A Heartbreaking Portrayal of ‘The Tragedy of Fred Hampton’

(Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

By Veronica Longo

"Judas and The Black Messiah" recounts the rise and fall of legendary civil rights figure Fred Hampton. Based on a true story, the film follows Hampton who was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party during the late-1960s. As the title suggests, the “Judas” in this story is undercover FBI informant William O'Neal (Lakeith Stanfield). This film evokes deep emotions, as many of the scenes are reminiscent of current events. The story begins with footage of the Black Panther Party performing their community activities such as feeding children, and teaching members of the community. It then pans to the FBI headquarters, where Director J Edgar Hoover, instead of praising their efforts, states, “The Black Panthers are the single greatest threat to our national security.”

Director Shaka King based these scenes on the real COINTELPRO program that took place from the years 1956-1971. According to PBS.org, “one of the purposes of the COINTELPRO program was to "expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize the activities of the Black nationalists.” King portrays how fearful the U.S. government was of the Black Panther Party in these scenes throughout the film.

Historically, the FBI treated the BPP as a hostile internal threat to the United States. The film actually toned down J Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI at the time, in response to the Breakfast for Children Program. FBI.gov, shows how Hoover used COINTELPRO to investigate groups like the BPP. The FBI website states, “In some cases, FBI agents had infiltrated groups, sowed discord among their members, and attempted to discredit their efforts—even when there was little or no evidence of unlawful activities.” It is a stark reminder that while this film had taken liberties with real-life events, it showed the reality of what the FBI did to the BPP.

17-year-old William O’Neal or Bill, becomes an FBI informant after being faced with an ultimatum: serve a long prison sentence or infiltrate the Black Panther party. Bill is the “Judas” in the film, but he is also just a kid. Lakeith exceptionally portrays Bill as a self-serving but truly pitiable person in this role. In juxtaposition to Bill’s narrative, Fred’s begins with a powerful, inspirational speech. Daniel Kaluuya’s booming voice and considerable presence adds gravitas to the scene. The crowd is visibly inspired by Fred’s words. Fred is a larger than life figure, charismatic and bold in his role as chairman. However, the film takes pains to humanize him to the audience, much in the way it does with Bill.

When Fred meets his future wife Deborah (Dominique Fishback), she is able to see him as a man and have a real conversation with him. Kaluuya’s performance of Fred as a leader and more importantly, as a human, elevates the film. The man behind the legend can be best seen in his interactions with Deborah.

The score, composed by Mark Isham (“Crash,” “Once Upon a Time”) and Craig Harris (“Black Bones,” “Shelter”), highlights the high stakes and difficulties of choices made in the film. The last score, “The Inflated Tear,” especially does a phenomenal job showcasing the absolute despair of the events. Many situations are tense for Bill in particular. At certain points of the musical score, one can sense the internal struggle Bill feels as he no longer is willing to betray Fred.

The film is successful in garnering interest in Fred Hampton’s story. For many this film is the first time they are hearing of his name and the legacy he left behind. One of our own Lehmanites, Sha’Miera, a political science major, explained their reaction, “This film was amazing. I am so glad the story of Fred Hampton was told. I hope there are more movies made about The Black Panther Party.”

Audience members cannot help but be moved by this tragic story, the echoes of which are still relevant today. This is a deeply important film and should be seen by all.

We are left with food for thought as the Jewel Cook, BPP member, during Fred’s funeral, exclaims, "If Fred could be murdered while he slept, remember what can happen to you, while you're on your knees facing that bed!" While the film takes certain liberties it does incorporate real archive footage to ground it in realism. This film represents a part of the U.S. that is very rarely spoken about. Furthermore, it should invigorate our current generation as Fred was only 21-years-old when his life ended. The feature is available now on HBOMax and select theaters.

Are Lehamanites Paying the Right Price for Textbooks?

(Photo Credit: Lightrocket)

By Veronica Longo

With job loss and unemployment at an all-time high for many students midway through the year of 2020, many can no longer afford the cost of textbooks. While there are alternatives to purchasing textbooks now, Lehman students still deal with income loss and struggle to make ends meet. Publishing companies, such as the Association of American Publishers, are trying to assist students with the cost of textbooks by offering stipends and lower cost textbooks with their Inclusive Access Program. Ultimately the responsibility of accepting this assistance from the publisher is up to the colleges. It brings into question if students are paying a fair price for textbooks.

