HARLEY QUINN’S GUIDE TO BREAKUPS

It really pays to do your research. This is beautifully demonstrated in DC Comics’ most recent movie, “Birds of Prey.”

Not only does the film beautifully reflect the original comics, its plot is interesting, the acting is stellar, and it keeps you laughing almost all the way through (fitting of a movie featuring Harley Quinn, no?)

The movie starts off with the audience following Quinn (Margot Robbie) as she goes through her most recent (and presumably last) breakup with the Joker. After an astonishing amount of drinking, some explosions, and some new life decisions, Harley is off to make her own way in the world.

There is just one downside: She also has a massive target on her back.

Also featured in the movie is Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell); Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead); Detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez); and child pickpocket Cassandra Caine (Ella Jay Basco).

I should also mention the highly eccentric, and unstable, villain of the movie, the Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). He is the head of his own burgeoning mob group and is going through great pains to obtain a gem known as the “Bertinelli Diamond.”

Which also happens to be the main plot point of the movie, as our dear, little pickpocket pulls it out of the wrong pocket.

All-in-all, the movie is well-scripted, well-acted, and well-executed, all while managing to remain fairly faithful to the comics. Although DC hasn’t had a great history with its movies, with the notable exception of Wonder Woman, they’ve really hit the nail on the head with this one.

Two points of note. One, this movie is very much not for kids. Two, Bruce the hyena is the best character – you cannot tell me otherwise.  

Enjoy the movie.

4/5 stars.