MovieChat Forums > Peacemaker (2022) Discussion > Surprisingly enjoyable first season

Surprisingly enjoyable first season

posted 3 years ago by JakeSWITCH (504)
5 replies | jump to latest

Despite James Gunn recycling a lot of stuff from his previous films (random dancing and music from 'Guardians of the Galaxy', the alien invasion and beast in the barn from 'Slither', the low-rent superheroics from 'Super', etc), I really enjoyed 'Peacemaker'.

Between it and 'The Suicide Squad', Gunn seems to have a good handle on what makes most of these characters and storylines work. Clearly, he's read a lot of the comics written by John Ostrander. The tone also reminded me of Garth Ennis (particularly his run on 'The Punisher'). In fact, 'Peacemaker' gets closer to the spirit of Ennis than 'Preacher' or 'The Boys' ever did.

Gunn also did a good job at telling a "world ending threat" story with what were obviously limited sets and budgets due to COVID.

The only aspect I didn't care for was Jennifer Holland as Harcourt. I understand that she is Gunn's real-life girlfriend and he's helping her career, but I thought her acting alternated between stiffness and emoting too much.

All in all, Gunn has produced some of my favourite DC stuff, outside of 'Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey' and HBO Max's 'Doom Patrol' (a series that I wish existed in the same continuity as 'Peacemaker').

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 3 years ago

I thought Harcourt came off pretty well as the "mother hen" of the group. As I saw it, that role would call for someone low key, especially in light of all the over-the-top other characters in the show.

Otherwise, I agree -- I should've expected quality from Gunn, but I never would've thought Peacemaker would make a good subject for a standalone show, especially a low budget standalone show.

Glad to be proven so wrong.

[–] howgamer (3931) 3 years ago

Yes, what a surprise this was. Overall I thought this was pretty good and it got better as the season went on. I thought Cena and the whole cast was really good imo. I agree with the recycled style, but that is Gunn. I did not enjoy Gunn's SS at all, but this worked for me. 7/10 and looking forward to season 2. Seems DC has a hit with this one.

[–] papamihel (1616) 3 years ago

It was occasionally very funny.
Too bad they didn't use pillowcase white supremacists to save the world. That would have been a prime piece of trolling.

But the fascist rant about evils of freedom in the finale almost made me throw up.

[–] JakeSWITCH (504) 3 years ago

To be honest, I was surprised that Gunn didn't make the white supremacist supervillain dad a punchline. He was a legitimately threatening and loathsome character.

I actually would have liked to have seen White Dragon on the Suicide Squad, working under Amanda Waller, but it seems Gunn is sticking closer to the comics and making him a part of Peacemaker's psychosis.

[–] Batty67 (358) 3 years ago

It was hit or miss, but mostly hit on most levels, making it enjoyable most of the time. And that's alright with me.