Not a masterpiece. But it is an outstanding DC Comics film

Rating: 8/10 (3 October 2019)

First: stop wondering if Phoenix' interpretation is better than Ledger's. Both show different profiles from the same character: whereas Ledger showed masterfully a psychotic villain, Phoenix shows (also masterfully) a person, a victim who smoothly is turning into a villain. This is the typical case of horses for courses.
Second: Yes, this movie is far better than suicide squad... and I frankly find it better than the DC franchise (except from Nolan´s trilogy). I would say that this is an excellent counterpart of BATMAN BEGINS... the "Joker Begins" here. And a very good one!!
Third: Definitively the film must pay off for Phoenix and at least give him an Oscar nomination. His interpretation is human, crude and ruthless to the bones. Phoenix succeeds at making us feel compassion, fear and hate for his character all at the same time.
I rate it with an 8 because it is very good but not perfect. I felt that Todd Phillips could have given us more "hangover" moments across the film to enhance this contrast between comedy and tragedy that the Joker is all about. You will see that there a couple of moments like that, but you will also see that may be Todd could have given more.
Go, watch it and enjoy it!!