In 2016, Warner Brothers released “Suicide Squad,” the third installment of their DC Extended Universe. Despite being panned by critics, the film was a smash hit, grossing over $747 million worldwide. As a result of this success, audiences now have the spin-off, “Birds of Prey,” a film that attempts to recreate the success of “Suicide Squad” while also capitalizing on that film’s notable saving grace: Harley Quinn. Did Warner Brothers succeed in crafting an exhilarant piece of entertainment? The answer is quite positive.
Following the events of “Suicide Squad,” Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”) has broken up with the Joker and is now attempting to pursue a new life in Gotham City. Along the way, she becomes entangled with the villainous Black Mask (Ewan McGregor, “Doctor Sleep”) and his sadistic henchman Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina, “Blame”) who seek an invaluable diamond. In addition to these chaotic villains, Harley is joined by the vigilante Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, “Fargo”), metahuman singer Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell, “One Last Thing”), cynical detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez, “The Dead Don’t Die”) and young pickpocket Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco, “Glimpse of Heaven”) in their attempts to rid Gotham City of Black Mask once and for all.
By this set up alone, “Birds of Prey” sounds like a knock-off of better media products such as the 2000 film “Snatch” or video games like “Grand Theft Auto IV.” Nevertheless, “Birds of Prey” distinguishes itself with its style and execution. Opposed to the drab “Suicide Squad,” this Cathy Yan (“Dead Pigs”) directed picture is bursting with color and inspired set pieces. Whether it be a chase through a Gotham City marketplace or a showdown with Black Mask goons in an abandoned amusement park, “Birds of Prey” definitely has personality.
Robbie is once again excellent as the kooky Quinn. Not only is she given more time to expand her character, but the R-rating allows the film to tackle subjects or sell humor that would have been lost in previous PG-13 outings. “Birds of Prey” is further proof on why people are obsessed with the Quinn character. The rest of the cast is satisfactory, with McGregor, who is having a blast, being the standout. This is a character so deranged and evil that he makes Jared Leto’s (“The Outsider”) Joker look like a Care Bear.
The action in “Birds of Prey” cannot be understated. Think “John Wick” with confetti. Not only is it well choreographed and shot, but the R-rating gives the film more impact and intensity. Bones can snap, blood can be splattered, etc. There are no quick cuts or dark rooms to hide anything here. All the fun is on full display.
The problems with “Birds of Prey” arrive with its narrative structure. For example, take a scene where Quinn raids a police station in a similar matter to “The Terminator.” It’s a fun scene with more spectacular action. Unfortunately, the fun is halted for a time jump into the past that goes on for more than 15 minutes. Films have been told out of chronological order before, but the narrative found here is more jumbled and feels less refined. If anything, it proves to be a distraction to the gleeful insanity at hand.
The title of the film is also quite misleading. Despite being called “Birds of Prey,” this is solely a Quinn movie with the actual Birds of Prey team taking the backseat to Quinn’s Deadpool-esque antics. Their motives are defined and some of them even work in a decent line here and there, but the spotlight is totally on Quinn. However, due to the character’s popularity, this is not a shock.
“Birds of Prey” is a fun movie. It’s not going to break any new ground or be looked upon as a masterpiece of art, but it’s an enjoyable thrill ride from beginning to end. If you want some comic book thrills with a little more kick, “Birds of Prey” may be the movie for you.
Image from Warner Bros. via YouTube
