If you’ve been reading my reviews for a while, you know I’m not a huge fan of comic book movies. I did like this one, though.
“Birds of Prey” is a spin off of “Suicide Squad” centering around Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). Recently single, she’s ready to tell her own story on her own terms. Born Harleen Quinzel she was an orphan who grew up to be a psychologist for the criminally insane at Arkham Asylum. She ended falling in love with the Joker and together, they ruled the crime world. After their break up Harley is ready to prove that she can do things on her own terms. Without Joker’s protection though, enemies keep showing up to take her out.
“Birds of Prey” has fast frenetic action that matches Harley’s personality, but there are quieter moments mixed in. Harley does show her sensitive side in this one and it’s refreshing. The film is directed by Cathy Yan who brings a nice balance to the two sides of Harley while making the journey a lot of fun.
The villain is Roman Sionis, Black Mask, (Ewan McGregor) who is out to get a diamond engraved with the account codes of a rich family. While in the possession of Black Mask’s henchman, the diamond is pick pocketed by Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco). Cassandra is arrested and Harley breaks her out of jail where they go on the run. Little by little the rest of the women who make up the birds of prey begin joining in. Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) has been on the hunt for the assassin killing people via bow and arrow who turns out to be Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Dinah Lance, Black Canary, (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) starts off as a singer at Roman’s club before being hired as Roman’s reluctant driver. Harley joins this team, though she has to learn to work with them instead of against them.
This is undoubtedly Harley’s story with the birds of prey thrown in. It’s a fun, distracting romp, but there’s nothing deeper than that. I enjoyed this film, but if you’re looking for something that gives you a deeper look into Harley’s psyche this isn’t it. This is by no means a bad thing, but it is worth noting.
Robbie is great as Harley Quinn. She delves as deep into the character as she can and runs with it. She’s funny, but knows how to be vulnerable when she needs to be. It’s also apparent that she’s having a blast playing the role and it fits perfectly with the style of the film. I’m looking forward to seeing more Harley in the DCU.
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