MOVIE REVIEW - BIRDS OF PREY: TO WATCH, OR NOT TO WATCH?
We’re going to keep this short and sweet, and pretty much aim to not spoil anything for anyone!
Who would’ve thought that a solo Harley Quinn movie would actually ever happen? For us, never in a million years! A character that was created specifically for one of the most celebrated super hero cartoons now has her own live-action film…and we still can’t believe it. Making an appearance in a film (Suicide Squad) and standing out is one thing, but to get your own film shows just how important not only this character is to the masses, but just how successful Margot Robbie has done as an actress by bringing this once obscure character to life.
The movie is pretty fast paced, and that’s not a complaint whatsoever. It’s very quirky, smart, and filled with “Girl-Power” tones that many young teens could benefit from, especially when it comes to breakups and the toxicity of relationships.
“Mom, Dad, is what Joker and Harley share really true love?” - Little Kid
This is an example of a question that we hope you are all having to answer with your kids on the way home from the film. Yes, it’s rated R, but with the accompaniment of a cool ass parent, who needs sneaking in right?!….right?!?! The film is colorful, yet dark at the same time. It wants you to have fun, and maybe not take it too serious. If we were to compare it to any other films in its genre, we’d say it’s like Kick-Ass meets Suicide Squad.
IMAGE COURTESY OF GOOGLE: https://images.app.goo.gl/TTUtEzZkygJNVfSB8
If the film were to fall short in any areas, it would be in the “AMAZING” or “WOW” categories. This film is supposed to have major character, but there weren’t any memorable moments. At times, it felt more like a gratuitous sequel to a solo outing that we never got! Our villain in the movie is a bit lackluster and very familiar. At a time where we’re getting opportunities to love, care and relate to our villains through cinema (Joker, Thanos), this villain brings us 10 steps back and reminds us how a movie such as this could have easily operated without a villain. Black Mask is a dominant figure in the Bat-Verse, but his character and presence was truly wasted in his first live-action appearance (Our opinion).
And what is with every publication thinking that the Harley Quinn outro during the credits is related to the new cartoon on DC Universe? Why not a reference to the connections that Black Canary and Batman has had in the comics? Stay till the end of the credits for the film, and you’ll know exactly what we’re referring to!
PROS:
ON SCREEN GIRL POWER ENERGY
VERY FUNNY AND PRETTY FAST PACED
COOL EASTER EGGS
NO JOKER (JARED LETO)
CONS:
NO MENTION OF BATMAN OR WHAT OCCURRED BETWEEN THE TIME OF “SUICIDE SQUAD” AND THIS FILM
NO MIND BLOWING MOMENTS
LACK OF ORIGIN STORIES FOR THE CHARACTERS (ASIDE FROM HUNTRESS)
NO POST-CREDIT SCENE, CLIFFHANGER OR SIGNS OF A FOLLOW-UP
In conclusion…
WATCH
- ARYS DÉJAN, THE WHO & HOW CLUB