To better understand, we must look at the history and legislation behind textbook affordability. On July 1, 2010, the first important legislation to make textbooks affordable went into effect. According to govinfo.gov, the HEO Act states, “The purpose of this section is to ensure that students have access to affordable course materials by decreasing costs to students and… encourage all of the involved parties, including faculty, students, administrators, institutions of higher education, bookstores, distributors, and publishers, to work together to identify ways to decrease the cost of college textbooks.”

Is it fair to put all of this pressure on our professors, should publishers’ shoulder some of the responsibility? Publishers speak about how their companies are cutting costs to make textbooks affordable to us. We spoke to a representative, Laura Knox, from textbook publishing company, W.W. Norton. She detailed how students can check if their college participates in W.W. Norton’s Inclusive Access Program. Laura explained the process: “I recommend inquiring through the bookstore, as they are directly involved with the Inclusive Access Program and help facilitate it.” This highlights that while the publishers are promoting these programs, the act of informing the students is our college’s responsibility.

Laura went on to state that individual students whose institutions are not part of the program will not be able to apply for this program. She laments, “Unfortunately not, because through Inclusive Access course materials are delivered directly through the campus LMS (Learning Management System) on the first day of class, and there are operational pieces that have to be in place for it to run. If a student is interested in the program, they should let their instructor and/or bookstore manager know.” Students can also raise the question with their major department to see if they can participate in Inclusive Access programs. The problem is many students aren’t aware programs like this exist.

But could there be students who are denied from the Inclusive Access Program? Laura detailed how to avoid this issue. She states, “When an Inclusive Access Program is offered in a given course, each and every student in that course is eligible to participate, unless they choose to purchase materials another way. That’s one of the benefits of Inclusive Access - that all students have access to the required materials on day one.”

This is just the beginning for these all-inclusive programs. She expects company expansion, “Programs like Inclusive Access have contributed to the steep decline in textbook costs over the past few years, and we anticipate that the program will only continue to grow. Especially given the shift to online learning, Inclusive Access has been a popular all-digital option for many students because they receive the required materials on the first day of class, at an affordable cost.”

Students at Lehman have found their own way around this cost issue. John-Luc Thomas, a CIS major, detailed their method of dealing with the cost of textbooks by using online free PDFs. He passed that responsibility to the faculty, stating, “Teachers should have free pdf options.” Considering that some professors add their own textbooks as a required text, the textbook cost-free option is gaining popularity within colleges across the United States.

In a report that Collegeboard.org released about the 2019-2020 school year, “The Average student spending on college textbooks and digital course materials has steadily declined in recent years.” It is important to keep in mind several things that may have skewed the results. Colleges such as Lehman do offer classes with the attribute of a “Zero Textbook Cost.” Many students have turned to websites that offer free downloads of textbooks to offset the cost.

Lehman students now more than ever need financial assistance in order to complete their college courses and obtain their degrees. The Higher Education Opportunity Act was passed to help students and colleges gain better footing over the financial crisis that many students face.

However, during the pandemic this crisis has steadily gotten worse. Students are opting out of college in order to go back to work and help support their families. Many Lehman students now have limited funds. It is clear, we as students need to voice our concerns in order to continue to decrease textbook costs.

‘Antebellum’ Brings to Life a Horrifying Historical Nightmare

(Photo Credit: Lionsgate)

By Veronica Longo

A psychological thriller that portrays the traumatic realities of slavery with startling realism, “Antebellum” sends a poignant and clear message: saying and doing nothing is not an option in these tense times. Reminiscent of similar mind game conceptions such as “Get Out” and “Us,” the film is the feature-length debut of Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, known for their past work on the video short “Kill Jay-Z.” Originally slated to hit theaters in April, movie theater closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic delayed “Antebellum’s” premiere on the big screen until it was finally released through video on-demand services, including Amazon Prime Video and iTunes, on Sept. 18.

