The casting is spot-on. Suicide Squad shows us Margot Robbie is good as Harley Quinn, but Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey shows she is perfect for the role. The same goes for Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Dinah Lance, Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya and Mary Elizabeth-Winstead as Helena Bertinelli.
Ella Jay Basco is also good, but there’s more on her later.
The fight sequences are on another level. It makes sense since they roped in the original John Wick director, Chad Stahelski.
He serves as the second unit director on the reshoots and it was his production company that helped with the initial action. There’s two fantastic and larger-than-life sequences that’ll whet the appetite of anyone who loves action.
Harley Quinn breaks into the GCPD precinct and fights through the Police using a blaster loaded with bean bags and paintballs. Her smoke bombs create a pink and blue smoke for her to walk through.
It leads to an even better sequence with Harley fighting inmates in the holding cells while the sprinklers are on. It’s a must-see just for that fight.
There’s also the final fight between the women and Black Mask’s army. In this fight, the team is together and the camera effortlessly follows them around. A particular moment that’s made fans squeal in delight and that’s when Harley gives a hair tie to Dinah.
The Canary Cry is amazing. For fans in the know, it’s a long wait but it pays off in the end. For the general audience, it’s a moment that’ll make them punch the air.
There are hints throughout the movie there’s more to Dinah Lance than her fantastic singing voice and killer fighting moves. The build-up works so well that it makes the wait worth it.
Ewan Mcgregor’s Roman Sionis is a campy delight but he is also a horrible person with a penchant for ripping off faces. He’s sinister and chews the scenery in a memorable performance.
There is a lot to unpack with the Black Mask and he’s definitely up there with Mark Strong’s Dr. Sivana and Michael Shannon’s General Zod.
