Some of you reading this review may not have been born when the producers first tried to revive it. CrowThis website first wrote about it back in 2008 (the same year io9 was founded), and every few years since then, a new director and star has attempted to adapt James O’Barr’s gothic comic book series for a new generation. I mention this because its history (whether you know it or not) is heavily tied to the work of Rupert Sanders. CrowA remake of the original film starring Bill Skarsgård. Crow This film carries the burden of impossibility. For years, no one has been able to pull it off. There must be a reason. And that reason must mean that whatever ends up in theaters isn’t going to be any good.
Sanders’ version was a success — it hits theaters this weekend — and, frankly, it surprised me. It’s actually pretty good. it’s not wonderful. There are problems, of course, but even the acclaimed 1994 film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee had its issues, but this film, like that film, feels like a fresh take on the story, and while it may not be an immediate success, it’s destined to be discovered by potential fans in the years to come.
What immediately stands out is Crow What makes this movie so fascinating is how obsessed it is with the relationship between its two leads. FKA Twigs plays Shelley, who is on the run from a mysterious presence and ends up in a rehab facility. There, she meets Eric (Skarsgård), an introvert with a troubled childhood who is hated by everyone at the facility. The two immediately hit it off, run away, and fall madly in love.
The development of this relationship takes up a large part of the film, helping the audience grow attached to the characters. Perhaps too much, but the more time we spend with Eric and Shelley, the more we care about them and the more anxious we are about what’s to come. Because CrowEventually both Shelley and Eric are killed, and Eric is given mysterious powers and told he can bring Shelley back to life if he kills the people who killed Shelley.
Even after Eric gets these powers, it takes him a long time to realize them, so we don’t see them until quite late in the film. Crow Only then do we get to see the extended action and superhero scenes. And when they do happen, it’s not just cathartic, it’s exhilarating. Sanders crafts an operatic symphony of violence in the scenes where Eric takes down the bad guys with such stomach-turning brutality that it’s so brutal it almost feels like a different movie entirely.
But while the third act was great, the biggest problem was CrowTonally, it’s three different films: one a romantic love story, one a murder mystery origins piece, and one an epic, exciting, violent action movie – each works on their own, but they’re not very well balanced and so are at odds a bit with the rest of the film.
Nevertheless, Skarsgård and Twiggs’s brilliant acting keeps you engaged throughout the film. Each has a unique look and presence that makes it impossible to take your eyes off them. You see the characters are broken and potentially terrifying, but you also see and feel the innocence running through them. Plus, their chemistry is off the charts; it’s like they’ve known each other forever. Sanders may not have nailed the story, but the characters and the acting are perfect.
Still, there are other problems: The mythology of Eric’s powers is a bit random and confusing, the villain played by Danny Huston isn’t exciting or compelling enough to pose a real threat, and the ending is a bit lacking in the emotional impact you’d expect after everything you’ve seen. Crow is a flawed movie. But the flaws are beautifully counterbalanced by the good points, and I would say, if you’re interested in this movie, Crowand if you’re willing to watch it with an open mind, this movie will surprise you: it far exceeds your expectations and, in moments, is actually pretty amazing.
Crow It will open on August 23rd.
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