Search
New Suicide Squad: Volume 3
Sean Ryan and Phillipe Briones
Book
Harley Quinn. Deadshot. Captain Boomerang. Some of the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe...
Tonya (52 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Dec 31, 2017
Harley Quinn (1 more)
Action
Plot (1 more)
Character Development
Entertaining but no character development
Good vs evil. Good wins. End of plot development. Dark tone like most Batman movies. While I don't think action movies need to develop characters to the same extent as dramas, there are so many unique characters in this movie that deserved more than just a two-minute intro as they each got rounded up in the beginning of the movie. I see a lot of potential with these characters and would probably see another movie with them in it, I was just disappointed that I didn't get to learn more about a few of them in this movie.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Aug 17, 2017
So bad it's not even worth watching
I wanted to switch this off after 20 minutes it was that bad. For some bizarre reason, the modern DC films apart from the new Wonder Woman, have been exceptionally awful. From the acting, to the absolutely ridiculous plot, the beginning of the film feels like the middle of the story so it makes no sense whatsoever. The characters are mismatched and the dialogue are all equally terrible. Harley Quinn as per usual is super sexualised for no apparent reason. The only good thing was some of the music. Don't bother to watch it.
Brian Scott (14 KP) rated Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) in Movies
Mar 13, 2020
It's not deadpool
It's a bit of fun, I enjoyed the movie. I didn't go expecting it to be a cinematic triumph as most Dc films have let us down so far. (Shazaam, joker, hold your heads up high) but I came away not disappointed. Its a fun mess of a movie that is all over the place kind of like the mind of one Harleen Quinzel. Ewan Mcgregor is a decent villain, Margot is stunning even when she is battered and bruised.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) in Movies
Feb 8, 2020
Without a doubt, the best thing about the disastrous Suicide Squad movie of 2016 was Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. With what little she was given to work with, she went all in and truly made the role her own. A return to the character was inevitable really, and thankfully, that return is not in the form of Suicide Squad 2 but Birds of Prey and the fabulous emancipation of one Harley Quinn.
When we join Harley, she’s just broken up with the Joker. A nice little animated intro, with voiceover from Harley, gives us a quick overview of her life from birth, through childhood and eventually to the point where her and Mr J part ways. She hasn’t made it public knowledge just yet though, for fear of what might happen when word gets out that she no longer has the Joker’s protection. Instead, Harley buys herself a hyena called Bruce, takes part in vicious roller derbys and spends her nights partying at the nightclub of Gotham crime lord Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor).
Following an explosive public declaration of her relationship status - driving a big truck into Ace Chemicals, the spot where Harley first pledged herself to Mr J - Harley begins to find her life becoming increasingly entwined with that of the other Birds of Prey that will eventually make up the all-women squad. Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) is a detective, in the process of investigating a series of murders by a crossbow wielding killer named Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) before the chemical factory explosion. Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a singer at Sionis’ nightclub and packing a voice powerful enough to shatter glass. And finally, young pickpocket Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco). All of these women either have an axe to grind with men that treated them badly, or are currently being hunted by most of Gotham City’s bad guys. Their coming together, and subsequent emancipation, forms the basis of the movie.
That initial process involves a lot of time shifting and flashbacks while we are introduced to the key characters and plot points, before jumping back minutes, hours or even days in order to start filling in the narrative blanks. It’s messy at times and for the most part, it doesn’t really work either. Thankfully though, it’s a tactic that is ditched well before the halfway point.
The ‘Birds’ all have interesting back stories, and great potential in some cases too, but for the most part it’s Harley who is front and centre, stealing the limelight, and it never really feels as though we get to experience the others very much in comparison. Outside of the female leads, I didn’t really think much of Ewan McGregor and didn’t feel him to be a very convincing threat at all.
Birds of Prey is jam packed with creatively chaotic action and fight scenes from Chad Stahelski, who was responsible for the John Wick movies. They are confidently executed, at times cartoon-like, and usually accompanied by a kick-ass soundtrack.
I was initially going to give this a 6/10. But then I looked back at my rating for Suicide Squad and saw that was the rating I gave that. Birds of Prey is good, but not great. However, it is definitely a big improvement on Suicide Squad, so for that I give it a 7.
When we join Harley, she’s just broken up with the Joker. A nice little animated intro, with voiceover from Harley, gives us a quick overview of her life from birth, through childhood and eventually to the point where her and Mr J part ways. She hasn’t made it public knowledge just yet though, for fear of what might happen when word gets out that she no longer has the Joker’s protection. Instead, Harley buys herself a hyena called Bruce, takes part in vicious roller derbys and spends her nights partying at the nightclub of Gotham crime lord Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor).
Following an explosive public declaration of her relationship status - driving a big truck into Ace Chemicals, the spot where Harley first pledged herself to Mr J - Harley begins to find her life becoming increasingly entwined with that of the other Birds of Prey that will eventually make up the all-women squad. Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) is a detective, in the process of investigating a series of murders by a crossbow wielding killer named Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) before the chemical factory explosion. Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), a singer at Sionis’ nightclub and packing a voice powerful enough to shatter glass. And finally, young pickpocket Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco). All of these women either have an axe to grind with men that treated them badly, or are currently being hunted by most of Gotham City’s bad guys. Their coming together, and subsequent emancipation, forms the basis of the movie.
