Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) … before it was even released. Fans and critics are still arguing over its place in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in this movie has garnered mixed reviews, leading some viewers to question its worth. An enthusiastic supporter goes to bat for the film in the face of overwhelming outrage. They contend that it shouldn’t be hated on as much as it has been since its launch.
Released as a part of the DCEU franchise, Birds of Prey stands out amidst a backdrop of critical failures, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and Justice League. These movies have all been met with immense backlash, a backlash that has led to a sense that the franchise always fails to meet expectations. Birds of Prey is a darkly comedic and female-forward superhero romp that audiences feel deserves to be rewarded.
Christina Hodson’s writing breathes life into the narrative, allowing for an exploration of Harley Quinn’s character in a vibrant and dynamic way. The author, who identifies as a fan of the film, claims, “I love Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).” This unnamed admiration is an indication of how many people are already seen the film as a welcome and much-needed change for the DCEU.
Over the course of the DCEU we’ve seen the emergence of movies like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam! While all of these successes represent exciting improvements for the franchise, they are the exception that actually highlights the rule of disappointment. The author is rightly baffled at the prevailing attitude against Birds of Prey. They’re peoples “I don’t get why Birds of Prey sucks so much.
For two years now, fans and critics alike have fought over the movie’s merits, with one half conceding its flaws and the other reveling in its strengths. Regardless, I think Birds of Prey is heroes enough to rise well above most of its DCEU relatives. In their words, it embodies a sassy subversive spirit of fun and empowerment that audiences are hungry for.
And in a whimsical post-mortem on the movie’s persistence, one subscriber noted, “Jesus Christ, what a fucking champion!” They all thought to themselves, “How many more hits can it survive?” This one comment essentially matches the energy of all the fans that have stuck with Birds of Prey in the face of outside naysaying. Another viewer noted their initial skepticism before ultimately appreciating the film: “You know what? That wasn’t bad. It was actually pretty good.”