Skip to main content
  • TotalFilm
  • Edge
  • Newsarama
  • Retrogamer
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Don't miss these
Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock Holmes during the new show, Young Sherlock.
Streaming Services 6 new movies and shows to watch this weekend on Netflix, Prime, Disney Plus, and more (March 6-8)
David Corenswet as Superman
Superhero Movies How to watch DC movies in order (release date and chronological)
Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby walking in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Crime Movies Netflix's new Peaky Blinders movie debuts to rave reviews and a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score
DCU Chapter One explained: James Gunn smiling.
Superhero Movies DCU Chapter One: Every movie and show in the new DC cinematic universe
Dune 2
Movies Upcoming movies: The most exciting new movies coming in 2026 and beyond
Ghostface in Scream 7
Horror Movies Scream 7 review: "Never as sharp as the series' best, but still has a few neat tricks up its billowing sleeve"
Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Horror Movies 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple review: "The wildest and weirdest entry into the franchise yet"
Jessie Buckley as Ida/Penny in The Bride
Horror Movies The Bride earns mixed first reviews, as critics call it everything from "a modern classic" to "unholy mess"
Oona Chaplin as Varang in Avatar: Fire and Ash
Sci-Fi Movies Avatar: Fire and Ash review: "Still a technical marvel, with some of the year's best action filmmaking"
Jessie Buckley as Ida/Penny in The Bride
Horror Movies The Bride's violence was "pulled back" after test screenings, but director Maggie Gyllenhaal stands by what was kept in
Jessie Buckley in The Bride
Horror Movies The Bride first reactions say Jessie Buckley's new Frankenstein movie is "what Joker 2 desperately wished it was"
Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne during The Batman
DC Movies The Batman 2 release date, cast, plot, and everything else you need to know about the upcoming DC movie
Robert Pattinson in The Batman
Superhero Movies Upcoming DC movies and TV shows: Every DCU title coming soon
Georgina Campbell as Jane in Psycho Killer
Horror Movies Barbarian star's new slasher horror called "abysmally dull" and "a nothing burger of a movie" in scathing first reviews
Ryan Gosling floating in space in Project Hail Mary
Sci-Fi Movies Project Hail Mary first reactions are calling the Ryan Gosling sci-fi movie a "must-see space odyssey"
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Action Movies
  4. Birds of Prey

First Birds of Prey reactions are in: "It’s DC’s Deadpool with a dash of Tarantino"

News
By Bradley Russell published 30 January 2020

The Fantabulous Round-Up of Everyone's Early Opinions

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Birds of Prey trailer
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

Want an early taste of what to expect from Birds of Prey? Before you flock to theaters next week to see Margot Robbie’s all-star comic book team-up, it’s worth checking out the first reactions to DC’s latest movie. There are some interesting comparisons that should whet your appetite, including nods to Deadpool, John Wick, and even Quentin Tarantino’s films.

Lights, camera... action!

The early Birds of Prey trailers may have given us a glimpse at the mayhem and havoc caused by Harley Quinn and company – but the early reactions tell a more visceral story, littered with bruises and broken bones. This could really pack a punch.

Saw #BirdsofPrey this morning! I liked it a lot. The stuff I loved: the action, the tone and just how creative the direction is. Margot Robbie completely sells the incredibly choreographed fight sequences and their gleeful brutality, this whole scene in particular ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/UBb0FPAa14January 29, 2020

#BirdsOfPrey has terrific action, humor & some of the more memorable characters we’ve seen in a DC movie, but the biggest highlight is Margot Robbie. She is fantabulous as Harley, while also proving that sometimes our most valued relationships are the ones we have w/ good food pic.twitter.com/EDQ3sr5JtLJanuary 29, 2020

#BirdsOfPrey is a lot of fun and violent as hell. The Birds are so entertaining and distinctly different from each other. Ewan McGregor is so sinister and often hilarious. pic.twitter.com/4scxbS6GwTJanuary 29, 2020

I really dug #BirdsofPrey! It’s weird, wacky, super violent, occasionally really gory (the R is well earned on this one), and very up my alley.January 29, 2020

Birds of Prey gets compared to Deadpool and Tarantino

The teaser trailers for Birds of Prey haven't had a particularly Deadpool feel about them. Regardless, that’s the main touchstone for some after seeing the film. There are also those who are bringing up John Wick and Quentin Tarantino when discussing Birds of Prey, which suddenly makes next Friday seem like ages away.

