What did you think of…Birds of Prey?

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

SPOILERS BEWARE! (Avoid comments section if you haven't seen the film and don't want it spoiled)

While the critical consensus for 2016's SUICIDE SQUAD wasn't exactly glowing, it still hauled in $746 million worldwide, which means at least some of you not only liked, but loved the movie (and yes, I'm one of 'em). While director James Gunn is currently finishing up a semi-sequel/reimagining with THE SUICIDE SQUAD, Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn is filling the gap with BIRDS OF PREY, a psuedo team-up film (as Harley takes center stage throughout) from director Cathy Yan. Introducing Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), as well as villains Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) and Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina), the all-female romp is a risky venture, banking heavily on the appeal of Harley Quinn and doing it with an R-rating. 

BIRDS OF PREY is currently "certified fresh" on RT, sitting at 82% with 249 reviews and 84% for the audience score. Not bad for a critical consensus, but it's also falling way behind in box office reporting, with WB lowering expectations from a $50 million opening to a low $30s opening, which is a pretty substantial drop. Our own JimmyO enjoyed the movie, giving it a 7/10 and saying, "While the violence doesn’t necessarily seem like it deserves an R-rating – aside from a scene or two – the energy that Cathy Yan creates manages to make this all work in the end. It’s certainly not perfect, but with a ton of bright spots – including an ode to Marilyn Monroe – BIRDS OF PREY manages to take flight near the end of the first act making for an engagingly giddy ride." Personally, I found the film to be a bit of a slog and didn't even come close to earning an R-rating, which is sure to be a factor in hurting box office, as it alienates an entire age group that's watching Harley Quinn on DC Superhero Girls. I know we all love a good R-rating (I sure do), but when it's not earned, what's the point?

Click the image below to check out all the trailers, spots, featurettes and more for BIRDS OF PREY!

And with that, now it's your turn! We want to hear what YOU thought of the film! Naturally, we'd prefer you to comment only if you've seen the film as that's the point here, but do what feels good. Just don't get mad if you get trounced for trolling or posting blatant spoilers in headlines. Healthy debate, genuine thoughts, and respectful interactions is all we ask.

Is BIRDS OF PREY a step forward in the DCEU slate of films or step back in quality?

Rotten Tomatoes: 249 critic reviews at 82% Rotten and 2,319 Verified Reviews with an audience score of 84%.