The new DC outing is chock full of ‘girl power’ but forgets that this is not enough merit to carry a film on. 

Birds of Prey (and the fantabulous emancipation of one Harley Quinn) offers the level of carefree fun that its extended title suggests, providing a largely successful first solo outing for Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). It wavers in its function as an introduction to the rest of Harley’s crew however. There’s Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), whose awkward acting is part endearing, part questionable, Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) a hardass cop with a lot of potential, Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) who is vital to the plot yet by no means the most gripping part of it and Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) who is by far a standout character and performance.

BOP does its best to emanate ‘deadpoolesque’ comedy and violence and it largely succeeds, Ewan McGregor is a highlight as the repulsively yet lovably cowering Black Mask, but his ending is largely unsatisfying as it feels so rushed. BOP does not avoid some of the major pitfalls of its predecessor Suicide Squad but rather takes them in its stride, making the same mistakes just to a lesser degree. The core characters feel too underdeveloped to allow any sense of attachment for them as individuals and as a team. As per typical DC fare, the film is technically great, the look polished, and fight scenes visceral thanks to the film’s 15 rating. Margot Robbie offers a chaotic yet lovable performance, inviting you to root for Harley yet not shying away from the fact that she is essentially a terrible person.

Overall, director Cathy Yan crafts a film that is worth a watch for a couple of hours of easy viewing action and profanity, with enough zany personality from its protagonist weaved through it to make it an overall fun time. I look forward to seeing the return of these badass women in the future.Share