The emotionally-charged opening sequence introduces us to the main cast. In the midst of the Civil War, slaves Eli (Tongayi Chrisa) and Eden (Janelle Monae) are caught trying to escape. As they are brutally and graphically punished, the opening score is heavy and haunting. Musical composers Nate Wonder and Roman GianArthur capture perfectly the tragic nature of what is happening on-screen. The effects of the score are highlighted by a lack of dialogue - the characters’ actions alone are speaking volumes. The scene also gives audiences their first glimpse of the film’s antagonists, Senator Blake Denton (Eric Lange), Elizabeth (Jena Malone), and Captain Jasper (Jack Huston), those responsible for catching and punishing Eli and Eden.  It’s a tense opening that’s hard to watch. Quite suddenly, though, Eden wakes up.

Janelle Monae is now Veronica Henley, a renowned sociologist in 2020 who leaves her family to travel to a conference and speak on intersectionality. A sense of foreboding follows her, and on her trip back to her hotel she is kidnapped. Once more awakened in her bed, this is how the film comes full circle as we join Eden. It is revealed that these are no mere dream sequences, Eden and Veronica Henley are one and the same. 

This film seeks to create a connection for viewers who suffer this type of cognitive dissonance that atrocities of the past don’t happen anymore. Unfortunately for Veronica, the sights she witnesses were not just nightmares. It becomes apparent that these injustices of the past were actually all taking place in the modern day and not the 1800s, to her. After the abuse of another kidnapped victim causes a suicide, this is what spurs Eden and Eli into action. The film reflects an unfortunate reality, that people will often say nothing about injustice until a tragedy spurs people into action. 

“Antebellum” is the story of both Veronica Henley and Eden. The picture shows the trials that she and the others face. This film is strange but the ambience and the music pull people in.  As the final twist is slowly shown, it is up to the audience to use the clues to figure what is actually going on. The shifts in “Antebellum” will keep readers intrigued, and the tone makes the film a great addition to any scary movie binge-watch.

HBO’s “The Vow” Uncovers the Truth about NΧΙVM

(Photo via HBO)

By Veronica Longo

A new, 9-episode docuseries produced and directed by Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer examines how NXIVM was able to enrapture so many of Hollywood’s elite so quickly. Released on Aug. 23, “The Vow” highlights the contrast between former members’ initial attraction to the cult and their disillusionment about its true nature and crimes.

Noujaim and Amer, whose previous works include “The Great Hack” (2019), created this series to uncover the hidden truths behind the cult founded in 1998 by Keith Ranier and Nancy Salzman. NXIVM appeared on the surface to be a self-help community for professional development championed by several actors and directors across Hollywood. The group enjoyed positive feedback worldwide. Even the Dalai Lama praised it in its prime and spoke at an event where he honored Raniere with traditional ceremonial Tibetan garb.

In the first episode, viewers are introduced to Mark Vicente, Sarah Edmondson, and Bonnie Piesse, all long-standing NXIVM members who attended the Executive Success Program, a 5-day convention. The series provides background on how they came to join NXIVM and shows all of the seemingly positive changes that occurred in their lives as a result. Mark and Bonnie, for example, end up getting married. However, Bonnie’s words to Mark ominously foreshadow what’s to come when the episode ends with her words: “there are a lot of things that I am starting to see in the organization that are not right.”

After the first episode, “The Vow” takes a dark turn, delving into the details of why and how members sought to leave the group. Layers are peeled off one-by-one as Mark, Sarah, and Bonnie descend deeper into the culture of NXIVM. They find evidence of a secret organization within their group, called the Dominus Obsequious Sororium, or DOS. Convinced to take part in the order’s vow of obedience, Sarah agrees to offer up a compromising video of herself as collateral. She falls down the rabbit hole into a world where submission is expected and where she has essentially become a slave. She keeps her vow secret but begins to ask questions when it becomes clear that crimes are taking place within the program. This revelation acts as the catalyst, giving Sarah, Mark, and Bonnie the courage to leave NXIVM.      

Even after deciding to leave, the main characters find it difficult to cut all ties. They are worried about all the younger people who had also been recruited into NXIVM’s ranks. These young, naive starlets were the real target, and most of them were a part of DOS.  This is what led them to reach out to a blogger to leak the information about the secretive organization while keeping their identities anonymous. It caused ripples in the community, and the fallout gave more people the courage to leave.

Those who left the group feared legal fallout from the organization since NXIVM, equipped with top legal representation, began to threaten all the former members with legal action. While the ex-members had released a plethora of information about the cult’s illicit practices, none of them had yet officially gone on the record.  To save more of the younger recruits, some former members chose to go on the record in a New York Times expose on the group, putting themselves in great danger.

