Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Suicide Squad is that movie everyone was excited about in 2016 and then collectively went 'oh no' when they actually watched it. It's got a killer soundtrack and some fun character designs, but the execution is a trainwreck of studio interference, messy editing, and wasted potential.

The bigger issue for families? It glamorizes Harley Quinn and Joker's abusive relationship as edgy romance, sexualizes Harley constantly, and treats suicide/violence casually while offering zero meaningful character development or themes. The 'bad guys can be good' premise could've been interesting, but instead we get CGI blob monsters and forced sentimentality.

Honestly, even teens who love superhero movies will probably find this one a slog. The 5.92/10 rating tells you everything—this is skippable unless your kid is a completist DC fan. If they want antiheroes done right, point them toward the Guardians of the Galaxy films or even the newer The Suicide Squad (2021) which is actually good. This 2016 version? It's a cultural artifact of superhero fatigue, not a recommendation.

Age Fit

Best for teens 15+ who are already into superhero movies and can handle violence and problematic relationships with critical distance. Younger teens will likely be bored or confused by the choppy storytelling anyway.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

Antihero team of criminals and villains as protagonists models morally ambiguous behavior. Violence is frequent and played for spectacle. Minimal positive relationship modeling—characters are coerced into cooperation rather than choosing kindness. Harley Quinn's relationship with Joker is toxic and abusive, glamorized through aesthetic. Tone is dark, chaotic, and emotionally cynical.

Imaginative

55

Visually stylized with comic-book aesthetic and creative character designs. Superhero/supervillain premise offers fantastical elements and world-building from DC Comics universe. However, execution is derivative—feels like a darker Guardians of the Galaxy knockoff without the originality. Doesn't invite creative thinking or exploration, just passive viewing of CGI spectacle.

Safe

30

PG-13 equivalent but pushes boundaries with intense violence, gunplay, explosions, and implied torture. Harley Quinn's sexualized costumes and camera angles are inappropriate for younger viewers. Joker/Harley relationship depicts domestic abuse as 'edgy romance.' Suicide and self-harm are plot elements (bomb implants, characters willing to die). Language includes mild profanity. No gore but plenty of combat deaths. Definitely not safe for unexpected viewing by young children.

Enriching

20

Minimal character development or meaningful themes. Surface-level 'bad guys can be good' message is undercut by shallow plotting and forced sentimentality. No real ethical complexity despite premise—just action sequences strung together. Won an Oscar for makeup but critically panned (TMDB 5.92/10 suggests audience disappointment). Entertainment value is low due to messy editing, incoherent plot, and wasted potential. Unlikely to spark meaningful conversation or growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces iconic DC characters like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and the Joker if your teen is into the comics universe
Visually stylized with bold colors and comic-book aesthetics that pop on screen
Won an Oscar for makeup and hairstyling, so at least it looks interesting
Could spark conversations about antiheroes and moral complexity—though the movie itself fumbles this badly

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What to Watch For

Joker and Harley Quinn's relationship is textbook abusive but presented as 'twisted romance'—needs serious unpacking if your teen watches
Harley Quinn is heavily sexualized throughout with costumes and camera work that objectify her
Lots of violence, explosions, and gun battles—characters literally have bombs implanted in their necks
The movie is just... not good. Messy plot, incoherent editing, wasted potential. Your kid might tap out from boredom before any content concerns kick in

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about Harley and Joker's relationship? Did it seem healthy or romantic to you?"
"If you had superpowers but made bad choices, do you think you deserve a second chance? What would that look like?"
"Why do you think people are drawn to villain characters? What makes an antihero interesting versus just... a villain?"
"This movie got pretty bad reviews even though it had a cool premise. What do you think went wrong?"

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