Quartile rating: 3.5/10 · 1 rating
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
James Gunn's The Suicide Squad is a gloriously unhinged, R-rated comic book film that earns its novelty through a genuinely distinctive voice — gleefully violent, absurdist, and darkly comedic in a way almost no superhero film attempts. The ensemble cast is a standout strength, with Idris Elba, John Cena, and Margot Robbie all delivering memorable, committed performances that elevate the material. Cinematography is competent and kinetic but rarely transcendent — Gunn's visual style is fun but not artistically groundbreaking. The plot is serviceable comic-book fare with a clear three-act structure, enjoyable but not particularly sophisticated. The ending, while satisfying and tonally consistent, doesn't land with the emotional weight it seems to aim for, especially given how quickly some character deaths are processed.