Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
I've been watching the new <PERSON> animated series on DC Universe (or Adult Swim here in Canada) and have really liked how they give dimensions to a character that since her inception in Batman TAS has largely been relegated to sidekick territory (even when paired with <PERSON> she often took the backseat). Birds of Prey in similar fashion gives <PERSON> lead agency as an anti-hero with a heart. It works because <PERSON> buys into the role which is 75% of the battle when it comes to these superhero movies because the writing is never the strength nor the focus.
Despite holding lead title billing though the rest of the Birds Of Prey (and all the other auxiliary characters for that matter) are not afforded the same luxuries as <PERSON>. Lacking the same broad recognition or lead in film, even one as bad as Suicide Squad was, they have paper-thin depth without the same crutch to fall back on. 952
Thankfully the ensemble cast is likable and <PERSON> directs a technically proficient film that unlike its Marvel counterparts doesn't pander with token empowerment. Clunky writing and questionable needle drops (slowed down cover of Hit Me With Your Best Shot? Really?) aside Birds of Prey succeeds in all the areas you are really looking for in a movie like this released during the dead zone period of the calendar season.
Stray Observations
- This is the only DCEU (is that still a thing?) movie to date that I enjoyed the climax of. It isn't a CGI mess or a poorly lit, poorly edited set-piece where you can't see what's happening. Major Props to <PERSON> and co.
- <PERSON>'s cackle laugh after leaving the supermarket was a small joy
- <PERSON> is cool, <PERSON> also cool but I could do without the cop (whom I have already forgotten the name of tbh)
- Between <PERSON>, <PERSON>, <PERSON>, and <PERSON> - DC has quietly assembled a group of charismatic actors who work in their roles while quietly excising those who don't. With <PERSON> and <PERSON> (who can sell anything these days) coming into the fold I'm excited about the company while secretly hoping they keep their properties they keep them separate 796