In a world where the nation’s leaders are concerned with the growing threat of metahumans, heartless government operative Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) proposes the formation of a team of super-villains to take on other super-powered enemies. Employing a group of violent psychopaths to save the world might seem like a bad idea, but Waller intends to force their cooperation through the use of implanted nanite bombs and by bringing in a super soldier named Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman) to lead them. If this sounds like a terrible plan, it is. It almost immediately backfires, causing the first crisis.
The team consists of Deadshot (Will Smith) a hit and who misses his daughter terribly; Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), a deranged killer with a taste for not wearing pants; Captain Boomer (Jai Courtney), an amoral Aussie with razor-edged boomerangs for weapons; El Diablo (Jay Hernandez), a regretful gangster able to spew fire; Katana (Karen Fukuhara), a martial artist who has a magical sword; Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), an ancient witch in possession of a meek scientist; and Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) whose name is pretty self-explanatory. So much time is spent trying to establish a backstory for all these characters, there’s not a lot of time left over to move the plot forward.
On paper, this could have been a compelling exploration of antiheroes, but while some of the characters have personality (particularly Robbie’s Harley Quinn), the film doesn’t, save for a few hyperkenetic sequences. Characters come and go so often, it’s nearly impossible to care about any of them. Several subplots come and go as well. After a while, it all just seemed…pointless. To make matters worse, after months of hype James Let’s joker was a complete let down. His grill and tattoos are only seen in largely insignificant flashbacks. More importantly, Leto’s portrayal of the Joker doesn’t approach the depth or complexity of the man portrayed by Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson.
Suicide Squad is certainly not one of the worst movies ever made. However, it’s an indication that DC has a long way to go before they surpass Marvel in the film world.
Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Warner Bros. has delivered a satisfying 1080p transfer. While a couple of interiors look slightly soft, it’s nothing major and delineation is quite good throughout. The are no print flaws to speak of. The dull teal based color palette doesn’t naturally pop, but it looks natural and appropriate for the production design. Blacks are dark and inky and the image is clean.
The provided Dolby Atmos track provides all the power viewers expect from a comic/action film. Music is bold and full. Dialogue is natural and concise. Effects are dynamic and use the entire sounds cape to great acclaim. The soundtrack is top notch.
English, French, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
Both the theatrical cut and the extended cut contain the same extras.
- Task Force X: One Team, One Mission (HD, 23:08) A look at the history of Suicide Squad in comics, before its transition to the screen. The participants include director David Ayer, the principal cast and DC Comics writer John Ostrander.
- Chasing the Real (HD, 9:37) A look at the film’s attempt to balance realism and comic fantasy, featuring comments from Ayer, Visual Effects Producer Ed Ulbrich and others.
- Joker & Harley: “It” Couple of the Underworld (HD, 14:29) Jared Leto, Ayer and others discuss the film’s reinvention of one of the comic world’s oldest villains and Margot Robbie discusses getting into character as one of the newest additions to DC’s rogues gallery.
- Squad Strength and Skills (HD, 9:03) A look at training and stunt sequences with stunt coordinators Richard Norton and Guy Norris.
- Armed to the Teeth (HD, 11:48) A look at weapons and props with property master Don Sissons.
- It’s Gonna Get Loud: The Epic Battles of Suicide Squad (HD, 10:54) A look at the choreographing, rehearsing and filming of the fight scenes.
- The Squad Declassified (HD, 4:19) A profile of each member of the Squad and their weapon(s) of choice.
- Gag Reel (HD, 2:04).
- DVD/UV Digital Copy.
