'Birds of Prey' early reactions are in and critics say the action, acting and story are all fantabulous
Early screenings for 'Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn' are out and if the reviews are to be believed, the movie is one to look out for. Critics seem united in praising the film's explosive action, the colorful personalities of the cast and the wildly fun experience the movie is as a whole.
The movie exceeded expectations for IGN's Laura Prudom, who says, "#BirdsofPrey is a riot - oozing with attitude and some of the most inventive, bone-crunching fight sequences in the superhero genre to date. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but has style to spare."
In a thread containing his hot takes, content creator Luke Bugg claims "The costumes were as colorful as the personalities! Bright, vibrant, ecstatic and sometimes hilarious. The cosplayers of the world are going to be studying this film for their next outfits!" He also praises the performances of Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis/Black Mask, the film's attention to detail, its soundtrack, and of course, the stellar performance of Margot Robbie herself. "We saw Harley BE Harley and we also got to see each character have their story told AND have their time in the spotlight."
Erica Esenberg of CinemaBlend notes that the movie is more focused on Harley Quinn than it is on the rest of the Birds of Prey. "#BirdsOfPrey isn't a Birds of Prey movie so much as it's a Harley Quinn movie feat. BOP – and that creates issues story-wise & in fleshing out characters – but it's a hell of a lot of fun. It's at its best when going full Harley-vision, & Margot Robbie is clearly having a blast."
Some critics point out that the movie's pacing is less than perfect, though that doesn't entirely take away from how much fun the movie is. Mashable's Angie Han made a special note of Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Huntress. "#BirdsofPrey: winning characters, above-average action, and a killer soundtrack hampered by uneven tone and pacing. The girls at their best together, and they're not together enough. Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Huntress is the not-so-secret MVP. "
Digital Spy also pointed out the film's pacing problems, but overall praises how much pure fun the movie is. "So, #BirdsOfPrey is absolutely bananas and *so* much fun! Some pacing problems aside, it's a neon-blood-soaked, funny, violent, anti-hero caper best enjoyed with your best friends and a margarita in hand Plus, the action choreography is *chefs kiss* "
'Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)' releases in cinemas on February 7th. The embargo on spoiler-free reviews lifts February 5th.