Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

Directed by Cathy Yan
Written by Christina Hodson 
Starring Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell
Running time 1 hour and 49 minutes
MPAA Rating R - for strong violence and language throughout and some sexual and drug material

by Rosalie Kicks, Old Sport 

“Some people have the Eiffel Tower or Olive Garden…”

Harley Quinn had the Ace Chemicals Plant. I don’t think I am speaking out of turn to assume that this is not the type of place that would kindle any sort of romantic feelings, nor would it come to mind as an ideal spot for a candlelight dinner (But reallllly does Olive Garden? Two words: Unlimited Breadsticks). However, to Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel this drab, dingy setting symbolizes love. It is this location where her magical, havoc-filled, romantical adventure with Mr. J began and symbolizes when she was born anew, as a maniacal, magnificent, sparkly super villain. When Harley decides to destroy the plant in a fiery blaze of glory, it seems only fitting that its destruction would pave the way to her recovery. Fortunately, for all this occurs within the first seven to ten minutes of the flick and the Leto Jokey portrayal is nowhere to be found. 

This film is more than upfront that it is not the Joker’s story, this is The Harley Quinn show. Similar to the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Harley is on a mission to make it on her own. For years she has lived under the Joker’s thumb. The “privilege” of being Joker’s girl provided her protection against fellow city ruffians, preferential treatment at Gotham City’s night clubs and a never ending supply of weaponry. Harley’s heartbreak may have brought the loss of dependence, but also the opportunity to learn the value of one’s self-worth. The single life affords one to experience the true meaning of autonomy, aka paradise: A Friday night spent in footie pajamas with your pet hyena, the tellie and a can of Easy Cheese. 

Harley’s story of independence is woven in with the introduction of the Birds of Prey faction. A group consisting of an eighties esque television detective (literally) Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell). These ladies’ stories all become intertwined thanks to skinmask-obsessed baddie and mafia kingpin, Roman Sionis aka Black Mask, portrayed in a ridiculously over the top performance by Ewan McGregor. After his sought after diamond falls into the hands of a child pickpocket, Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) he puts a reward out to the mercenaries of Gotham City. In pursuit of a career, Harley Quinn accepts the job, which leads to much mayhem and glitter filled action sequences.

Cathy Yan’s film felt like a colorful piñata exploding right before my eyes. I found myself sprinkled with special little smile inducing moments until my heart finally burst from the reveal of the ultimate bounty. By having a female director and writer tell Harley’s story was not just a gift to the peepers, it was an affirmation that sometimes the best way to get over a bad break-up is a night of liquid debauchery, a post-hangover breakfast sammie and a night with the gals. Naturally, with Harley a “girls night” isn’t going to include pedicures and take-out from your favorite pizzeria. Nah. Harley would much prefer to meet at the abandoned carnival funhouse known locally as the “Booby Trap” and experience a memorable night filled with kickin’ ass - specifically the the keisters of men - that ends with a pitcher of margs and tacos. Undoubtedly, we would be besties. 

This is not a story that would have been penned by most men. I am not saying that it is not possible, buttt I did do a lot of algebraic equations to come to the conclusion that the likelihood of a dude writing a kick ass female empowerment superhero flick such as this is extremely slim. Especially with a mere budget of 80 mil. The previous bloated DC installments (aka travesties - not counting Wonder Woman) have not proved a good track record for men. Warner Brothers should consider handing over their comic universe to women exclusively.  The Birds of Prey script is far from perfect. However, where it stumbles, the strong and commanding performances from Robbie and gang pick up the pieces. Deep down, I wanted this film to get weird, and there is no doubt that it had its moments (ie Marilyn… oh you’ll know), but it also felt like it was holding back. It wasn’t until probably the last twenty minutes or so where everything was clicking just right.

Despite my particular annoyance with voice-over narration, after ruminating with the film afterwards, I found this approach mostly worked, as it achieved the likeness of a frenzied personality. There were moments, though, that I felt the story was being regurgitated and could have benefited from a show rather than tell technique. This should not go without saying, that writer, Christina Hodson (Bumblebee) does a wonderful job of showing the meaning of loss and how one chooses to pick herself up to face the fears of the unknown. Harley Quinn is one my favorite comic book characters because of her resilience, her unapologetic commitment to a self focused lifestyle and her colorful existence. Between the chromatic flashy costumes, the confetti spraying riot gun, hyena pet named Bruce (“I named him Bruce after that hunky Wayne guy.”), off-kilter behavior and her prized possession: a pink tutu wearing taxidermy beaver, I felt that Harley Quinn was brought to life. I also never felt so seen in a film, until I witnessed her grabbing all her possessions ala The Jerk style while her apartment is falling down around her ears. 

It was this, along with several other scenes that depicted the everyday life of Harley, that warmed my heart. One of my favorites was her grocery shopping with Cassandra Cain.  She is seen filling her cart with the essentials: sugar coated cereals, snax and fizzy pop drinks. Seeing this was a reminder to me of my days as a cashier. One can tell a lot about the items someone procures at the supermarket. Essentially, based on Harley’s selections, I wanna party at her house.

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