The Suicide Squad

Another ragbag of maximum-security jailbirds from the DC Comics stable steps up to save the world in this irreverently fresh take on the franchise. The gang is sent to do battle against a ruthless South American dictator and his secret weapon - a giant extraterrestrial starfish. Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena) and human-fish hybrid Nanaue, also known as King Shark (voiced by Sylvester Stallone), head the task force, with a little help from a familiar face, the gleefully homicidal Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). Writer/director James Gunn packs proceedings with the cool attitude and comedy he brought to Guardians of the Galaxy and ups the gore quotient, but his characters are fully fleshed-out with much more to do than just vanquish foes in increasingly inventive violent set pieces. Sidestepping the silliness of the plot, it's joyous fun throughout; the entire cast is a blast, not least Peter Capaldi's mad-scientist baddie, the Thinker.