REVIEW: HBO Max’s PEACEMAKER Is The Perfect Kind Of Raunchy Ridiculousness
The series premiere of PEACEMAKE has dropped on HBO MAX. The spin-off of DC Comics’ film, The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, kicked off with the crazy episode titled, “A Whole New Whirled”.
In the series premiere, viewers find Peacemaker or Chris (John Cena) newly recovered from the events in The Suicide Squad and trying to find a new purpose. However, that journey to finding his new purpose doesn’t last too long when he finds himself with a new task force that is less than ideal.
The premiere episode spends the majority of its time building the foundation for the story and building the relationship between the characters. As viewers learn about Peacemaker’s history and the influences that led him to who he is today, the task force comes to terms with their new project, which, as with any DC Comics’ adaptation, is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Gunn returns to write and director this new spin-off series and the episode format really plays to Gunn’s best talents. He is able to carefully craft a story that manages to fill the limited time with just enough detail, raunchiness, and fun to keep viewers entertained from start to finish. Also, as with any Gunn creation, the music is a character in it’s own right. Every piece of music helps not only elevate the simplest of scenes, but helps propel the story forward.
John Cena returns to play, Peacemaker, the character everybody loves to hate and he once again plays it so well. His ability to make the viewers want nothing more than to punch his character in the face, but at the same time root for him, is a sight to see. Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee reprise their roles as Emilia Harcourt and John Economos, A.R.G.U.S agents introduced in The Suicide Squad. Both are fun additions to the team and knowing that viewers will get to see more development from them over the next episodes will be such a joy to watch.
Danielle Brooks comes in as the newest recruit to the task force, Leota Adebayo, and by far one of the best parts of the premiere episode. She brings such a fun quality to the team and her comedic timing is consistently on point. Freddie Stroma, Peacemaker obsessed and slightly naive Adrian Chase, aka Vigilante, is a wonderful change for the actor. Finally, Chukwudi Iwuji as task force leader Clemson Murn, is exactly what you want from a black ops leader. He is charismatic, but intimidating as well, which play so well against Peacemaker’s brash.
The series premiere of PEACEMAKER is a great starting point for what could be a great series. DC fans and fans of The Suicide Squad will not be disappointed in this ridiculous spin-off that brings the tears, laughter, and Peacemaker’s brand of peace.