

This realm is of my vision.

This is my eternity, and this is how I choose to spend it.

If you decide to stay, I will be the one that goes.

Either way, one of us is leaving, and it’s going to be you.”

She says, “How do you know?”

I say, “Because you’ve learned again what’s most important.

Eternity is what you make of it.

This is mine, and I do it with pride.

Now you can go and find something to take pride in.”

Angel says, “I will miss you.

You gave me back so much.”

I say, “You’re welcome.

That complement is why I do this.

Now, it’s time to fly.”

She hugs and kisses me goodbye

then slowly moving towards the light,

never taking her eyes off me.

With new wings, she heads back to paradise.

As she disappears into the light,

I say, “Lord,

your child has returned to you.

My love and wishes go with you angel.”

I turn back and head for my cabin.

My energy is now spent.

My body is weak.

My head is light as a feather.

I now go to bed and sleep

until the next is sent.

Sample from my book Madness in a Recession available now!
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Excerpt from my book Madness in a Recession

The Greatest Pleasure

After years of sleeping

in a box of metal and stone,

I’m free.

Free to indulge in pleasures.

but there is only one pleasure I want.

It’s the greatest pleasure of all.

Will I get a decent hot meal?

Even though it is an upgrade

from the gruel and meatless meatloaf?

No.

Will I sleep outside under the stars?

That for me is like a blind man at an art show.

I wouldn’t know the Pegasus from the Dippers.

The only thing I would appreciate is the extra space.

No.

What about making love to a beautiful woman?

To have my hands on a pair of firm breasts

and be between the smoothest thighs a woman can have.

To be squeezed by them as I dance between them.

Oh, that is indeed a great pleasure,

but not the one I speak of.

The illusions in prison quenched my thirst for lust.

This is not the pleasure I speak of.

The pleasure I speak of

is the only way I could get to a hot meal,

or sleep outside under the stars,

or find the love of a beautiful woman.

The greatest pleasure of all is this.

Now that I am released,

I will go to a motel and get a room.

Then, for the next couple of hours,

I will keep opening and closing my door.