Birds of Prey Birds of Prey General Discussion and Speculation

[dhandler01]

It most likely isnt going to put up great numbers, but it doesnt have to and while I know some (especially at BOT) seem to think WB didnt do enough to market this I think they did the right thing holding off. First of all I dont think they had any clue the critics would like it (and by the time they did removing the embargo would have helped almost zero anyways) and second I am not sure a marketing blitz would have made much of a difference either. I think this is the type of film that will make money based on WOM more than anything else. Outside of Sonic there is nothing coming out the rest of this month (unless you consider Call of the Wild a threat which I didnt even now was a thing until last week) so BOP can ride free for a while.

 

[SomeOldGuy]

It most likely isnt going to put up great numbers, but it doesnt have to and while I know some (especially at BOT) seem to think WB didnt do enough to market this I think they did the right thing holding off. First of all I dont think they had any clue the critics would like it (and by the time they did removing the embargo would have helped almost zero anyways) and second I am not sure a marketing blitz would have made much of a difference either. I think this is the type of film that will make money based on WOM more than anything else. Outside of Sonic there is nothing coming out the rest of this month (unless you consider Call of the Wild a threat which I didnt even now was a thing until last week) so BOP can ride free for a while.

You’re right, it doesn’t need big numbers. Like Shazam, it’s basically bomb-proof. The ancillaries alone will make back the production costs and they apparently kept the marketing budget in check. Still, it’s...frustrating to see a second critically well received DC film (the other being Shazam) seemingly get ignored until the last minute. I can’t help but feel they’re leaving money on the table.

Oh well, at least BoP didn’t get shoved out into the street in front of the Endgame steamroller, so there’s that, I guess.

 

[Greenlite]

any regulars here would know I was critical of WB's marketing a month or two back, I'd try to make it a 600-700M film, I had the same theory with Shazam too, but it's looking like a restrained R-rated film budget+campaign and should help BOP score around 300M+, maybe a shot at 400M, which is profitable and gives them confidence to spin off and expand this corner of the universe, which is good news for Margot and her franchise, means more films like this and with a female majority on sets and in the staff team....but hey, that's all drunk talk apparently.

I mean it still has the SS hangover to contend with, and getting lots of love from critics and fans alike would be a great foundation, like Batman Begins, Shazam (now with Rock on board for the universe), compared to say SS with great b.o but the reputation just waned over time...

I do believe the marketing's targeted towards the girls more and this film will benefit from WOM and walk ups, have great legs this month, it's not like it's making Charlie's Angels numbers (around 10M OW)

Any comparison/competition to Joker though is....yup, that film got a Golden Lion, has certain section of groups/media pushing a certain narrative with a really really loud voice which accidentally drove the awareness to pop cultural level to push it to a billion dollars

BOP should really be compared with John Wick, Charlie's Angels etc.

Plus the coronavirus is gonna shut down the Asian market's prospect for sure now, so it relies on the continenent of Amercia and Europe and AUS/NZ down here, and I believe it'll come through.

 

[TheScarecrow]

I think Grace is just mad her "scoop" about the diamond was full on wrong. She totally got played by someone at WB.

note: There is a major story line with a diamond...no it isnt about what Grace threw a hissy fit about. That is why she is going off about how Ewan isnt gay enough or something...

The scoop was accurate and confirmed by test screenings.

It was changed during reshoots due to the reaction to Grace’s scoop. From what’s been said, test audiences found it hilarious.

 

[dhandler01]

I dont buy it. The entire story of the film then would have been changed in reshoots. Hell half the character motivations would have made no sense. (although it would have been in line with the wackiness of the character) Since reshoots werent on the level of Rogue One that seems rather unlikely. (especially with this budget)

I mean I have seen enough tricks over the years to cover up a changed plot line but this is too front and center to make that work even with top level editing. I mean there is nothing referencing the leak AT ALL which is almost unheard of even when you have months to reshoot a film.

I guess they could have cut a completely outlandish version of the film for a screening where that plotline was part of it but then it is a completely different film. The Harley parts are mostly the same but Ewan's story is way different as are most of the BOP. (especially Huntress) Hell Renee Montoya literally has no reason to even be in the film under that plot line. It just doesnt track...

I guess I would have to see a full on breakdown of the story they saw...but they also have no reason to lie so I guess I have to take it at face value.