That initial process involves a lot of time shifting and flashbacks while we are introduced to the key characters and plot points, before jumping back minutes, hours or even days in order to start filling in the narrative blanks. It’s messy at times and for the most part, it doesn’t really work either. Thankfully though, it’s a tactic that is ditched well before the halfway point.
The ‘Birds’ all have interesting back stories, and great potential in some cases too, but for the most part it’s Harley who is front and centre, stealing the limelight, and it never really feels as though we get to experience the others very much in comparison. Outside of the female leads, I didn’t really think much of Ewan McGregor and didn’t feel him to be a very convincing threat at all.
Birds of Prey is jam packed with creatively chaotic action and fight scenes from Chad Stahelski, who was responsible for the John Wick movies. They are confidently executed, at times cartoon-like, and usually accompanied by a kick-ass soundtrack.
I was initially going to give this a 6/10. But then I looked back at my rating for Suicide Squad and saw that was the rating I gave that. Birds of Prey is good, but not great. However, it is definitely a big improvement on Suicide Squad, so for that I give it a 7.
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Guilty pleasure film
Okay, I admit this film isn't the best but I some how can't stop watching it!
The introduction to the characters I feel was done quite well but the rest of the film is rushed and they seem to try to jump to the conclusion before the film has properly begun.
The characters Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang I felt were played brilliantly and Amanda Waller was fantastic too. The rest of the actors and actresses were good, I feel the script and directing let them down.
Given a change to redo this with the same characters but a better script and possibly more time I feel this film could be an amazing hit!
The introduction to the characters I feel was done quite well but the rest of the film is rushed and they seem to try to jump to the conclusion before the film has properly begun.
The characters Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang I felt were played brilliantly and Amanda Waller was fantastic too. The rest of the actors and actresses were good, I feel the script and directing let them down.
Given a change to redo this with the same characters but a better script and possibly more time I feel this film could be an amazing hit!
There's little-to-no doubt that Margot Robbie's take on Harley Quinn was the best thing about 2016's Suicide Squad (and was also the first live-action portrayal of that character).
However, is she strong enough to headline a movie on her own?
Especially one also starring Ewan McGregor (clearly having a ball as) the villainous Black Mask?
I'm undecided.
It probably didn't help (also) that I'm more used to seeing Renee Montaya and Black Canary as portrayed in TVs (various) Arrowverse shows (Arrow, The Flash, legends of Tomorrow, etc) rather than as here, and that the film - while name-dropping both - has no place for either Batman or The Joker.
However, is she strong enough to headline a movie on her own?
Especially one also starring Ewan McGregor (clearly having a ball as) the villainous Black Mask?
I'm undecided.
It probably didn't help (also) that I'm more used to seeing Renee Montaya and Black Canary as portrayed in TVs (various) Arrowverse shows (Arrow, The Flash, legends of Tomorrow, etc) rather than as here, and that the film - while name-dropping both - has no place for either Batman or The Joker.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993) in Movies
Jan 29, 2024
Spin-off/prequel from the 90s TV show "Batman: The Animated Series", which comes across as more mature than that Saturday morning cartoon, and which sees Batman implicated in a series of brutal murders of various gangsters.
This also has several flashback sequences to when Bruce Wayne first donned the mask, and to a pre-Joker Joker (although no sign of Harley Quinn here, understandably) and to a lost love of Bruce Wayne's life.
Despite not showing up until roughly the half way mark, Mark Hammill also shows why his interpretation of the clown prince of crime stands as one of the very best (and almost steals the entire show from both Batman and The Phantasm)
This also has several flashback sequences to when Bruce Wayne first donned the mask, and to a pre-Joker Joker (although no sign of Harley Quinn here, understandably) and to a lost love of Bruce Wayne's life.
Despite not showing up until roughly the half way mark, Mark Hammill also shows why his interpretation of the clown prince of crime stands as one of the very best (and almost steals the entire show from both Batman and The Phantasm)
Suicide Squad: Volume 1: Kicked in the Teeth
Federico Dallocchio and Adam Glass
8.0
Rate It
Book
A New York Times Bestseller! As a part of the acclaimed DC Comics The New 52 event of September...
Better than Suicide Squad
Did you catch the 2016 DCEU disappointment SUICIDE SQUAD with Will Smith as Deadshot and Jared Leto as the Joker? Many people (myself included) thought that that film was "just fine, nothing special" but were impressed with the way Margot Robbie handled the Harley Quinn character and wished for a standalone film that featured the Harley Quinn character.
Be careful what you wish for.
BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) is the answer to that wish and while it is slightly better than SUICIDE SQUAD, it still isn't all that....well...Fantabulous... of a film.
