As a long-time DC fan, many can agree that they were hoping to at least see a clip of Dr. Harleen Quinzel’s interview with Joker, or maybe witness an intense inner conflict between her true self and her adopted persona. Instead, they saw exactly what was expected.
The violence is as frequent as the characters are dull; Birds of Prey delivers the quicker-paced action movie that audiences expected. Margot Robbie reprises her Suicide Squad role as DC villain turned anti-hero, Harley Quinn.
If a hilariously-silly plot full of cliches, and awkward dialogue isn’t an issue to viewers, then this spin off will probably serve as a decent watch.
Director Cathy Yan certainly creates a fun experience for those who are familiar with the comic book character and appreciate violent surprises that keep audiences engaged.
To be clear, this film is not for nit-picky cinephiles or those looking for an ambiguous drama portraying the tragic backstory of one of Gotham’s most notorious criminals.
The movie actually opened in with the worn-out “Ratatoullie-like” intro: “Hi, my name is ____ and I’m gonna tell you my story from the beginning.”
Rewind to a sperm breaching an egg, “Oops, too far!” Really? Who is this movie for? There were many moments in the film that made viewers painfully aware that it’s a just spinoff of an equally-awful movie.
In the first three minutes, viewers see a brief synopsis of Harley Quinn’s backstory in a cartoon. Of all the things to explore in a Harley Quinn movie, writers decided that her origin was the least worthy of a live-action performance
One could only compare this movie to its 2016 predecessor, since it does not hold a candle to Todd Philips’ “Joker” or any of the triple A titles from the MCU.
At the same time, the movie was never advertised as such and higher expectations are likely misguided, especially if one watched Suicide Squad.
It is told from the perspective of Quinn who is exactly as one-dimensional as the trailers revealed. Watch Quinn evade police, gangsters and hitmen all while drowning her breakup sorrows in the bloodbath of her retribution.
Ewan McGregor plays flamboyant crime lord, Black Mask, who leads his thugs on a murder spree in pursuit of a hidden fortune.
While slightly-interesting at times, Black Mask is motivated by the typical greed and lust for power combo. His persona attracts Quinn because of her incessant need to serve a master.
In addition, there is Rosie Perez’s detective character who manages to be clairvoyant in her crime-solving but still appears as a belligerent buffoon in the majority of the film, sporting an “I shaved my balls for this” shirt.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell play Huntress and Black Canary, whom later unite with Quinn and the Detective Montoya to form The Birds of Prey. We once again witness a band of unlikable losers learn that real strength is in teamwork as they fight a common enemy.
That being said, the flaws noted are still saturated in the film since the frequent action progresses the plot well enough to keep your attention.
