James Gunn directs Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena in this DC comic book movie sequel to the “villains get drafted into a crisis and prove their anti-heroic worth” blockbuster.

An improvement on the first film in every possible way. Here the names die mercilessly – it is unpredictable, gory and feels completely stand alone. The jukebox soundtrack is just as intrusive but the choices feel more in keeping with that flip, violent thrill ride we’ve bought a ticket to. Robbie’s Harley Quinn is shunted off to her own solo subplot for most of the runtime… you have the fear that she is in it more for the poster appearance than necessity to the narrative. Yet ghettoising your marquee name has its advantages too, the new freaks and geeks are given room to shine. Cena, a tubby shark and Daniela Melchior manage to make full impact among the busy ensemble of doomed showstoppers. Silly, excessive and garishly bright – this hits all the summer blockbuster buttons you want pressed. It outstays its welcome… a tighter finale would have elevated this into a rewatchable classic but as it stands this second attempt to Suicide Squad sees the mission very much accomplished.

7

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