Birds of Prey Birds of Prey General Discussion and Speculation

[Micromind]

While I get fans' frustrations, I'm really digging the look and feel of this movie. Feels very Tarantino-like to me.

Margot Robbie Explains Tarantino Influence On 'Birds Of Prey' & How She Got Permission For One Specific 'Pulp Fiction' Reference

 

[C Prometheus]

Margot Robbie Explains Tarantino Influence On 'Birds Of Prey' & How She Got Permission For One Specific 'Pulp Fiction' Reference

Yeah, I thought I'd read something about Tarantino influencing Birds of Prey awhile back. Shows in spades here IMO and in a very good way.

I really hope the film is a hit with audiences. It feels like it's got something special going on.

 

[Gothamsknight]

I honestly think this will review well critically. The costume choices don't bother me and I think we are in for something really fun.

 

[Deck Rickard]

Yeah, watching it again, I'm digging it now. I've never cared for Harley as a character and I wasn't crazy about a BOP movie centering on her but this movie seems to be utilizing her better than Suicide Squad did. And at the very least, I love MEW in just about everything and I'm sure she'll make a good Huntress.

One thing that still puzzles me though -- and it's not just this film but also Batman Begins and Gotham -- is why they keep making Zsasz a low-rent mob hitman. He's a serial killer who will literally kill anyone, for no reason. Maybe they've changed him up in the comics recently, I don't know. I just wish someone would do a straight-up adaptation of Zsasz as he was originally envisioned.

 

[kguillou]

I honestly think this will review well critically. The costume choices don't bother me and I think we are in for something really fun.

I dont honestly. I dont think it’ll get BvS/SS level of bad reviews but this will be a divisive movie.

 

[SiegePerilous]

Spoiler

They do. It's been shown in Facebook ads. Low res photos are floating around. Huntress has a domino mask and a white strip down her front. Black Canary wears a sort of black/blue tight pantsuit thing

That's good to know. Thanks!

None of whom look like their comic counterparts. And I'm not bald....yet.........

Harley looks like Harley, who is known for changing outfits at this point. The major issues with Canary and Huntress are them basically being in street clothes, but that can always change, and Renee is a cop. So the costume issue, since this is an origin story, can easily be fixed in later films, and the other major (but fixable) issue is the lack of Barbara Gordon. Who of course can be added in a sequel if we get one.

With the big exception of Cass (the only one so far for whom we can start to judge in terms of personality), nobody else has any insurmountable differences with their comic book selves. And the casual audience won't care anyway.

 

[Vlyse]

So it's been a day and I can't figure out what's so "divisive" about this movie. I'm in love. I wasn't crazy about Suicide Squad (which was a different director, so like, what...?), I'm not big on Harley Quinn, wish the Birds were more central etc ...but I like absolutely everything I see from the trailer. It looks like a pure joy ride, an absolute blast from start to finish. I can't wait to see this.

 

[Greenlite]

The hyena joke was hilarious lol, hope I am not the only one laughing

 

[terry78]

The hyena laughed.

 

[Greenlite]

It’s a project where Margot makes to give other B to C list characters a chance to make it to the big screen and have their sequels or spin offs

Not sure why some BOP fans are disappointed about, you will get your costumes at the end of this film, and their own films later

Without Margot you get nothing for decades

 

[Wheels]

If this movie fails then they won't get that so not really a good point. I get why people are pissed personally. It's just I'm getting a Harley film so.....yeah.

 

[Iceman]

Only just saw the trailer. Looks like it could be fun but the Birds of Prey feel like guest stars. For some reason I thought Black Mask wouldn’t get the mask at all so I’m glad to see that in some scenes at least.

 

[Primal Slayer]

It’s a project where Margot makes to give other B to C list characters a chance to make it to the big screen and have their sequels or spin offs

Not sure why some BOP fans are disappointed about, you will get your costumes at the end of this film, and their own films later

Without Margot you get nothing for decades

I went decades with them getting their proper due, I'd be able to take another. This isnt a sure thing, especially if they go out of their way to change most of what we like about BoP.

 

[terry78]

It's a Harley movie first and foremost, that much is clear.

 

[Micromind]

Harley Quinn : Origins of Birds of Prey

would have been a better title.

 

[WhoMani]

I know that I'm late but I finally seen the trailer. Even though I'm still meh about this movie but based on the tailer this movis looks fun and I pretty much accepted that this movie is for fans of Harley Quinn which is fine I guess.

Shame about Cassandra Cain appearing to be an "in name only" version of the character, but I'll take what I can get.

 

[Micromind]

I know many fans have been complaining that this is Cassandra Cain in name only, but while it's a legit complaint, is Cassandra really that big / popular a character ?

