Individual Performances VS. Overall Plot/Story

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2016)

I want to start off this review by stating that my opinion is as a fan, and not so much a true critic by any means. With that out of the way we can begin.
First thing I liked was the intro of the characters. Some say it was rushed and seemed like a presentation or school project in format. However, with this many people that is really the only way it could have been done without it taking the whole movie. Critics can hate it for being choppy and rushed, but I praise the creativity and doing what is necessary in the time allotted.
Second things I LOVED were the performances. Now this is where the movie shines and Ayers writing shows. The way he built the character dialogue, and their backgrounds (however brief they were) allow good actors (Smith, Robbie, Leto, Davis, and yes even Courtney) to shine in their roles. These "villians" were made to show signs of humanity like fatherly love, romance, or caring about more than money/themselves. This is the area where the movie shines and the writing shows.
Last thing I liked were the subtle additions to the movie. YES, batman is in it (that shouldn't be a spoiler), and the way they use him is perfect. The Jokers inclusions (however brief) are well done, and the great actors they got to play minor characters is impressive. Jay Hernandez as "El Diablo" is by far the most criminally underrated character (both in abilities and in his depth), and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as "Killer Croc" is amazing. Both actors have great careers, and here they step in as fillers. Scott Eastwood, Ezra Miller, and even Ben Affleck join in for cameo's and nail the parts (Affleck is the after credits scene).
The One thing I hated is the story, and I say that because there almost wasn't one. David Ayer wrote such beautiful cast background and depth for the characters, but the story falls apart about 40 minutes to an hour in. The main villain is spotty, not to mention obvious, and the "why is this happening" is a mystery. I do not know if Ayer is to blame or if it's Warner Bro's for rushing production and forcing re-shoots and over editing, but it did not work at all. I hope Warner doesn't kill this franchise by being overly involved. I would give Ayer another shot easily.
Overall: The cast saved this movie with their performances, and if they hadn't got all this depth in the characters it would have tanked. I value the performances above overall story, because even when the story started to tank and editing issues were hugely present the characters still entertained and provided laughs or enjoyment.