The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Featured images via imdb

If there were a prize for the longest film title, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is the number one contender for that prize.

Birds of Prey follows the psychotic Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) after her breakup with the Joker, who was her greatest love and protector. And now, with many gangsters after her, Harley Quinn fights for survival, even if it means locating a special diamond for crime boss Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), also known as Black Mask.

The plot is much messier and intangible than can be reviewed in this brief article, especially with the winding storytelling line that has multiple flashbacks, and flash-forwards, told in a voice-over by Harley Quinn. The film begins with a quick recap, before focusing on the effect of the breakup on Harley Quinn, then her survival and attempt to locate the diamond.

In order to perform the wrap-up scene it needs, the film, in parallel, follows other characters, including Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (JurneeSmollett-Bell), Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), and Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).

The action is where the film excels the most; Harley Quinn plausibly flaunts her violent shenanigans, breaking people’s legs, shooting glitter bullet guns, and blowing things up with all the confidence in the world. Sharp and surprising, these scenes are the film’s biggest asset. Just as whimsically colourful as its protagonist, the overall look of the film and its locations are harmonious.

For the acting, Margot Robbie’s performance is solid in Birds of Prey, boasting notable changes in her voice, her gazes, and body language, that show her commitment to the character. Robbie is still able to make Harley Quinn charming and, somehow, lovable, even if Robbie’s talents are not fully utilised in the feature. Ewan McGregor’s performance as a villain was one of the worst parts of the film, as he was not at all plausible as a crime boss. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, JurneeSmollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, and Ella Jay Basco all gave strong performances, making audiences wish that they had larger parts in the film.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is a fun film to watch – especially for DC fans – yet it’s nothing extraordinary.