“Birds of Prey” Receives Critical Acclaim During Opening Weekend -

By Angela Hickey

Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey joins the DC cinematic universe, wowing crowds all across America. Birds of Prey was released on February 7 and stars Margot Robbie and continues Harley Quinn’s narrative beyond the Suicide Squad film from 2016.

The movie follows Gotham’s famous troublemaker, Harley Quinn, fresh off her recent breakup with her long time boyfriend and partner in crime, The Joker. Unprotected and unmotivated, Quinn decides to turn over a new leaf and make a name for herself, earning a job working for fellow crime boss, Roman Sionis. Soon Quinn finds herself teamed up with a vigilante, a cynical detective, a club singer with superpowers, and a teenage pickpocket in order to take down Sionis and live to see another day.

This film features an absolutely fantastic cast of well known and talented actors. With Margot Robbie reprising her role as Harley Quinn, the film also features Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as The Huntress; Helena Bertinelli, Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Dinah Lance; The Black Canary, Rosie Perez as Detective Renee Montoya, and Ella Jay Basco as teenage runaway and pickpocket; Cassandra “Cass” Cain. The film also features Ali Wong, Steven Williams, and Chris Messina in various supporting roles.

Yan’s Birds of Prey is an action packed thrill ride that takes the viewer on a journey of emancipation and finding one’s true family. Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is immensely entertaining, capturing the audience’s attention and truly giving the character a life of her own. She shows the realistic journey of a woman recovering from heartbreak and forging a new path for herself.

The film budget of $97.1 million was completely made back and then some, with the film grossing in a worldwide total of $152.8 million. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 78% based on 348 reviews, with an average rating of 6.75/10. The website’s critics’ consensus reads, “With a fresh perspective, some new friends, and loads of fast-paced action, Birds of Prey captures the colorfully anarchic spirit of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.”

This project was a very female-driven film, not only being directed by a woman but also produced by Robbie’s own production company. The film also features a soundtrack made up of all female artists, such as Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lauren Jauregui. The soundtrack even includes a track which was created by Jurnee Smollett-Bell in her role as The Black Canary.

Overall, the film is a hilarious and fantastic story about finding your place and recentering yourself after a devastating emotional upheaval. From the hilarious jokes to the costume design, this film is a must see for anti-hero fans everywhere.