First things first: I’m sorry this is my first review of 2020, but did you really need me to tell you not to watch The Grudge, Like a Boss, Dolittle, The Turning, and The Rhythm Section?
Now that the dead zone of bad January movies is finally over, what I can tell you is this: you should watch Birds of Prey. As some critics have suggested, it’s the second half of the title – (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – that is what the film is truly about.
But I would argue this isn’t an issue, but rather the film’s greatest asset, serving a manic, engaging, colorful, and action-packed tone that sets Birds apart from the overcrowded superhero sub-genre.
I would be doing you all a disservice if I didn’t immediately give credit to star and producer Margot Robbie, who so fundamentally understands the character of Quinn that it is impossible to picture another actress in the role. Her frenetic mannerisms, and the film’s hectic pace, not only keep you engaged in the on-screen onslaught of action, but also place you firmly in Harley’s headspace. At times, the never-ending clash of music and jokes can get in the way of the story, but I’ll take Birds‘ exciting action over dark and depressing DCEU films like Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman any day.
And how glorious the R-rated, bone-crunching action is. Chad Stahelski, mastermind beyond the stylized “gun-fu” action of the John Wick franchise, has an uncredited role as second unit photographer, punching up the action scenes with immaculately framed action choreography that feels like it’s leaping off the pages of a comic book.
Despite the rest of the titular “Birds” taking a backseat, Huntress and Black Canary do a lot with a little, thanks to strong performances by Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Ball. However, the fourth Bird, portrayed by Rosie Perez, did suffer from the lack of character development, relegated to self-referential jokes poking fun at how two-dimensional she was.
I haven’t even talked about the scenery-chewing performances of Ewan McGregor and Chris Messina as the villainous Black Mask and Victor Zsasz – equally funny and intimidating charicatures.
Overall, Birds of Prey simply packs a ton of fun into just 109 minutes – this is the best action, the best humor, the best protagonist, and the best antagonist the DC Extended Universe has yet to offer. It simultaneously feels like an ode to quick serialized films of the past, while also being noticeably modern in its messages and casting. In an age when every superhero feels like it’s trying too hard to tie into a grand universe plan, Birds of Prey thrives as a film that stands proudly on its own, with kick-ass action and in-your-face humor.
The Cast: Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Ball, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina
The Elevator Pitch: John Wick + Kill Bill + Deadpool + cocaine
The Score: 8.75/10
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