Although only five of the nine episodes have so far been released, “The Vow” does not fail to engage its audience. Cults are often very secretive, so people rarely have access to visuals that can help them understand what a cult looks like. The directors do a fantastic job showing how easy it can be for anyone to fall prey to deception such as those perpetrated by NXIVM.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ is an Oasis of Fun

(Photo Credit: Nintendo)

By Veronica Longo

Directed by Katsuya Eguchi of Super Mario World, Star Fox 2, Wave Race 64, and Yoshi's Story, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” released on March 20, captivates players through an entertaining social experience with beautiful graphics. The game provides a wonderful, family-friendly outlet for players of all ages, along with online play features.

Since its initial release in 2001, Animal Crossing has always allowed players to create customizable content, from shirts to houses, as well as to recreate the world as they see fit. Using the Nintendo online features, dedicated players can create a variety of mini-games like hide and seek or maze racing, host events, and even swap meets to trade items on their island. While versions of the game have previously been released for the GameCube, Wii, DS, and 3DS, the franchise has seen unprecedented success on the Nintendo Switch console. 

The premise is very simple: the main character goes to a deserted island with two other animal neighbors to build a new life. To improve the island, villagers must complete goals such as finding fruit or other materials on the island to build items by asking ever-helpful raccoon Tom Nook, “What should I do next?” The game clock and calendar are in real-time.

Once the latest goal of having in-game performer K.K. Slider appeared, new features become available to the players. The newest update allows players to build rivers, cliffs, fences and roads for a total transformation of the desert island into a talk show, carnival, and even obstacle course or maze. This leads the player to an open world where players decide what can happen next.

The unique ability to transform the villager has consistently drawn players to this franchise. One day they can be an island princess and the next day, a ninja. Players can also purchase outfits using in-game currency and re-decorate their houses or use in-game items to turn them into classrooms, concert halls, or cafés; the possibilities are endless.

The game is wildly popular among celebrities and public figures who are fans.

Bronx native and U.S. House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been seen within the game, visiting another player’s island and saying how enjoyable it is. Gary Whitta, a screenwriter, is using the game to interview real celebrities, like Felicia Day, and even invited Ocasio-Cortez to participate.

Now, during a time when social distancing is the norm, the ability to play with friends is one of the game’s greatest selling points. Participants have even used the game to recreate virtual dates, as well as to conduct memorial services, graduations, and weddings for loved ones.

Up to 8 players can play online or locally in an island. (Photo Credit: Nintendo)

Through Nintendo Online, players can visit their friend’s islands. Up to eight players can visit at once, making it a fantastic way for friends to gather across distances. Frequent updates, such as the Earth Day event released by developers on April 23rd, patch errors and add new features.

These updates are often due to community feedback and reports.  The Reddit community for “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” has grown to over 1 million subscribers. This forum hosts wholesome activities such as the community meet-up, tips and tricks, and showing the ropes to newbies.

The game has outsold all other games released in North America during March, just in physical copies alone according to Venturebeat.com. Within Nintendo’s lineup, the game has also outdone debut sales of other popular titles, such as “Super Mario Bros.” and “Legend of Zelda,” coming in third place only behind the “Smash Bros.” series.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is transforming the way people play video games and provides players with a way to reach out during the ongoing COVID-19 quarantine. Take a trip to Tom Nook’s getaway island and stay awhile; it is a great way to combat stress.

In New HBO Documentary the Price of Fake News is Credible Journalism

(Photo Credit: HBO)

By Veronica Longo

Released by HBO on March 19, Andrew Rossi’s documentary, “After Truth” is a powerful cautionary tale that provides an intense look at the resurgence of fake news and conspiracy theories and how they blur the lines of journalism. It shows the very real effect media can have on people in communities and warns its viewers to maintain the ability to distinguish fact from fiction.

Rossi, who Lehmanites may be familiar with from his past work on “Bronx Gothic,” breaks down how rumors on websites such as Reddit can travel as far as a Washington lobbyist, Jack Burkman. 

Burkman gives a chilling statement about the role of fake news in modern media stating, “fake news is a weapon, fake news is a good way to drive a story… It’s become a tool of war.”

