The rivalry between DC Comics and Marvel has been a long-standing industry fixture. Both publishers have drawn inspiration from each other’s work and continuously strived to attract readers, viewers, and fans. While Marvel has successfully established a cohesive cinematic universe with its 23 films (with the 24th, Black Widow, premiering in 2020), DC’s attempts to replicate this success have been met with challenges. Films like Justice League and Suicide Squad have fallen short of expectations. Although Shazam! and Aquaman offered glimpses of potential, consistently strong DC movies have been relatively scarce. Until now.
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) finds herself abandoned by the Joker (Jared Leto?, Jack Nicholson? Heath Ledger? Joaquin Phoenix? Cesar Romero? Mark Hamill?!) and consequently loses her accustomed protection. Individuals she has previously wronged now seek retribution. When her path collides with the deranged and villainous Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), her life is further disrupted, forcing her to navigate these challenges independently—a task that proves more difficult than anticipated.
Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn was a highlight of the otherwise disappointing Suicide Squad. The character originated in the animated series in 1992 and has since been featured in her own films and comic books. In Suicide Squad, the character was unfortunately overshadowed by poor creative decisions and a weak script, prompting director James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) to reboot the franchise.
Therefore, the announcement of Birds of Prey – And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn was met with anticipation, offering the potential for more of Harley Quinn’s signature mayhem. From the opening sequence, it’s clear that the film embraces the character’s vibrant personality. Animated intros, internal monologues, and carefully chosen details contribute to the film’s charm, levity, and over-the-top violence. The film evokes the spirit of the cult classic Tank Girl (with Robbie reportedly in consideration for the lead role in a remake). DC’s willingness to venture outside its established formula and move away from constant seriousness is refreshing. Furthermore, the film’s reliance on practical effects and set design, rather than an over-dependence on CGI, enhances its immersive quality. The deliberate absence of a clear depiction of the Joker, in light of the negative reception to Jared Leto’s portrayal, is another commendable choice.
A superhero (or, in this case, supervillain-anti-hero) film is only as compelling as its antagonist. In Birds of Prey, the role of the primary nemesis is filled by the unhinged Roman Sionis. Ewan McGregor’s performance is arguably over-the-top, resulting in a character that often comes across as more comical than menacing. His henchman, Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina), attempts to project a similarly menacing persona, but ultimately falls flat. The narrative thread involving these characters weakens towards the film’s conclusion, detracting from its overall impact.
Birds of Prey introduces a superteam comprised of formidable women. While their characterizations deviate somewhat from their comic book counterparts, the core essence remains intact. Although the team’s composition may appear unconventional, their interactions and dynamics provide an engaging viewing experience.
The Ultra HD edition delivers exceptional visual fidelity, showcasing deep blacks and vibrant colors thanks to Dolby Vision-HDR. The numerous scenes set in dimly lit environments with neon accents are particularly striking. The atmospheric fog in the final scenes heightens the sense of tension. The Dolby Atmos soundtrack provides a powerful and well-balanced audio experience. The active surround speakers contribute to an immersive cinematic presentation. The Extra Material is substantial, offering a wealth of informative documentaries and the option to rewatch the film with interspersed interviews, trivia, and behind-the-scenes insights for each scene.
In conclusion, it appears that DC is finally gaining momentum, leveraging its extensive roster of compelling and engaging characters that have not always been fully realized on the big screen. With Birds of Prey And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, Shazam! and Joker, DC may be poised to more seriously challenge Marvel’s dominance. The upcoming Batman film and the sequels to Shazam! and Aquaman are highly anticipated. I recommend experiencing Birds of Prey on UHD 4K, as it offers a unique and memorable cinematic journey.
