THE BIRD IS THE WORD

We take a look at Harley and her new squad, as DC’s kickass ladies unite for a fight in the much-anticipated BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN)...

- Jack Bottomley

Say whatever you like about DC’s movies, but they never fail to get tongues wagging. Whether it’s fanbase clashes, bewilderment or utter adoration, their films run the spectrum of audience response. And, despite big box office successes, initially things were considered to be in rough shape for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), after the polarising Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and the still controversial (see those continuing impassioned ‘Release the Snyder Cut’ hashtags) Justice League. However, it seems crazy that people aren’t noticing the winds of change blowing, with Patty Jenkins’ inspiring Wonder Woman leading the rally, before James Wan’s lore-embracing spectacular Aquaman made more waves (literally), as did David F. Sandberg’s joyful Shazam! Even outside of the DCEU franchise, DC has triumphed with Todd Phillips’ box office-conquering and awards garnering masterpiece Joker, and shows like DC Universe’s Doom Patrol (seriously one of the most odd, poignant and hilarious pieces of original TV you’ll ever see), and the future is looking ever brighter for the comic book powerhouse.

Although, even before this altered course, there have been some big wins. Bold casting choices paid off (such as Jason Momoa and Gal Gadot), with diverse character/ cast line-ups, brazen experimentations with source material, and a leading of the way for female-fronted comic book cinema. It is with that last point in mind that we discuss a character who has stolen the show from everyone else: Harley Quinn. Margot Robbie’s ferocious and fun take on Quinn was