by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
Task Force X returns! That’s right, the Suicide Squad is back in action and this time they have added some new faces to assist with the mission. What crazy task has Amanda Waller demanded of Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Harley Quinn, Killer Frost, Copper Head and Bronze Tiger? And how do Zoom, Vandal Savage and the mysterious man known as Steel Maxum factor into this? It’s time for a road trip, because Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, the latest DC Universe Movie is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and via Digital Download.
When Amanda Waller learns that her death is imminent, she unleashes Task Force X to find a mystical relic (a literal “Get out of Hell Free” card). Deadshot must lead the unlikely band of allies to find the card and return it to Waller, but find that like every other task they have been assigned, the job is not as straight forward as they might hope. Task Force X first seeks out Steel Maxum, a man who might hold answers to the last known location of the card. How can this stripper possibly have knowledge of a mystical artifact? He just happens to be a previous host to Doctor Fate! With Maxum by their side, the group will be forced to face off against both Professor Zoom (The Reverse Flash) and his gang (including Blockbuster and Silver Banshee) and the immortal known as Vandal Savage (along with his daughter Scandal Savage and Knockout). Why are these two villains vying desperately control of the card? The plot twists involving these two are sure to leave you shocked. Who will ultimately win the card and save their soul from damnation? Only one person will ultimately win and Deadshot is determined to be the King of the Hill.
Like all of the other DC Universe Movies, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay is loaded with talented voice actors. This outing features Christian Slater (Archer) as Deadshot, Vanessa Williams (Eraser) as Amanda Waller, Billy Brown (Adventure Time) as Bronze Tiger, Liam McIntyre (The Flash) as Captain Boomerang, Kristin Bauer van Straten (Once Upon a Time) as Killer Frost, Gideon Emery (Krampus) as Copperhead, Jim Pirri (Injustice 2) as both Vandal Savage and Count Vertigo, Dania Ramirez (Heroes) as Scandal Savage, Greg Grunberg (Heroes) as Steel Maxum/Doctor Fate, Julie Nathanson (The Zeta Project) as both Jewelee and Silver Banshee, C. Thomas Howell reprising his role as Professor Zoom, and Tara Strong reprising her role as Harley Quinn. To no surprise, Howell and Strong slide seamlessly back into their respective roles, stealing the spotlight in this all-villain adventure. The twist with Zoom takes this story from being just a fun stand along adventure to a crazy impressive grounded link to the previous DC Universe Films, one that no one will see coming. Slater as Deadshot was a fun alternative to Will Smith’s version for the live action film, and it more in line with the the comic book counterpart. Bauer van Straten as Killer Frost was hands down my favorite of the new cast members, as her deadpan take on the villain worked perfectly in contrast to the more colorful rogues. McIntyre as Boomerang was also a fantastic addition for this adventure and I hope that he is brought back for future iterations. In regards to the most…colorful…new addition to the team, I would like to give a shout out to Greg Grunberg for the craziness that is Steel Maxum. How could this guy possibly be selected as Doctor Fate? His character makes a pretty straightforward and compelling argument. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I hope we get more Steel Maxum in future DC Universe adventures.
Special Features
- Outback Rogue: Captain Boomerang Featurette
- Nic Shot, Floyd!: The Greatest Marksman in the DCU Featurette
- The Power of Plot Devices, MacGuffins and Red Herrings Featurette
- A Sneak Peek at DC Universe’s next animated movie: The Death of Superman
- Hell to Pay Commentary
- Digital Download
Overall
Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay definitely utilized its R-Rating to the max in this grind house style adventure. When you have gang of villains together, you know it spells trouble. Hell to Pay solidifies Task Force X’s role in the current DC Universe Film series, and sets up much more potential for the rogues to get some time in the sun (hopefully they aren’t tasked with BLOWING UP the sun).
ComicsOnline gives Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay 4 out of 5 Steel Maxums.
