DCEU: Ranking Every Big Fight Scene From Worst To Best
3. Birds Of Prey Vs Black Mask's Mercenaries - Harley Quinn : Birds Of Prey (2020)
The DCEU's interpretation of the classic DC street-level team was a solid but painfully underseen film that benefited from an irreverent style and tone, colourful visuals and game performances from its cast, particularly from Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Ewan McGregor's Black Mask.
Its action (particularly the final showdown between the titular heroes and Black Mask's mercenaries) was refreshing in its emphasis on practical stunt work, creative choreography, and bone-crunching beats compared to its CG-soaked predecessors.
Following the murder of Victor Zsasz, Black Mask's right-hand man by Helena Bertinelli (Huntress), her, Harley Quinn, Renee Montoya and Dinah Lance (Black Canary) team up to protect Cassandra Cain from Black Mask's mercenary army.
What ensues is a chaotic yet balletic clash that sees notable beats such as Huntress stabbing a mercenary as they slide down a tunnel, Black Canary unleashing her devastating Canary Cry and Harley chasing down Black Mask's car on roller skates in a manner that is decidedly more thrilling than it should be.
Director Cathy Yan films the affair with top-notch clarity, allowing each beat to breathe, have maximum impact and reflect each hero's (anti-hero?) own distinct fighting style and personality.