The DC Cinematic universe was not off to a great start last year, with both BATMAN V. SUPERMAN and SUICIDE SQUAD being lambasted by both critics and audiences. However, both films were successful at the box office. When I first saw SUICIDE SQUAD at the theatre, I was not terribly impressed, although I didn't think it terrible either. Now, after having recently seen the extended edition of the film, I can say that the film is improved. The story seems to flow better, though it is still plodding at times.

SUICIDE SQUAD is the big screen debut of a group of popular comic book characters which have been around in comics in some form or another since 1959. The modern incarnation consists of a group of arch-criminals (membership varies), well-known to fans of the genre. The movie sends them on their first mission to fight against a greater evil. Recruited against their will by ruthless government operative Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Deadshot (Will Smith), Killer Croc, Captain Boomerang, Diablo and Katana use their special skills against the forces of evil unleashed by Enchantress (Carla Delevingne) and her brother Incubus. 

The story takes a while to get going. The viewer is first subjected to a barrage of flashbacks to set up the characters' back story, and the much-anticipated featured character The Joker (Jared Leto)---arguably the most popular of all comic book villains---is disappointingly underused in the movie, appearing in a series of flashbacks illustrating his romantic history with Harley Quinn. He does appear finally later in the movie, but by then the sense of excitement is already exhausted. 

Because of the criticism that BvS was too dark, some late reshoots for SUICIDE SQUAD happened in the Spring of 2016, alledgedly to add more humor. The resulting film does contain humor that feels forced at times. The chemistry between the anti-heroes also feels a bit unconvincing. Some of the acting performances are top-notch, however. Margot Robibe and Will Smith particularly stand out.

SUICIDE SQUAD has its moments, and is definitely worth seeing if you're a fan of the comic book and/or the genre. But it still feels like a missed opportunity, like it could've been something special but missed the mark. I would give it two-and-a-half stars out of four.