Flocking together for fantabulous fun
Robbie smashes it in rollercoaster ride
Birds of Prey DVD/SKY Store ●●● Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn was the best thing about 2016’s Suicide Squad and the crazed ex psychologist is rewarded with her own band of anti-heroines to lead.
The word that best sums up Birds of Prey is fun; from the animated opening filling us in on Harley’s back story it’s clear this is no dark and brooding drama.
In only her second full-feature outing, director Cathy Yan has a ball bringing comic book flair to the screen, whether through colourful graphics, an inspired glitter gun attack on a police station or gorgeous set design that peaks with an abandoned funhouse.
Unfortunately, Yan and her cast are hampered by Christina Hodson’s script – slightly surprising given how good a job the Londoner did with Bumblebee.
The film drags badly in an overstretched middle third and the nonlinear narrative is unnecessary.
Its female empowerment message is a bit heavy-handed as there are literally no redeemable male characters.
As hugely watchable as the movie is – and I’m sure it will have a lot of rewatchability value – it’s tonally all over the place.
Broken limbs, a cocaine-fuelled set piece and skin-slicing mix with a pet hyena, lament over the fate of a sandwich and roller-blading hijinks in jarring fashion.
Thankfully, the cast is, for the most part, a compelling crew. Robbie IS Harley Quinn and shows impressive physicality to match her charisma and comic timing; I loved Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s verbally awkward Huntress, although we could’ve done with more of her; and Rosie Perez gives feisty soul to frustrated cop Montoya.
But I couldn’t decide whether I liked Ewan Mcgregor’s turn as Roman Sionis or not – his vain, frequently cursing, flamboyant suit-wearing villain certainly leaves a mark – and Jurnee Smollett-bell’s Black Canary is a little one-note.
Birds of Prey may have more ups and downs than a rollercoaster but it’s entertaining and exciting, particularly during a fantabulous finale.
●What are your thoughts on Birds of Prey? How does it compare to other DC Comics movies?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.