Nearly 5 weeks into 2020 and we have our first Comic-book movie of the decade, in the shape of Cathy Yan’s “Birds Of Prey” (and the fantabulous emancipation of one Harley Quinn)”. Led by Margot Robbie’s incarnation of the famous DC character from the objectively awful “Suicide Squad” it’s safe to say early reactions have put the film on a level with the top offerings from DC.
Whilst there is significant praise for Robbie’s commitment to the whacky and wonderful nature of the character, a huge amount of praise has been fished out to how the film apparently leans heavily into its R-rating. In fact “John Wick” helmer Chad Stahelski was brought in to work on the films fight scenes. And if these reactions are anything to go by it appears to have payed off.
As much as you have to take early reactions with a pinch of salt, this is extremely positive for Warner Bros, considering some of the DC disasters they’ve brought to the screen in the last 10 years. The film has even been described in some quarters as ‘Deadpool’ with a dash of Tarantino’, whilst others have called it ‘hyper stylised’, ‘a crazy funhouse’, and ‘weird, whacky and super-violent’.
Cast wise, Mary Elizabeth-Winstead’s ‘Huntress’, JurneeSmollett-Bell’s ‘Black Canary’ and Ewan McGregor’s ‘Black Mask’ have also been singled out for eye catching performances, especially McGregor’s ‘hysterical, eccentric, and deliciously pathetic’ take on the DC villain.
The full review embargo lifts this Wednesday so look out here for more updates. “Birds Of Prey” opens internationally on February 7th.
Following “Air,” this is Affleck’s latest stint behind the camera. He has cast himself in the lead role, alongside Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files”).