The first reviews of DC’s latest movie, Birds of Prey, are starting to come in. And so far, it’s gotten a very positive reception from the critics. At the moment, the Rotten Tomatoes score sits at 88 percent, based on 34 reviews.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman kicked things off with a positive review. Despite being “thin but lively,” he noted that director “ Cathy Yan keeps it all hurtling along with impeccable ferocity. Her action scenes have a deftly detonating visual spaciousness, capped by crowd-pleasing moments like the one where Harley, brandishing a baseball bat, ricochets it off the ground with perfect slow-mo timing.” He also complemented the film’s soundtrack, which includes classic rock songs like “Barracuda” and “Black Betty.”
Matt Maynum of Total Film also provided high praise for the film. “With a pace that rattles along like a roller derby, a successful gag rate, and general tone of irreverence throughout – a filthily delicious-looking sandwich is integral to Harley’s plot arc – it’s relentless, hyperactive, and viciously entertaining. Just like Harley herself.”
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw wasn’t quite as positive as the other critics, but he still gave the film a thumbs up. While calling it “a blitz of bad taste,” Bradshaw also said “watching it feels cheerfully excessive and unwholesome, like smoking a cigarette and eating a chocolate bar at the same time.”
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IndieWire’s Kate Erbland doesn’t think the film keeps its promise of a “total emancipation.” However, it overcomes “thin plotting” and is still “fantabulous in its own way.”
Polygon’s Susana Polo thinks that Birds of Prey is best when it abandons the usual superhero storyline. She also calls it a “messy, leg-breaking, heartwarming, inspirational good time.”
Speaking of messy, Mashable’s Angie Han also used that word to describe the film. However, she also praised Margot Robbie’s performance as Harley Quinn. “[Robbie] cuts through the murk like a neon sign in a dark alleyway.”
Finally, in one of the film’s few negative reviews thus far, BBC’s Nicholas Barber says it’s “more of a fashion statement.” He also adds that “however popular the film becomes, though, I doubt that anyone will adore it as much as it evidently adores itself.”
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Birds of Prey will hit theaters on the evening of Thursday, February 6 before going wide on February 7.
What do you think about the early Birds of Prey reviews? Let us know in the comments below!
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