BIRDS OF PREY

* * ½

(Twisted female anti-hero tale)

Margot Robbie plays twisted, psychopathic anti-hero Harley Quinn in this throwback to the days of "Kill Bill.” Sub-titled "The Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn,” the movie follows the adventures of Harley after the Joker dumps her and she must run from the dozens of enemies out to kill her. And there's trouble in Gotham City, mostly caused by the evil Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor.

After a quick cartoon backstory, Harley gets down to business, beating up every male in sight, usually aiming for the groin, and finally teaming up with females who were also out to get her, including a cop (Rosie Perez), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and The Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Joining the band is a young pickpocket who causes a stir by swallowing a diamond that Black Mask is looking for.

The action ends up in a Fun House after the group figures out how to retrieve the diamond, and you just know who will prevail.

If you have a taste for this bizarre, in-your-face humor, you'll enjoy the movie. For me, Robbie just got on my nerves with her irritating voice and sloppy make-up. There is plenty of action and a number of twists and turns, and the female protagonists come out on top.

Rated a big R, with profanity, violence, drugs and sex.