Who needs men when you have your girl gang? That is the beautiful question Birds of Prey answers for you...you don't!
I can't lie to you, I didn't like Suicide Squad; the 2016 DC Comics movie that introduced Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. The movie showed Harley's origin with The Joker (to which in Birds of Prey she refers to him as "Mr. J"). Harleen Quinzel was once a psychologist working in Arkham Asylum and she fell in love with her patient (yes Mr. J) and then ensued in a life of crime. But, while Suicide Squad painted the picture of a love sick Harley Quinn, while Birds of Prey showed (as Harley refers to it) her emancipation from the doting partner in crime to the bad ass chick she was always meant to be.
We start of the movie with Harley recapping her break up with Mr. J and then we see the beautiful transformation as she realizes her true potential. Unfortunately for Harley, all of the bad deeds she had done are now coming back to bite her in the ass because Mr. J isn't around anymore to protect her. And thus enters our villain, Roman Sionis (played by Ewan McGregor), also know as the Black Mask. A long time associate of The Joker and desperately seeking revenge against Harley Quinn. Then, Harley is able to strike up a deal with him to get back his precious diamond to save herself.
The diamond you ask? Part of a crime family's legacy that he paid a pretty penny for. And where is the diamond? Well that brings in Cassandra Cain (played by Ella Jay Basco), a rough around the edges, kid thief that just so happens to pick the wrong pocket. This pick-pocketing scheme lands her in possession of the diamond and it's up to Harley Quinn and her mismatched crew to save their own asses while helping the kid.
Now, ever since Christian Bale stepped down from playing Batman, the DC Comics movies have been subpar in my book. BUT, the women of DC are holding it down! First Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) was carrying the franchise on her back alone but after seeing Birds of Prey, Harley Quinn is now sharing the load with Wonder Woman. Margot Robbie played such a fun and exciting performance. It's a great movie to watch with your friends and feel like the baddest girl gang in town. The ensemble cast featuring, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell were wonderful to watch. Ewan McGregor played an enjoyable performance and is it weird that I find him more attractive after seeing him in this role.....yes? Okay let's move on!
Some of the fight scenes (and I hate to compare) compared to Marvel were a little clunky. The transitions could've been smoother during the wider fight scenes. But, it made up for it in the storytelling. It was great to hear Harley narrate her own story and the way all of their storylines intersected to show why all were tied to this diamond was very compelling.
Unfortunately, the opening weekend for Birds of Prey wasn't too successful and I have two reasons why this might be. Opening on Oscars weekend is hard, everyone is out trying to cram in their last minute Oscar nominated films before the show. Even my thought process was "let me see these right now, the stuff in the theatre will be there next week!" And secondly, people cannot stand to see a movie produced, directed and starring women kick ass. I HIGHLY recommend seeing Birds of Prey, not only to support women in film but to have a blast at the movies! It was fun, exciting, and interesting. Oh and stream the Birds of Prey soundtrack because it is filled with bangers.
7.5/10
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