Birds of Prey - Review
Director: Cathy Yan
Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ewan McGregor
After a definitive break-up with the Joker, Harley Quinn (Robbie) soon discovers that without the protection of the Clown Prince of Crime, many criminals in Gotham want her dead, namely the fearsome Black Mask (McGregor). As she strives for survival, Harley gains some unexpected allies in the form of three deadly women - Huntress (Winstead), Black Canary (Smollett-Bell) and Renee Montoya (Perez).
Having emerged as the standout character in 2016's critically panned Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie returns to the role of Harley Quinn. Harley's first appearance in the DC universe was largely defined by her turbulent relationship with Jared Leto's Joker, but Birds of Prey and Robbie (who served as a co-producer on the film and has been championing its existence for years) is intent on giving the character her own identity. Having spent years tethered to her beau, Harley exhibits all of the the typical traits associated with post break-up behaviour; partying, drinking and masking her heartbreak with junk food and trashy TV and Robbie relishes these comedic moments with pure aplomb, turning in a memorable performance.
However, Harley doesn't have much time to wallow in self-pity as her past actions and the destruction she has caused to others catches up with her, throwing her life in peril. Using her wits, intel and sheer audacity, she manages to bargain with Black Mask, promising a coveted diamond in return for her safety. This is where Harley and the other characters who comprise the titular group cross over, each one of them having a connection to the overarching crime at the story's centre.
Watching a cohort of powerful, funny and spirited women front an action-film is a rarity in Hollywood, but this diversity is also represented behind the scenes. Written by Christina Hodson (scribe of the surprise hit Bumblebee) and directed by Cathy Yan, women are indeed the driving force on both sides of the camera. Before Birds of Prey, Yan only had one directing credit to her name, but she has proven that she can handle blockbuster scale aplenty. Bursting with colour and zest, Yan shoots action in a unique and ambitious way, channeling the film's singular tone in a fashion of her own.
Zany, action-packed and a wonderfully weird ode to empowerment and sisterhood solidarity, Birds of Prey is the refreshing entry in the oversaturated superhero market that audiences have been craving.
EB
Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ewan McGregor
Having emerged as the standout character in 2016's critically panned Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie returns to the role of Harley Quinn. Harley's first appearance in the DC universe was largely defined by her turbulent relationship with Jared Leto's Joker, but Birds of Prey and Robbie (who served as a co-producer on the film and has been championing its existence for years) is intent on giving the character her own identity. Having spent years tethered to her beau, Harley exhibits all of the the typical traits associated with post break-up behaviour; partying, drinking and masking her heartbreak with junk food and trashy TV and Robbie relishes these comedic moments with pure aplomb, turning in a memorable performance.
However, Harley doesn't have much time to wallow in self-pity as her past actions and the destruction she has caused to others catches up with her, throwing her life in peril. Using her wits, intel and sheer audacity, she manages to bargain with Black Mask, promising a coveted diamond in return for her safety. This is where Harley and the other characters who comprise the titular group cross over, each one of them having a connection to the overarching crime at the story's centre.
Watching a cohort of powerful, funny and spirited women front an action-film is a rarity in Hollywood, but this diversity is also represented behind the scenes. Written by Christina Hodson (scribe of the surprise hit Bumblebee) and directed by Cathy Yan, women are indeed the driving force on both sides of the camera. Before Birds of Prey, Yan only had one directing credit to her name, but she has proven that she can handle blockbuster scale aplenty. Bursting with colour and zest, Yan shoots action in a unique and ambitious way, channeling the film's singular tone in a fashion of her own.
Zany, action-packed and a wonderfully weird ode to empowerment and sisterhood solidarity, Birds of Prey is the refreshing entry in the oversaturated superhero market that audiences have been craving.
EB
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