DC has had some bumps trying to kick off their cinematic universe that started with 2013s Man of Steel. Despite mixed reviews fans were massively excited for the follow up Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Despite fans mixed feelings on the film it still did really well and even offered up a better version of the film with the Ultimate Edition when it hit Blu-ray and DVD. Now the most anticipated film in their new universe Suicide Squad is here, but does it break the chain of doubt that some fans have or will it deliver the bad guy fun like the trailers promise?

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Suicide Squad follows U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller who decides to assemble a team of the world's most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government's disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. However, once they realize they weren't picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will they resolve to die trying or decide it's every man for himself? This is not the usual fair for director David Ayer who is known for his gritty realistic films like Fury and End of Watch, but he brings his own style to the film that helps it stand out as something pretty entertaining. The film features an impressive cast including Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Joel Kinnaman, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Karen Fukuhara, Adam Beach, and Ike Barinholtz who all bring their own fun to their characters. While all of them do a good job the real standouts here are Smith, Robbie, Leto, Hernandez and Davis.

Smith gets the more grounded role despite being  hired killer with Deadshot. He has probably the most humanity of the group outside of Hernandez and s thinking about more than just himself. Jay Hernenadez’s El Diablo was the most unexpectedly deep character as he is dealing with personal tragedy along with trying to harness easily the most powerful abilities on the team. While the looks of both Joker and Harley have been met with often unsatisfied opinions, both Robbie and Leto have nailed the characters on just about every level. Despite Leto not being in the movie as much as you might think he his Joker has a one track mind of focus on that of Harley and they steal much of the show. Leto is excellent in the role bringing a crazed version of the character that leaps off the page and seems to blend varying versions into one insane variation. Robbie has done something special with Quinn and made her not only a strong female character, but still captured the essence of what fans love. Every time she is on screen she steals the spotlight offering up some of the most fun and even often emotional moments as she struggles to be with Mr. J. For fans concerned with her look have no fear as they have paid great homage to all versions of the character while still making it their own. Easily the most evil character in the film is that of Davis’ Amanda Waller. Comic fans know how badass this woman can be and they do a great job bringing this no nonsense character to life as the only one who could wrangle this group together. 

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The rest of the team all work great with Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang looking to have the most fun and never sways from his one track mind of himself and drinking. I really dug the look and attitude of Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s Killer Croc who is really just there for the muscle, but is a lot of fun to watch. One of the more subtle characters was that of  Karen Fukuhara’s Katana who never got much promotion and while doesn’t have a lot to say does play a pretty big part in the action here. The weakest of the bunch has to be that of Joel Kinnaman’s Colonel Flagg and Cara Delevingne Enchantress. They both work, but feel a bit out of place. Flagg is a one dimensional character that could have been so much more. Enchantress is actually pretty cool in the first half of the movie, but the direction they take her gets a bit cheesy. Visually she is cool, but could have done something a lot better in the end. Adam Beach’s Slipknot is pretty much a sad waste of time. It makes sense of his purpose, but just felt forced to set up one simple aspect to the overall control of the team.

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Visually the film is dark and gritty like the previous films in the DC universe, but not in exactly the same way. There are some bright creative spots as they introduce the characters during the first half of the film that is easily the best moments in the entire film. As the film progresses it does lose a bit of steam as it falls into the same pattern that just about every superhero film goes these days for a big threat. This threat is probably the weakest part of the film with some of the effects not all that great and a bit cheesy that might lose some, but in the end it still manages to entertain. There is a definite connection to the events of Batman v Superman to further this story and into the future outside of just Batman’s appearance. In addition there are some fun surprises that expand this universe complete with a mid-credit scene that offers up more for the future.

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I honestly do not understand all the negative reviews for this film as despite some bumps it still manages to offer up a fun film that delivers all the humor and action you could want. Sure there are some geeky moments that will always frustrate the hardcore comic fans and some things that could have been better streamlined or edited, but it doesn’t change the fact that this was exactly the movie I expected. Coupled with an awesome soundtrack Suicide Squad is a blast and will hopefully be just the beginning for these characters cinematic storylines.

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In addition to this latest venture into the DC Cinematic Universe this release offers up an insane variety of bonus features including an Extended Cut of the film, gag reel,a ton of featurettes and so much more. Don’t miss out on the baddest heroes around when Suicide Squad Extended Cut hits Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on December 13th as well as Digital HD available now from Warner Bros. Home.