BIRDS OF PREY (which I hear is now being relabeled HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY) is produced by Margot Robbie's production company and features an all female lead cast (the villain is a male) and a female Writer and a female Director. Consequently, this is a "female empowerment" film where the self-described "tough chicks" band together to defeat the male villain.
I applaud the effort and the idea behind the movie, but as a film, this one didn't quite work for me.
I start with the main focus of this film - Harley Quinn. This is just not a character, I discovered, that I want to spend an entire film with. She is, at it turns out, a very good SUPPORTING character, but not one that is interesting enough (at least for me) to carry a whole movie. I will give Margot Robbie credit...her interpretation of the character is interesting and that performance kept me focused throughout.
The other Birds of Prey are just as interesting. For the first time in I can't tell you, Rosie Perez did not annoy me in her role. She played earnest, frustrated Police Officer Renee Montoya and I found myself rooting for her when she was on the screen. Same goes for Jurnee Smollett-Bell's interpretation of Black Canary a character I knew very little about and was intrigued (though her "Super Power" was suddenly sprung on the audience with very little foreshadowing - foreshadowing that could have helped). And, finally, Mary Elizabeth Winstead almost steals the film as the revenge-seeking Huntress, a character I really enjoyed and hope I see again (though, I'm learning my lesson - let it be as a supporting character in another film and not her own, standalone film).
So, this film has 4 interesting characters at the top, but the issue is that they don't come together as a team until VERY late in the film (in a finale showdown that was the highlight of the film for me), so I really couldn't tell if there was any chemistry between these characters/actresses. I think there MIGHT have been, but no real sample size to tell.
Fairing less well as a character was Ewan McGregor's one-note take on super-narcissistic Roman Sionis/Black Mask. The character was pretty much in front of you at the start of the film and was still the same one-note character at the end. Also not "doing it for me" was Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain, the street kid that becomes the focal point of the bad guys in the film (and the character the Birds of Prey must band together to save). I didn't much care for this character - or the performance - so I had no real emotional investment in whether or not the Birds of Prey could save her.
The Direction by Cathy Yan is professional and competent and the final showdown does show signs of originality and brilliance. I'll give her credit, she caught my attention with the last 1/2 hour of this film - much more so than she did with the first 79 minutes.
A better effort at this type of anti-hero comic book adventure (certainly better than SUICIDE SQUAD) but the DCEU still has not stuck the landing on this.
I encourage them to keep trying.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Be careful what you wish for.
BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) is the answer to that wish and while it is slightly better than SUICIDE SQUAD, it still isn't all that....well...Fantabulous... of a film.
BIRDS OF PREY (which I hear is now being relabeled HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY) is produced by Margot Robbie's production company and features an all female lead cast (the villain is a male) and a female Writer and a female Director. Consequently, this is a "female empowerment" film where the self-described "tough chicks" band together to defeat the male villain.
I applaud the effort and the idea behind the movie, but as a film, this one didn't quite work for me.
I start with the main focus of this film - Harley Quinn. This is just not a character, I discovered, that I want to spend an entire film with. She is, at it turns out, a very good SUPPORTING character, but not one that is interesting enough (at least for me) to carry a whole movie. I will give Margot Robbie credit...her interpretation of the character is interesting and that performance kept me focused throughout.
The other Birds of Prey are just as interesting. For the first time in I can't tell you, Rosie Perez did not annoy me in her role. She played earnest, frustrated Police Officer Renee Montoya and I found myself rooting for her when she was on the screen. Same goes for Jurnee Smollett-Bell's interpretation of Black Canary a character I knew very little about and was intrigued (though her "Super Power" was suddenly sprung on the audience with very little foreshadowing - foreshadowing that could have helped). And, finally, Mary Elizabeth Winstead almost steals the film as the revenge-seeking Huntress, a character I really enjoyed and hope I see again (though, I'm learning my lesson - let it be as a supporting character in another film and not her own, standalone film).
So, this film has 4 interesting characters at the top, but the issue is that they don't come together as a team until VERY late in the film (in a finale showdown that was the highlight of the film for me), so I really couldn't tell if there was any chemistry between these characters/actresses. I think there MIGHT have been, but no real sample size to tell.
Fairing less well as a character was Ewan McGregor's one-note take on super-narcissistic Roman Sionis/Black Mask. The character was pretty much in front of you at the start of the film and was still the same one-note character at the end. Also not "doing it for me" was Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain, the street kid that becomes the focal point of the bad guys in the film (and the character the Birds of Prey must band together to save). I didn't much care for this character - or the performance - so I had no real emotional investment in whether or not the Birds of Prey could save her.
The Direction by Cathy Yan is professional and competent and the final showdown does show signs of originality and brilliance. I'll give her credit, she caught my attention with the last 1/2 hour of this film - much more so than she did with the first 79 minutes.
A better effort at this type of anti-hero comic book adventure (certainly better than SUICIDE SQUAD) but the DCEU still has not stuck the landing on this.
I encourage them to keep trying.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