Rossi uses examples of how some events become exaggerated into a conspiracy and breaks down the process of fake news contorting the truth, which include distorting data to make people believe the reality is more sinister.

The film also shows the profound effect that misinformation can have on a community and families; a first example of this phenomena in “After Truth” takes place in 2015, when a military exercise known as Jade Helm 15, creates mass hysteria in the small town of Bastrop, TX.

Conspiracy theorists on YouTube pushed many small towns’ mistrust of the current government to create chaos. Locals attended town meetings, voiced their concerns of a martial law enacted by the Obama administration and got locked up in concentration camps. Even after a reasonable explanation was given for the exercise, fright still ran its course in numerous small towns.  

Fictitious or not, Governor Abbot still sent States Guardsmen to monitor the military exercise, a response that finally calmed many locals but created a dangerous precedent in which the actions of the Texan government lent credibility to a deception created by conspiracy theorists. Rossi said, “We are in a weaponized information environment.” Information, fake or real, is quickly becoming a weapon.

The film also takes an interesting look at some news organizations’ role in driving misinformation. 

Fox News, for example, uses their well-known news anchors to present rumors and opinions to be perceived as facts and breaking news. Outlets that present these types of stories will often retract the story, but never apologize to the families they affected with the misinformation.

Rossi asks of journalistic integrity: “How can news corporations just abandon the facts but face no repercussions for doing so?”

At a focal point in the film, Rossi emphasizes alt-right conservatives aren’t the only ones guilty of using fake news to their advantage, as the special elections for Alabama Senator in 2017 shows. Democrat Doug Jones against Republican Roy Moore, shows how the democratic left can use the same tactics employed during the 2016 presidential elections to sway voters. Matt Osbourne, a political operative, used Facebook and other social media to “give the Republican Party a taste of their own medicine,” pushing a fake group to push others away from Roy Moore. 

“After Truth” showcases the impact that news, fake or real, can have on people’s daily lives. Rossi could not have chosen a better time to warn society about blindly believing in anything that is shown, demonstrating the need to rely on credible sources, rather than accepting social media trends as news. 

Rossi’s feature should be viewed by all, for it shows the importance of understanding how fake news tries to create an “us vs. them” mentality, just as the world is experiencing a modern pandemic.  The film’s ability to surprise and inform are key reasons to watch it.

Netflix’s Horse Girl Shows Complexities of Mental Health

Alison Brie in “Horse Girl.” (Photo Credit: Netflix)

By Veronica Longo

“Horse Girl” is an unusual mix of romantic comedy and eye-catching retrospective on mental health and social circles among young adults. The film, directed by Jeff Baena, was released first at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 27, and became available on Netflix on Feb. 7, where it’s listed as comedy, drama, mystery and sci-fi.

The story centers on the mentally ill Sarah (Alison Brie) and her horse, Willow (Goldenite). Her life seems normal until after a birthday when Sarah begins experiencing a series of strange events and blackouts.

Sarah has a family history of mental illness passed down from her mother and grandmother. Her situation is relatable: she is friendly but often experiences social anxiety and either becomes obsessed with a subject for too long or stays silent.  

As the film progresses, parallels between Sarah and the actress who plays her, Alison Brie, become clearer. Then the questions of what’s real and what’s fantasy start causing more confusion. “Horse Girl” pulls audiences into her delusions, leaving them wondering what is true.

The picture shows how Sarah often disturbs people with her obsessions.  She obsesses over the horse, a TV show named “Purgatory,” and her crafts, to the point when she visibly upsets anyone she speaks to. 

The film takes an unsettling turn when Nikki and her boyfriend Brian seem creeped out after they find Sarah re-watching her favorite grisly TV show, “Purgatory,” during her birthday celebration. Although disturbed, they still encourage Sarah to have fun, which leads her to meet Darren, Brian’s roommate. Soon after, she becomes fixated on him.

Sarah falls into a downward spiral of drinking and doing drugs in order to be socially accepted under peer pressure; Sarah’s new friends then seem to enjoy her moments of embarrassment. The next night triggers Sarah’s descent into madness, and the atmosphere of the movie shifts. The end of the party signals a change in music to a disturbing soundtrack, accompanied with strange visuals. 

