The Crow review: Is the latest version worth watching? Or should you skip it?

The Crow review: Is the latest version worth watching? Or should you skip it?

As a gamer with a heart for movies and a soft spot for cult classics like The Crow, I must confess I was eagerly awaiting this remake. Having grown up watching Brandon Lee’s portrayal of Eric Draven, I couldn’t help but compare the two versions side by side – a comparison that, unfortunately, left me feeling somewhat let down.


Last night, I attended the newest adaptation of “The Crow.” I made a conscious effort to approach this film with an unbiased perspective and to detach myself from the 1994 version’s influence. Having previewed various trailers prior, I had a rough notion of how they would reimagine the plot… however, I was off the mark. If you’re a devotee of the original, I’d urge you to give it a miss. Mild spoilers follow!

In this reimagining, the narrative centers around Eric Draven and Shelly Webster, albeit with some tweaks. Having managed to break free, they cross paths at a refuge and embark on their romance. Shelly is in hiding from Corp Roeg, a corporation infamous for exterminating innocent individuals who possess damning information. The antagonist of this film is Vincent Roeg, an individual capable of awakening the darkest traits within someone and condemning their souls to perdition.

In a swift turn of events, Shelly’s past returns to haunt them both, leaving Eric unaware of Shelly’s actions. With no prior knowledge, Eric is plunged into Shelly’s realm. Tragically, both Eric and Shelly meet their end at the hands of Roeg’s people. However, a unique opportunity presents itself to Eric: he can rectify past mistakes by resurrecting Shelly and himself. Driven by vengeance, Eric embarks on a quest to eliminate the entire Roeg corporation as part of his mission.

Initially, there was significant apprehension among fans regarding this remake, particularly when they saw Bill Skarsgård in his raven costume. On platform X, there were demands to scrap the entire project as he appeared more like a bizarre interpretation of the Joker instead of our beloved Crow. The comparison between Skarsgård and Brandon Lee did not help matters, setting him up for failure from the outset.

The Crow review: Is the latest version worth watching? Or should you skip it?

In a more relaxed phrasing: The film “The Crow” starring Lee has a plot closer to the original comics compared to the remake. While it’s exciting to try something fresh, I felt that the execution was messy. I went into the theater with an open mind and a desire for it to stand on its own, but there were too many flaws in the movie.

What works and what doesn’t in The Crow

One issue with the movie is that the dialogue feels awkwardly written, particularly in the scenes involving Shelly and Eric. Their interactions are so unnatural they’re almost uncomfortable to watch, and the romance between them seems forced. Despite FKA Twigs and Skarsgård’s best efforts, their chemistry just didn’t spark, leaving viewers without a convincing portrayal of love.

The story incorporates elements of the supernatural, offering a potentially intriguing premise. However, the antagonist lacked depth as a character, and his background or reason for possessing powers wasn’t explained, leaving me yearning for more insight into his character development. It would have been satisfying to delve deeper into his origin, providing a clearer understanding of the plot. Additionally, the climactic scene between him and Draven seemed hurried, and I was hoping for an intense, climactic final battle instead.

The Crow review: Is the latest version worth watching? Or should you skip it?

I found the change in Eric Draven’s appearance appealing, as he seemed menacingly imposing in his unique style. He retained his signature trench coat and all-black attire, which added to his iconic look. However, the paint job reminded me a bit too much of the Joker, but Skarsgård managed to pull it off convincingly.

In this film, what stands out and works particularly well are the intense action sequences and graphic violence. The creators have definitely put emphasis on the fight scenes, making them quite engaging to watch. This element was somewhat lacking in the 1994 version. The audience is now treated to a comprehensive portrayal of Draven’s enemies’ downfall, something that wasn’t as vivid before. Additionally, the graphic violence is more prominent this time around. A scene I found particularly captivating was close to the third act – the opera scene is an unbridled display of gore that leaves you astonished (if you’re familiar with it, you know). I thoroughly enjoyed watching Draven use both a sword and a gun in these fight scenes, adding depth and excitement to the action.

In this film, action elements are predominant, interspersed with hints of horror, which is quite different from the initial installment. I would’ve preferred a stronger emphasis on the horror elements and a more intense portrayal of hell. Despite some enjoyable moments, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations for me, making it hard to wholeheartedly endorse it to fans.

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2024-08-23 21:25

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