Shot/Reverse Shot

In a direct sequel to last week's discussion of how bad Suicide Squad is as a film in its own right, but also a spiritual sequel to our episode on the state of the modern blockbuster, this episode finds Matt and Ed using Suicide Squad as a prism through which to explore the worst tendencies of modern blockbuster culture, and how it is emblematic of a moribund summer movie season. They detail how hard it is for a film to turn a profit these days, why foreign box office is so rarely a saving grace, and the increasing toxicity of online discussion around blockbusters. They also pay tribute to Gene Wilder and Jon Polito, two actors they loved who passed away this week, and wax poetic about Jackie Chan and Patrick Ness.