(Photo Credit: Netflix)

The scenes often don’t smoothly interchange within this film. Sarah blacks out and loses chunks of time, which is why many of the issues and scenes do not seem to connect. The deterioration of Sarah’s mental health is apparent as she becomes unreliable as the narrator. This film is not here to provide straight answers. Instead, it gives a real look at what people who suffer from schizophrenia, Bipolar 1, psychosis, and other types of mental illness that people suffer through.

Brie told Vulture.com that much of this film is based on her own struggles to come to terms with her “real-life family history with paranoid schizophrenia and depression.” Brie, much like the sufferers of other psychological issues, talks about the real terror she experiences from losing her own sanity and not realizing it.

The film is important because all too often the issue of mental health is either avoided in mainstream conversation or romanticized. It is refreshing to see a movie paint it in a different, realistic light. It is heartbreaking how Sarah turns to those closest to her to question them about her sanity only to receive a brush off. Because of “Horse Girl’s” complex message, it may take more than one viewing to understand. This, along with the fact that it does not fully answer the questions it poses for its viewers, is the weakest point of the movie. What happens to Sarah? 

Through the uncertainty surrounding Sarah’s experiences, the biggest payoffs of the movie are its twisted ending and the message of solidarity it sends to those who live with a mental illness.  Sarah’s constant fumbling with social cues and norms will resonate with introverted viewers.  A lot of instances are very unsettling and disturbing. Is Sarah lucidly dreaming, or having a mental breakdown? “Horse Girl,” with all its oddities, should be watched with an open mind. 

‘Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey’ is a Fun, Disjointed Flight

(Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

By Veronica Longo

“Birds of Prey” follows the fantabulous emancipation of the unreliable narrator Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), who recounts the story in a non-linear confusing style and renames herself mercenary-for-hire after breaking up with the Joker. Complications come along as the rest of the rogues in Gotham City find out she is free. 

Quinn’s past actions haunt her as former enemies Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina), and the dangerous Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) plot to revenge against her numerous transgressions, many of them listed on screen. Quinn finds support to fight her adversaries through unlikely allies Detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Dinah Laurel Lance (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Helena Bertonilli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and her sidekick Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco).

The film’s predecessor, “Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer, released in 2016, involves a shady government using a group of villain prisoners including Harley Quinn, to confidentially work dirty tasks for them, such as spying and killing in exchange for freedom; failure to comply increased their penalty. Quinn’s interesting backstory and fighting talents led to her protagonist in “Birds of Prey.”

“Suicide Squad” failed largely due to the disappointing end result from a muddled plot, thinly written characters and choppy directing, according to Rotten Tomatoes. “Birds of Prey” was feared to be another badly written script about villains, but ended up being a hit with the critics. But critical acclaim has not helped fill seats at the theater.

“Birds of Prey” only made $33 million out of a $45 million projection during its opening weekend, underselling compared to “Suicide Squad” which generated $325 million overall, even when disliked by both critics and viewers. 

Ewan McGregor's rendition of the Black Mask is unnerving and audiences will find that his violent chemistry with co-star Chris Messina works well to establish their villain role.

In a grisly scene, Zsasz peels off the face of one of the Black Mask’s rivals after their witty and entertaining banter during the murder. On another shocking scene, Black Mask hits Quinn so hard that it causes her to hallucinate, recreating Marilyn Monroe’s scene from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” By the second strike, Mask has been effectively established as the movie’s villain.  

A new character, Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) comes to challenge him with her sharpshooting fighting skills. She is also the most seldom seen. In a blink the audience might miss the rapid-fire version of her backstory. But she has the best reason to go against the Black Mask and Zsasz, as they were both involved in her family’s murder. 

“Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” has an ingenious way of getting around the issue of missing Joker (Jared Leto), who is mentioned in flashbacks and introduced to the audience through an unnecessary return in the form of an animated short rendering. According to Hollywood Reporter, Leto’s presence in the movie was limited as a new Joker took the screens four months ago; sources said Leto was extremely upset.

But there’s a charm to the story’s clear intent to pay homage to the older DC comics.

Audiences will enjoy this movie, especially those who are just looking for a fun action movie and nothing more. “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” stands on its own as a superhero film, without relying on “Suicide Squad” or “Joker.” The three-hour film does a good job of avoiding turning Quinn into a hero.

Quinn remains a villain and troublemaker at the end of the film, although a sympathetic one; Margot Robbie’s performance alone is reason enough to watch this film and the stunning visuals should seal the deal.