I was very fortunate to attend a preview screening of Birds of Prey with Karen on Wednesday 05FEB2020 at the Myer Centre in the Brisbane CBD on assignment for Scenestr for the first time in 2020. I always feel fortunate to attend such screenings and get to review new films. The crowd we were with seemed to enjoy the film and I found there was a lot I appreciated about the film but I worried if it would find an audience. So far box office has been soft for the film but I believe when it finds its audience it is going to become quite beloved by them.
There is an irreverent rebellious attitude to the production and a manic joy. I thought similar thoughts about Suicide Squad that seemed well cast with interesting characters in desperate need of a plot and being able to make more of the potential of its premise and explore the unique possibilities that could come from it. Birds of Prey, a female centric sidequel spin-off, is a step in the right decision with better action and a better plot but still full of dropped ideas and unexplored potential.
There are to my mind no positive male characters in it but I can live with my heroes, anti-heroes and villains coming in all genders, races and creeds. No doubt the film is saying something about the female experience and exploring gender politics but how much it really says I’ll leave to the individual viewer to decide.
For me like before with Suicide Squad, I hold out hope of seeing some of these performers bringing to life these characters again. You can read my review here https://scenestr.com.au/movies-and-tv/birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn-film-review-20200206
Afterwards Karen and I enjoyed some pizzas at the Hilton Hotel lobby.
About a month later Karen and I were with friends seeing a movie at Palace Cinemas and came across some print issues of Scenestr and its sister publication Frooty.
My editor who runs Frooty asked if my review of Rocketman could be published in the first print issue of Frooty last year which I was stoked about and agreed to. Karen found my review of Harley Quinn had now been published in Frooty Issue #10. I guess I didn’t need to be asked a second time… However being in print is always a thrill and I hope the readers of Frooty enjoyed.
The review features on page 11 of the March 2020 issue which you can read a digital version of here http://frooty.com.au/read/2020/issue-10/FROOTY-10.html#p=11
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. Having started in 1993 they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They still publish magazines in print for Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland every month.
Started in 2017 and produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises, Frooty is an online national magazine that covers news and entertainment with a queer perspective. Their first print issue rolled out in July 2019 across five major states (QLD, NSW, Vic, SA, WA) and have followed monthly since. Frooty is one of the country’s widest circulating queer titles.
-Lloyd Marken
Back to the Drawing Board Productions 
I read the great review, (which read exactly how I expected the film to be) played the trailer, and enjoyed the photos of you two with your pizzas.
I have yet to see Suicide Squad, let alone this new one.
The plus side for me is that Margot looks great in all her various outfits.
That’s it, the plus side. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Margot does look great and has proven to be a talented actress and savvy producer. While box office was soft on opening it has dig itself in and may even become a respectable success. Critics were pretty taken with it where as I see a lot of flaws I enjoy it for what it is.
Best wishes Pete.
I’m glad you enjoyed the escape. Margot has shown her various sides and most love her! BTW, I tried to comment on your “Marveling at Mrs. Maisel” but it won’t let me comment, just like. I LOVE Maisel and it’s the best television show out there. 🙂
Thanks Cindy, what escape did i have? Thanks for letting me know about the comments on the Maisel post, I think I’ve got it fixed now. I’m so glad you love the show too. One of my favourite moments is when they realise Rose has gone to Paris and Zelda is packing away some dishes and Abe tells her to stop. Midge tells him “But Daddy those from are Mums parents and you always wanted to get rid of them” and Abe exclaims “But not like this.” God that’s good writing! How about the scene with the Mermaid Ice mascara in season 1?
Lloyd, there is no comments box on your Mrs Maisel post.
I got Amazon Prime after Christmas, and still haven’t managed to watch this.
So much to watch, read, and write. Not enough hours in a day.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you Pete, check it out, I think you’d like it. Maybe an episode a week. I feel it grows in stature. I reckon you’d really enjoy The Night Manager, I have a few issues with it but there is a lot to recommend about it that I think you’d enjoy. I also liked Jack Ryan in particular the first season but I think you’d enjoy The Night Manager. Picard is shit. Best wishes Pete. Thanks for letting me know about the comments too, I think it’s fixed now.
I watched The Night Manager on BBC. Loved it!
I’m glad to hear it.