You may like
  • Jessie Buckley in The Bride The Bride first reactions say Jessie Buckley's new Frankenstein movie is "what Joker 2 desperately wished it was"
  • Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights First reactions to Wuthering Heights call Emerald Fennell's new movie "a scorching hot and twisted tale"
  • Milly Alcock as Supergirl DC fans are split on the Supergirl trailer, but everyone can agree that it has "heavy Guardians vibes"

#BirdsofPrey is one word: FUN! A frenetic hyper stylized Harley Quinn comic book come to life (it’s her movie). It’s DC’s Deadpool w/ a dash of Tarantino. COULD NOT get enough of McGregor’s Black Mask; hysterical, eccentric, & deliciously pathetic. A rockin’ kick ass good time! pic.twitter.com/QZ4t95sa7MJanuary 29, 2020

The only fair comparison for #BirdsOfPrey, if you want one, is Deadpool. They have a lot in common, especially their use of fourth-wall breaking and R-Ratings! pic.twitter.com/yGemqvJmMaJanuary 29, 2020

#BirdsofPrey is like if John Wick were run through a crazy funhouse filter and stuffed full of glitter and f-bombs. It's everything you could ever want from #HarleyQuinn and her badass girl gang. Into this movie completely. 🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/Y2DZgPYN2YJanuary 29, 2020

Really enjoyed #BirdsofPrey! The action reminded me a lot of John Wick. The chemistry amongst the cast was great and I would love to see more #BlackCanary & #Huntress in the future. pic.twitter.com/9ySVvh1yyzJanuary 29, 2020

BIRDS OF PREY is a good, funny, exciting and crazy ride. The cast is great, action IS top notch, very Pulp Fictiony at times and it doesn't hide or feel ashamed to be a SS spinoff. Hope to see more of the team.Give yourselves pats on the back ladies ya'll did it. #BirdsofPrey pic.twitter.com/6aZtMR2rW8January 30, 2020

Birds of Prey beats to its own drum

Birds of Prey not only stands on its own two feet as a bonafide female-led comic book movie, it stands alone as a comic book movie. Period. That's all thanks to its sense of style and anarchic attitude.

Just saw #BirdsofPrey and am happy to report that it's my favorite modern DC movie yet. Like Shazam, it carves its own path with totally unique aesthetic, action, and tone. Margot, Ewan and all the rest are 100% fantabulous. Why aren't there more roller skate action scenes?? pic.twitter.com/BDipKiB0qUJanuary 29, 2020

BIRDS OF PREY: Cathy Yan has created a music infused celebration of female badassery. DC continues to take big risks and push boundaries. The perfect Harley Quinn movie. Margot Robbie crushes it. I loved all these ladies & am looking forward to the sequel/spin-off. #BirdsofPrey pic.twitter.com/eRF5FJzahPJanuary 29, 2020

This looks and feels so different than any other superhero movie I’ve seen (and I feel like many will say it’s what they wish Suicide Squad had been in execution). Full credit to Cathy Yan for that, it’s clear they had a lot of fun making something so different.January 29, 2020

Standouts include Huntress and, of course, Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey also introduces a few characters that may not be instantly familiar to some in audience. But that’s great: we can all learn about them together afterwards, especially as so many of the cast – including Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress – seem intent on stealing the show.

#BirdsofPrey is delightfully unassuming and unconcerned with its place in a larger context. It's a bonkers bananas crime comedy and a genuine party movie. Everyone is having a blast but Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Huntress like a supporting character from THE TICK. It rocks. pic.twitter.com/7MRMKkZ0oiJanuary 29, 2020

#BirdsofPrey is a stylishly fantastic ride. Margot Robbie is on top-form, Harley has never been quirkier and more lovable. Well-made, shot with beautiful colour and overall, a sleek piece of grand entertainment. Also, McGregor is THE BEST. We need more Birds of Prey, it’s great. pic.twitter.com/hFqJc1KYVtJanuary 29, 2020

#BirdsofPrey is an absolute blast & undeniably fun live wire jolt of adrenaline. Delightfully devilish & deliriously wicked,this irreverent, rule-breaking riot delivers a contact high. Cathy Yan is a genius. Robbie, Smollett, Winstead, Perez & Basco are perfection. @birdsofpreywb pic.twitter.com/D72F2D1apYJanuary 29, 2020

Just got out of #BirdsOfPrey and.... WOW. Absolutely wow. Cathy Yan delivers in spades. This movie is a colorful, violent romp (and just that I’m saying those two words together is all the proof you need). Margot Robbie’s fantabulous, but Rosie Perez is a standout. LOVED IT!!!!! pic.twitter.com/QYkHQO4ybRJanuary 30, 2020

A look at the slightly more mixed Birds of Prey reactions

It’s not all overwhelmingly positive. Sure, the majority of the reactions are intensely in favour of DC’s first 2020 movie, but there are a couple of sticking points, including its structure and pacing.

