About the film (courtesy of Warner Bros.):
Welcome to hell—a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave…and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself). If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them—all of them.

What a difference five years, a retooled cast and a highly motivated new director make. David Ayer’s Suicide Squad (2016) was DC Comics first true attempt at making a somewhat lighter, more comedic footprint in the DC Extended Universe of modern movies. While not having quite the impact that the brass at Warner Bros. was hoping for, it did sort of lead the way for future successful entries into the storied franchise with the likes of Wonder Woman (2017) and Shazam! (2019). Probably the brightest and most marketable thing to come out of the original film was Margo Robbie who portrays Harley Quinn. Robbie was eventually given another opportunity to continue to flesh out her mischievous character in Birds of Prey (2019). The band is getting back together (with a few changes) under new direction in the hopes of making The Suicide Squad the summer film to die for.

The biggest change from the first film to this one is behind the camera. Warner Bros.’ decision to bring in James Gunn to helm The Suicide Squad was a bold, gutsy and unheralded move. Reason being, Gunn has previously been employed by DC Comics’ direct rival, Marvel Studios, in directing Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017). Since all’s fair in box office love and war, why not go after someone with a proven record of super-success in this particular film arena?

It’s obvious from the beginning that James Gunn isn’t afraid to lean on his strengths to construct a formidable opponent that can no longer be taken for granted. Just like a head coach taking over a new team, Gunn brings in some talent that he knows very well. Michael Rooker, Sylvester Stallone and his brother, Sean Gunn all had roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Aside from this trio, a host of others have had various experience in either DC or Marvel roles, and some both franchises. So, Gunn was not playing around with his ideas of assembling a cast that gives him the best chance for success.

The biggest luxury that Gunn gains with creating The Suicide Squad is that he is not bound by constraints of a PG-13 rating and the obvious limitations that come with it. This R-rated extravaganza embraces the violence, language and adult content that helps bring the enjoyment factor to an entirely different level. You’ll want to strap in and get ready for some fun, gruesome, hilarious times as the gang full speed ahead on some very WTF moments.

Idris Elba, John Cena, Margo Robbie and a host of others look like they had a blast being a part of The Suicide Squad. It really shows in the quality of acting and what we get to see on the screen. One can only image how hilarious some of the outtakes must be. From beginning to end, this story brings entertainment in every way imaginable to the screen. And even with a runtime toppling 130 minutes, I very much doubt that you’ll get bored. The writing, acting, effects and music are all in the upper echelon of quality.

Do yourselves a favor by leaving the younger ones at home and coming out the theater starting Friday, August 6 to experience The Suicide Squad. If you have to be an HBO Max subscriber, you can also catch it on there for the next 31 days. Either way, you can’t go wrong with taking the time to check this one out for a killer good time.