Film & TV
26
Film & TV News
COLLEGE TRIBUNE
03.03.2020
Volume 33 - Issue 08
Film Review: Birds of Prey
Jack O’Grady Film & TV Writer
Netflix’s March release schedule is full of original series, movies and comedy specials. Mark Wahlberg will star as an ex-cop taking on Boston’s criminal underworld in the actionpacked thriller, Spenser Confidential. Later in the month, Jason Bateman returns for the highly anticipated third season of smash-hit drama Ozark. In TV news, the Friends cast have announced that they are reuniting for a special episode of the sitcom, more than fifteen years after “The Last One Part 2”. The instalment will air on the HBO Max streaming platform in May and will include all the main characters from the much-adored TV
Pictured Above: Margot Robbie in Birds of Prey
★★★★
Brendan O’Brien - Film & TV Writer
B
irds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn is an immensely chaotic and vibrant action comedy which will have you squirm and laugh simultaneously. The fabulous Margot Robbie displays an energy so unique and psychotic that you cannot tell if you love her or are terrified of her. Robbie brings a never before seen vulnerability to the character of Harley Quinn, leaving her role as one that is meant to “serve”, and establishes a much awaited agency to the character. She has finally broken up with “Mister J” and is determined to forge her own path in a Gotham where she is no longer protected by the Clown King of Crime. Robbie exhibits the power of Harley as a woman without boundaries, in an ecstatic series of insane scenes. The choreography in some of these action scenes is astounding; explosions of colour compliment Harley’s acrobatic fighting style beautifully. Harley is not to be toyed with in this new ferociously fantastic female action film. When examining the entire cast the excellent Ewan McGregor portrays a distinctive Black Mask. The character itself has never had a truly interesting personality on paper. He is usually relegated to the bag of side villains within the DC comic universe. However, McGregor’s representation of
Black Mask is violent, volatile, and unstable. There is a stark contrast between Harley and Black Mask, with one embodying the film’s delightfully overbearing sense of fun, while the other acts as a counterbalance, a way to explore the dark side of city life. McGregor’s character is a source for the film’s unexpectedly sinister scenes. These sections pollute the tone of the movie,
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The director understands the unfairness that women of the modern world are forced to go through, and attempts to conquer it through the amazing tenacity and ferocity embodied by the Birds of Prey.
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The 92nd Academy Awards ceremony was a relatively staid affair until revitalised by Parasite’s victory in both Best Picture and Director categories. The dark satire about class warfare in modern Seoul became the first foreign language film to walk away with Hollywood’s top accolade. The South Korean thriller won two other Oscars; adding best original screenplay and international film to its impressive haul. Joaquin Phoenix won his first Oscar for his performance as the psychotic villain, Joker. The Best Actress award was preordained, going to Renee Zellweger for her titular role in Judy. Laura Dern, Brad Pitt, and Taika Waititi maintained their winning record, securing respective prizes for Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. Meanwhile, Best Picture favourite, 1917 had to be content with wins in the sound mixing, cinematography and visual effects categories. In honouring Parasite, voters interrupted Netflix’s ascension. Despite garnering twenty-four nominations, the streaming heavyweight left with only two statues. Academy voters remain uncomfortable with the studios’ strategy of mostly sidestepping cinemas in favour of online releases. Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman failed to convert any of its ten nominations for the streaming provider.
adding blotches of black to a film so colourful and humorous. This blended tone is to the film’s credit as through the addition of these twisted scenes the film lends itself a soberness that acts as a way to break up the constant comedy. The scenes are handled with care and do not offend, but still evoke in you an anxiety that leaves you twitching in your seat. Cathy Yan, the director of Birds of Prey has done a stellar job in the creation of this truly unique comic-book movie. Yan has made the
decision that this is not a children’s movie and uses ominous segments to highlight the dangers surrounding women in a male dominated society. The film deals with issues women face in the workplace, on the street in day to day life, and while enjoying the nightlife of a city. Yan understands the unfairness that women of the modern world are forced to go through and attempts to conquer it through the amazing tenacity and ferocity embodied by the Birds of Prey. Birds of Prey is an original and incredible all female action movie that highlights the need for more of these types of scripts to be developed in Hollywood. It is so refreshing to see a new take on the super hero “team-up” movie, and it is a relief to see DC improving their comic-book franchise. However, Birds of Prey is not a perfect film. The plot itself is quite bare, with no amazing storytelling to be found. There are inconsistencies in the action scenes, where some, to put it bluntly, are much worse than the wonderfully chaotic and funny choreographed scenes that are present for most of the film. The supporting cast struggles to compete with the two acting juggernauts that are Robbie and McGregor. Scenes where the two leads are missing have an immense dip in quality. Overall, this film is delightful. The comedic spirit of the film is infectious, making it a joy to watch. If you have nothing else going on this weekend and need a break for two hours, go and enjoy this visually vibrant and bombastic piece of film.
