For those that don't know, test screenings are when a studio will show a film to a select group of audience members - not critics - before a film is released.
The audience are given scoresheets or, in some cases, a buzzer system where they'll vote up or down depending on what they see on screen. It's a system that's been in place for years and shaped some of the most important moments in recent blockbuster history. The end of Return of the Jedi, for example? Lando Calrissian was supposed to die escaping the Death Star and the Millennium Falcon was meant to be destroyed.
That's even why Han Solo says he feels like he's never going to see it again. Anyway, last night was allegedly the first test screening for Suicide Squad, the upcoming continuation of the DC Cinematic Universe.
A number of tweets were posted online late last night and early this morning from audience members who claimed they were at a screening. As you can see, the reports are quite positive.
Just got out of a test screening for #SuicideSquad. THIS is the movie that shouldve launched the #DCEU. Perfection film making, breathtaking
— Arjun Lal (@ArjunFromTO) May 21, 2016
I saw a first screening of #SuicideSquad last night and it was SO AMAZING! It comes out in August, I definitely #recommend seeing it!
— Alexis Harrold (@ALEXpie31) May 20, 2016
Of course, with anything of this nature, it has to be taken with a pinch of salt. In fact, some people are even claiming that there was no test screening and that the tweets have been orchestrated by the studios. Who knows, to be honest.
We've looked into and, to be honest, they seem pretty legit. Regardless of this, early screening reactions should always be taken lightly. For one thing, it's people who are getting to see a film before anyone else and for free - it's hardly the most reliable of reviewers and, more often than not, they're uber-fans who'll love it no matter what.
Remember when all those early reaction tweets went online for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice? Exactly. That being said, we are hopeful for Suicide Squad. For one thing, David Ayer's a decent director and the cast assembled is also very talented. Not only that, we're hearing that Margot Robbie steals the show as Harley Quinn - something we expected from the very get-go.
We won't know more, unfortunately, until nearer the film's release but in the meantime, this definitely gives us hope for the future of the DC Cinematic Universe.
Via Twitter