Rant/Rave

Rating: 7/10 (6 August 2016)

Okay, so I admit, I'm a little biased. As someone who's been an avid Harley Quinn fan for years (as well as a Jared Leto fan), I will attest to the fact that Robbie and Leto were the main grab for me, as I'm sure they were for 85% of audience members. That being said, I have a few qualms about how these characters are portrayed. Let me start out by saying this movie was DA BOMB . The soundtrack is great, the cast is diverse (although I could've done without Cara Delevingne's poor excuse for acting), the characters are strong, and, despite extenuating circumstances, altogether likable.
However, being of the 85% who saw it for two main reasons, I was a bit disappointed. I am not here to compare Jokers (to be honest, I'm in the small minority that didn't enjoy Nolan's version of the DCEU), but to analyze the complex, and infamous dynamic between Harley Quinn and the Clown Prince, himself.
This relationship is not one to aspire to, built on lies, abuse, and manipulation. Harley Quinn is an inherently feminist character, not because she's subject to such abuse, but because she is a well-written, relatable, anti-hero who, at the end of the day, is actually brilliant (she is a doctor, after all). Yet, despite having the body of a 10 and a psychotic super villainous boyfriend, she is just like us—those who would do (almost) anything to attain that love and validation we so desire.
With that in mind, I was very disappointed to see so little backstory between HQ and MJ (Mistah J). On-screen, the relationship between Robbie and Leto's characters actually comes across as love. Robbie even becomes "dumb," or as Liz Lemon would put it, a "sex idiot." She's there for the box office—she possesses little to none of her characteristics that have brought her character such appreciation over the years. She is literally just there to look sexy, and get punched in the face, and run into poles as a gag. "Haha, watch the hot girl run into bars. Isn't it funny?"
HQ has, unfortunately, become a character that exists strictly for the male gaze; a sex pot in hot pants that can beat people up and is probably a freak in bed. Yes, I am disappointed that this is what she's become. But more disappointed for the women watching it, thinking that she's someone to aspire to—someone who's worth is based solely on her looks, and who has found "real love" with a green-haired, lipstick- wearing sociopath.
That being said, this movie is more than worth the $20/ticket price tag, for the enjoyment alone. Will Smith is charismatic beyond charismatic, and we really get a feel for the humanity of these villains (and the inhumanity of the "good guys;" re: Amanda Waller).
7/10 Stars