Birds of Prey opens to 90% Rotten Tomatoes score, critics praise Margot Robbie and action
The first reviews for Birds of Prey are out, and critics are praising Margot Robbie and the action.
The embargo has lifted on reviews for Birds of Prey, the spinoff to 2016’s DC anti-hero film Suicide Squad, and critics are pleased with the Harley Quinn-centric film. Birds of Prey has debuted with a 90% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
The site’s consensus reads, “With a fresh perspective, some new friends, and loads of fast-paced action, Birds of Prey captures the colorfully anarchic spirit of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.”
The 90% score continues the once-reviled DCEU’s positive critical reception. Suicide Squad stood at a miserable 27% on RT. Birds of Prey is now among the highest-rated films in the franchise, tying with Shazam! and just behind Wonder Woman’s 93% score.
Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian wrote, “This film is a blitz of bad taste, a cornucopia of crass, and it is weirdly diverting - more than you might expect, given the frosty way Suicide Squad was received critically - and engagingly crazy.” Variety’s Owen Gleiberman wrote, “Cathy Yan keeps it all hurtling along with impeccable ferocity. Her action scenes have a deftly detonating visual spaciousness, capped by crowd-pleasing moments...”
But the Hollywood Reporter’s John DeFore disagreed. He wrote in his review, “Those hoping for a Deadpool-like fusion of mayhem and wit should lower their expectations: Harley may be known for her unpredictability, but Birds plays by action-movie rules.”
Birds of Prey stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, and features a cast that includes Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez and others. The film releases on Friday.
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