Grace still sucks though

 

[Spider-Fan]

The reviews have me much more curious for this movie than I was. Seeing this tonight.

 

[Greenlite]

was gonna see it yesterday (Waitangi Day in NZ), but tickets were more expensive, so hopefully can see it tomorrow =D

 

[Iceman]

I’m gonna watch this either Saturday or Sunday depending what day various friends/family want to meet.

 

[Rorschach2012]

Ok this movie rules

horrible trailers though what the hell? I hope this does well because it’s GREAT. Definitely want a sequel

did anyone else get serious Patrick Bateman vibes from Roman Sionis?

 

[TheScarecrow]

Things aren't looking to great on tracking.

Ticket sales in France are currently tracking below the ticket numbers of Catwoman, according to BOT forums.

Catwoman.

 

[pixen]

Things aren't looking to great on tracking.

Ticket sales in France are currently tracking below the ticket numbers of Catwoman, according to BOT forums.

Catwoman.

Who knows. It might be a slow build. Good word of mouth can do a lot!

 

[Gothamsknight]

I loved this movie! Margot Robbie is so damn good as Harley, and she damn owns it. I'm a very happy DC and harley fan right now. The fight scenes were spectacular, the humor was great, and also Ewan McGregor was great too. Hell, the whole cast was great! DC has continued their winning streak.

 

[Iceman]

Things aren't looking to great on tracking.

Ticket sales in France are currently tracking below the ticket numbers of Catwoman, according to BOT forums.

Catwoman.

Some of that might be due to low general awareness. Hopefully that ticks up with word of mouth.

 

[Rorschach2012]

This movie is ****ing amazing

Probably the best DCEU movie.

 

[Rorschach2012]

It’s sad they weren’t able to convey how great/fun this movie is in the trailers. This movie was fantastic, I hope WOM propels this to a sequel

 

[flickchick85]

I had SUCH an unexpectedly great time with this movie! I mean, I figured I would enjoy it, but not this much. I actually even kinda started liking Harley Quinn in it, a character I've hated since I first met her in the early 90's, lol. Bravo, Margot. Now I'd just like to see a movie where the actual BoP get their proper focus, because I loved MEW and Jurnee in the roles.

 

[Greenlite]

The next BOP promo -

I had SUCH an unexpectedly great time with this movie! I mean, I figured I would enjoy it, but not this much. (SHH Moderator )

 

[flickchick85]

 

[TMP98]

did anyone else get serious Patrick Bateman vibes from Roman Sionis?

Ewan is so delightful in this role haha. Favorite comic book villain in a while

 

[Black Narcissus]

Ewan's Black Mark reminded me of @Sawyer and his bald sidekick with the knife reminded me of reek.

 

[Vlyse]

Not much of a reviewer, but this movie was a pure joy ride start-to-finish. Shame it will get overlooked. I hope WOM pulls through, because compared to what Suicide Squad tried to do, this movie pulls it off in spades with the editing, pacing, music, and nonlinear storytelling. I liked that it didn't have us completely sympathize with Harley. She's still terrible even when she tries to be a good person.

 

[Black Narcissus]

Did anyone her get their hands on that popcorn mallet thing? Mine were sold out.

 

[flickchick85]

I don't think my theater was offering it.

 

[Black Narcissus]

I don't think my theater was offering it.

Just bought it off ebay, just now. lawd.

 

[Daltonio]

Saw the movie tonight and really loved it. Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn was already my number one favorite part of the DCEU and this movie just cements it further, she just completely nails it in that role. Black Canary is another of my favorite DC characters so to finally see her on the big screen for the first time was amazing. I straight up got chills after all the build up to the scream (thank you Regal RPX for the heavenly sound quality).

Personally I thought the fight choreography was on point too. Things like Harley Quinn taking on a whole station of cops by herself sound crazy in theory but the way they shoot it is just so dynamic and fun to watch.

My only nitpicks are more related to the direction of the franchise as a whole, like as much as I loved the movie, I'm still a little bummed that they breezed over the whole Joker relationship as quickly as they did. Harley and Joker already felt a bit like they were on the outs in Suicide Squad and given that (sadly, to me) we probably won't see Leto's Joker again after this, I feel this whole story of her breaking away from Joker would have had more impact if we'd actually seen more of their relationship to begin with.