Those who listen to Geek Watch One know that I’m not much of a DC movie fan. Yes, I’m very pro-Marvel, but it isn’t just a matter of saying which company does a better job. You can’t legitimately deny that DC has done a pretty poor job with the majority of its movies. And if you saw the 2016 Suicide Squad, you know exactly what I mean. But now there’s a new Suicide Squad – not really a sequel, but not really a reboot either.

If you haven’t read the comics or didn’t bother with the earlier version, the premise of The Suicide Squad is something only comics could provide. A “ragtag” bunch of incarcerated villains – some highly skilled, some with powers, some mutants – are coerced into teaming up for a suicide mission for the government. (In typical bureaucratic style, they prefer to call the group Task Force X.) Of course, given the nature of the mission, most aren’t expected to make it out alive.

First thing to know about The Suicide Squad is you don’t have to watch the 2016 movie to get it. It provides the basics in the first few minutes and throws you right into the action. The second thing to know is that you shouldn’t get attached to any characters – it’s not a spoiler to say that more than half the full team gets killed. (As do a lot of other people – this movie earned its R rating.) And third, this movie is a hell of a fun ride.

The main thing James Gunn gets right with this film is never forgetting it’s based on comics. There is plenty of ridiculousness along the way, from the characters themselves to the action to Starro as the featured monster. None of it’s taken all that seriously, but at the same time it never feels silly. The characters understand the gravity of the mission, but aren’t averse to smart ass comments and one liners. And some of the deaths are so over the top you end up laughing at them.

And as someone who has never been a Harley Quinn fan, I will say that this movie actually made me like her. We are finally given the true Harley – silly, crazy, strong willed and incredibly violent with no remorse. A Harley vs. everyone scene part way through the film is one of the best pieces of choreography she has even been part of. We also get a truly conscience-free Amanda Waller, something that has been hinted at in earlier films but never made quite so obvious.

As I said, The Suicide Squad is a fun ride and whether you go to a theater or watch it streaming, it’s a good way to spend a couple hours. The cast is great and the story is pure comicbook. Aside from the Peacemaker spinoff we know is coming soon, the film likely won’t affect other parts of the DC universe, but when have they actually cared about that?!