Discover the Fun and Forgettable Charm of Harley Quinn's Wild Adventure

Film critic Alexey Khromov shares insights into what makes Harley Quinn's solo story enjoyable yet not groundbreaking.

The latest entry in the DC cinematic universe brings back the beloved character Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie, who gained immense popularity despite mixed reviews for "Suicide Squad."

Interestingly, the movie's title highlights the superhero team first, with "Birds of Prey" leading, and only secondarily mentions "Harley Quinn's Fabulous Story." This suggests Harley is one among many characters, but in reality, the film is entirely focused on Margot Robbie's character — both its strength and weakness.

A Lighthearted Yet Straightforward Plot

The story opens with Harley narrating her breakup with the Joker. Leaving a toxic relationship is tough for her, and she tries to keep it under wraps from Gotham's criminals to maintain her safety. However, when Harley publicly makes a statement, she quickly becomes the target of revenge from many villains she has crossed paths with.

Meanwhile, a young thief named Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) steals a valuable item belonging to Gotham's most dangerous crime lord, Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). Harley and Cassandra cross paths while escaping numerous pursuers, also becoming targets of several women, each with their own agendas.

The plot essentially follows a classic crime story where a seasoned criminal takes a liking to a teenager and decides to help her. Unfortunately, "Birds of Prey" adds little innovation to this formula.

Most plot twists are predictable, and attempts to mimic the complex storytelling style of early Guy Ritchie films only play with form without adding depth. The humor sometimes dips into low-grade comedy, especially the absurd twist involving the sought-after item.

Surprisingly, two classic techniques save the film. First, Harley serves as the narrator, often breaking the fourth wall like Deadpool, adding comedic contrast between her perspective and on-screen events. Second, the story unfolds non-linearly, with Harley skipping or revisiting memories, keeping viewers engaged.

Ultimately, the film leans heavily on Margot Robbie's charisma and talent to hold everything together.

Harley Quinn's Spotlight with Supporting Cast

Learning from "Suicide Squad's" shortcomings, the filmmakers focus on one main character, relegating others to supporting roles. Betting on Margot Robbie's popularity proves to be "Birds of Prey's" main success.

However, the film starts cautiously, dedicating nearly a third of its runtime to Harley's breakup with the Joker. While this helps convey her emotional state and life changes, focusing so much on a character who never appears on screen seems like an attempt to tie the story more closely to the broader DC universe and comics.

This emphasis means other storylines suffer. Besides Harley and Cassandra, the future "Birds of Prey" team includes police officer Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), undervalued by her peers; singer Dinah Lance (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), working for Sionis; and the mysterious Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who takes down criminals with a crossbow.

Up until the climax, these characters feel like stereotypical figures from old crime films, lacking individuality despite talented actors portraying them. The film's self-awareness offers some relief, with jokes poking fun at clichés.

The portrayal of Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor, is more expressive than previous villains like Cara Delevingne's in "Suicide Squad," but even his performance can't elevate the character beyond a caricature. This leaves viewers hoping for an extended cut to explore these characters more deeply.

Margot Robbie seemingly enjoyed creative freedom, or perhaps has a natural affinity for Harley Quinn. The character is less overtly sexualized than in "Suicide Squad," which is a welcome change. Her costumes shift from teenage fantasies to a carnival of madness, and her behavior swings from sharp intelligence to outright clownishness.

In this film, Harley doesn't just strike poses or fight; she laughs, cries, makes faces, keeps a pet hyena and a beaver taxidermy at home, and even professes love for her sandwich — a quirky detail that amusingly reflects her emotional turmoil post-Joker.

Watching Margot Robbie embody Harley Quinn is a delight, capturing the genuine madness and energy that was previously missing.

Energetic Yet Late-Blooming Action

Action and fun are expected from this type of film, but "Birds of Prey" faces pacing issues. The real high-energy sequences only kick in after the halfway point, with a slow start saved by Harley's quirky antics.

Harley dominates most fight scenes, which, while not particularly memorable, are cleverly choreographed. She can turn a police station brawl into a carnival-like spectacle without losing the gritty edge — the film's R rating is well-earned.

The choreography features slow-motion, creative use of props, an outstanding soundtrack that stands out as one of the film's highlights, and nonstop jokes.

The finale redeems the earlier slow pacing, delivering a brilliantly staged action sequence. However, it's crucial not to take it too seriously — the film's tone and setting hint at its comedic nature. Expect a massive brawl in an unusual location followed by a chase scene, all infused with Harley's unique style.

"Birds of Prey" fixes many flaws from "Suicide Squad." Villains are less bland, action is livelier, and humor more vibrant. Yet, by avoiding risky experiments like "Batman v Superman," the DC universe risks becoming too predictable.

This movie is likely to entertain a group of friends on a casual Saturday night. Like "Wonder Woman," "Aquaman," or "Shazam," it won't leave a lasting impression. It simply offers a vibrant Margot Robbie and two hours of lighthearted fun without demanding deep thought. Sometimes, that's exactly what audiences need, even if DC lacks the courage to push for more originality, even in a comedic setting.

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