#BirdsofPrey is KILLER. A slow start and awkward plotting doesn’t stop the movie, and these characters, from soaring in the end. Wildly violent, F bombs out the wazoo, and the best bat fight scene since The Raid 2. If Margot Robbie could control this part of the DCEU, she should. pic.twitter.com/bewnj8npaJJanuary 29, 2020

BIRDS OF PREY mostly entertains, and goes balls-to-the-wall insane in certain scenes, with a fantabulous Margot Robbie performance, great supporting leads, peppy soundtrack, fun action and fast pace. It doesn't *always* work, but there's never a dull moment either. #BirdsofPrey pic.twitter.com/jLsqxKr5VvJanuary 29, 2020

#BirdsOfPrey: winning characters, above-average action, and a killer soundtrack hampered by uneven tone and pacing. The girls at their best together, and they're not together enough. Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Huntress is the not-so-secret MVP. 💕January 29, 2020

Check out some of DC's finest comic book capers (so far) as we rank the best superhero movies.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Social Links Navigation
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
Jessie Buckley in The Bride
The Bride first reactions say Jessie Buckley's new Frankenstein movie is "what Joker 2 desperately wished it was"
 
 
Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie as Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights
First reactions to Wuthering Heights call Emerald Fennell's new movie "a scorching hot and twisted tale"
 
 
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC fans are split on the Supergirl trailer, but everyone can agree that it has "heavy Guardians vibes"
 
 
Karl Urban as Captain Connor in The Bluff
The Boys star's new swashbuckling actioner compared to Pirates of the Caribbean in mixed-positive first reviews
 
 
Jessie Buckley as Ida/Penny in The Bride
The Bride earns mixed first reviews, as critics call it everything from "a modern classic" to "unholy mess"
 
 
Neal Adams drawing of Batman featuring his blue-and-gray costume with white eyes and a yellow circle around his bat symbol
James Gunn defends The Flash writer set to pen the DCU's upcoming Batman movie
 
 
Latest in Action Movies
Dafne Keen brandishing her claws as Laura/X-23 in Deadpool and Wolverine
Marvel fans are debating whether Dafne Keen should become Wolverine or stay as X-23, and I've already chosen a side
 
 
Mortal Kombat movie
Mortal Kombat 2 star joins in with Street Fighter movie beef after Game Awards dig because he "loves a good rivalry"
 
 
Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, Lewis Pullman as Sentry, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, and Wyatt Russell as US Agent in Thunderbolts
Marvel star Lewis Pullman puts Avengers: Doomsday cameo overload fears to rest: "Every character has their moment"
 
 
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator
Arnold Schwarzenegger says he'll be in the next Predator movie and a Conan the Barbarian sequel
 
 
Spider-Man, Hulk, and Punisher posing in the jungle alongside a carved stone head
Writer Jonathan Hickman is bringing Spider-Man 4 stars Spidey, Hulk, and Punisher together just in time for the movie
 
 
The Mummy
The Mummy 4 directors say the panned Tomb of the Dragon Emperor threequel isn't canon because Rachel Weisz wasn't in it
 
 
Latest in News
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Brie Larson knows "every detail" of Super Mario Galaxy, so trust her when she says the movie is "filled with references"
 
 
Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary debuts to near-perfect 96% Rotten Tomatoes score
 
 
A screenshot of Fortnite's Jonesy looking serious.
Fortnite faces backlash over V-Bucks price increase, but Epic lead argues it helps devs keep "building stuff you love"
 
 
One Piece season 2
One Piece's Chopper actor thought it was a voice-only role so initially turned it down
 
 
One Piece
After One Piece creator dropped the answer to the anime's biggest mystery underwater, iShowSpeed seems set on finding it
 
 
Elsa Bloodshot in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals devs felt "panic" at the thought of going into the live-service graveyard that just claimed Highguard
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. A screenshot of Fortnite's Jonesy looking serious.
    1
    Fortnite faces backlash over V-Bucks price increase, but Epic lead argues it helps devs keep "building stuff you love"
  2. 2
    Marvel Rivals devs felt "panic" at the thought of going into the live-service graveyard that just claimed Highguard
  3. 3
    Diablo 4's Lord of Hatred expansion will be "really f*cking hard" at its highest difficulty, dev threatens
  4. 4
    Marvel fans are debating whether Dafne Keen should become Wolverine or stay as X-23, and I've already chosen a side
  5. 5
    "I wouldn't rule out a Palworld 2.0," says Pocketpair publishing head, but don't expect a "No Man's Sky situation"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...