Movies always change some things as they are not adapting comics but they are making movies taking inspiration from comics, for example, Wonder Woman's origins were in World War 2 but in the movie it was changed to WW1.

Flash Thompson in Spider-Man Homecoming was not accurate representation of Flash Thomson in Spider-Man comics and in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies, they changed Peter Parker's powers to include Organic Web-Shooters. (what ?)

Baron Zemo in CA: CW hardly looked like his comic-book counterpart, and nobody complained. In comics, Hank Pym was the founder member of Avengers but not in MCU movies.

 

[SiegePerilous]

I know many fans have been complaining that this is Cassandra Cain in name only, but while it's a legit complaint, is Cassandra really that big / popular a character ?

Movies always change some things as they are not adapting comics but they are making movies taking inspiration from comics, for example, Wonder Woman's origins were in World War 2 but in the movie it was changed to WW1.

Flash Thompson in Spider-Man Homecoming was not accurate representation of Flash Thomson in Spider-Man comics and in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies, they changed Peter Parker's powers to include Organic Web-Shooters. (what ?)

Baron Zemo in CA: CW hardly looked like his comic-book counterpart, and nobody complained. In comics, Hank Pym was the founder member of Avengers but not in MCU movies.

I think the issue with Cass is that she's a relatively more obscure character who nontheless has a very devoted following, who have had to put up with some very crappy writing and neglect from DC editorial over the years. They're generally pretty sour about her losing the mantle of Batgirl to both Steph and especially Barbara, and having her erased from continuity in the early New 52. I'm not overly attached to the character myself, but it can be hard to blame them.

I think all that prior baggage makes this portrayal more annoying for them than it might otherwise be. Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and even the rest of the BOP in this film had tweaks to their stories but were still recognizable. With Cass here, they may as well have used a completely different character entirely. Because beyond being Asian, this has no resemblance to her at all.

 

[Micromind]

If this movie is critically and commercially successful, maybe they make a sequel to this and show proper Birds of Prey movie (with or without Harley), with maybe a grown-up Cassandra Cain, who is now trained in various fighting techniques and has got the Batgirl costume, (maybe she even loses her voice in some accident). This won't make it 100% comic-book accurate portrayal, but it would be close.

Right now, I'm all for this kind of cbm which is grounded but stylized, which is comic booky and fun but does not have over the top action and world ending scenarios. It's Tarantino-esque movie with semi-grounded heightened reality.

Aquaman and Avengers : Endgame were too much big budget, SciFi movies and The Joker was far too grounded, this (BoP) has the right balance.

 

[brandeezy89]

I dont honestly. I dont think it’ll get BvS/SS level of bad reviews but this will be a divisive movie.

With WB having it's premiere nearly 2 weeks before it's release date, I think they're confident in the reception with this movie. I mean they haven't had a critical dud in nearly 3 years. I think Hamada has got a handle on things.

 

[dhandler01]

With WB having it's premiere nearly 2 weeks before it's release date, I think they're confident in the reception with this movie. I mean they haven't had a critical dud in nearly 3 years. I think Hamada has got a handle on things.

Agreed. This looks like a film for people looking to have a good time at the movies. Since 99% of the world probably doesn't care about the outfits the BOP wear neither should WB as long as the film is fun.

(for a property such as this)

If Snyder proved anything it is that people having fun >>>>>>>>>> comic accuracy.

 

[Black Narcissus]

 

[psylockolussus]

In my opinion, whoever is in charge in the wardrobes department had too fun putting his/her own twist/style, rather than really paying homage or stay true to the comic books. This really looks like Harley Quinn and her female gang. Not Birds of Prey. They shouldhave titled it as Harley Quinn.

 

[Fincher]

Without Margot you get nothing for decades

I don't know that we can say that. We got nothing of Suicide Squad until we did. We got nothing of Shazam until we did.

I think the issue with Cass is that she's a relatively more obscure character who nontheless has a very devoted following, who have had to put up with some very crappy writing and neglect from DC editorial over the years. They're generally pretty sour about her losing the mantle of Batgirl to both Steph and especially Barbara, and having her erased from continuity in the early New 52. I'm not overly attached to the character myself, but it can be hard to blame them.

I think all that prior baggage makes this portrayal more annoying for them than it might otherwise be. Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and even the rest of the BOP in this film had tweaks to their stories but were still recognizable. With Cass here, they may as well have used a completely different character entirely. Because beyond being Asian, this has no resemblance to her at all.

The irony is that I remember at least one Cassandra fan claiming that she was going to replace Barbara as Batgirl because she was more popular now, but they ended up taking away from her instead. I think in general those of us in the discussion figured she would be mute, at least.

 

[blackdragon6]

Deadpool is Deadpool in those movies though. I don't see how Deadpool fans would hate them even if non fans see it as bad.

Eh, I would argue he's kinda flanderized