With The Suicide Squad out in theaters and HBO Max, DC nerds everywhere will be flocking to watch this movie. But personally, we think you should save yourself the 2 hours + and watch a team up of a movie that feels fun, badass, and grounded instead of the mess James Gunn is trying to serve up. That movie is Birds of Prey. And from it’s version of Margot Robbie‘s Harley Quinn to the storyline and soundtrack, this movie has everything the other doesn’t. Let’s discuss why!
1. This Harley Quinn shines like a beacon of independence and growth.
The Suicide Squad really had some nerve trying to sell us a dollar store version of Harley Quinn when this queen and her journey were cemented in Birds of Prey. BOP Harley went through a transformation that changed who she was at the core of herself as a woman, villain, badass, friend, and partner. And what was once the clown girlfriend of the Joker found her independence and made a name for herself while giving us a one of a kind movie that had us entertained from start to finish.
2. The team up of the century with all the women.
Forgot the The Suicide Squad and give me more of the Birds of Prey team-up! Because these group of women were infinitely more interesting than Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher, and the rest of the gang combined. There was chemistry between Harley, Dinah, Helena, Renee, and Cassandra. They fought together, survived together, and ended up defeating Roman Sionis and his gang of weirdos together. And at the end of it we didn’t want it to end. We wanted more!
3. The soundtrack is full of bops.
From “Boss Bitch” by Doja Cat to “Diamonds” by Megan Thee Stallion and Normani, each song on this soundtrack absolutely slaps. They fit the tone, style, and vibe of the movie and enriches the world instead of feeling like outsiders like it did on The Suicide Squad. And after Birds of Prey was done we couldn’t help but wanting to listen to every single song on repeat until we memorized the lyrics.
4. The Latina isn’t a stereotype.
Unlike The Suicide Squad, who had their only Latina with a name in Alice Braga‘s Sol Soria, Birds of Prey had a Latina that wasn’t just window dressing. Rosie Perez‘ Renee Montoya was messy, real, badass, and a whole other slew of things that make her the character she is. She doesn’t back down, is more than a woman or Latina. She’s a boss ass bitch who wants to create change and won’t be put into a tiny and convenient box on who she is supposed to be.
5. Because we all need more Dinah Lance in our lives.
Jurnee Smollett absolutely stole our hearts as Dinah Lance in Birds of Prey. She was badass personified and what this character deserved after previous failed attempts to bring her to life for fans. Watching her find her place in a group of misfits locked in this movie as a fan favorite that knew the value of it’s female characters and gave them the time, space, and moments to develop into fully fleshed out characters. You can’t say the same thing for the women in The Suicide Squad and that’s the tea.
The Suicide Squad is available on HBO Max.
