The Crow Review
As one of the earliest comic book films, 1994’s The Crow was very peculiar for exploring the dark side of the genre before films like Blade and Spawn. Brandon Lee’s final performance in this film, and the awesome action that came out of it, helped The Crow become a hit classic that stuck with fans for many years. Now, with this new reboot, that came with its own production bumps throughout the previous decade, Rupert Sanders’s modern undertaking of James O’Barr’s original story leaves its mark with its own formidable narrative.
Unlike the 1994 film, which saw Eric Draven facing off against low-life criminals, Sanders’s version sees Eric confronting an otherworldly threat for good reason. Wanting to avenge, and hopefully save the soul of his fiancé, Shelly (FKA twigs), Eric sets out to become the iconic agent of vengeance. However, the power comes with its own risks as his mission for justice drives him down his own dark path.
As such, Sanders’s take on The Crow is much more emotionally influenced throughout and this is seen with the relationship between Eric and Shelly that skyrockets quickly. Both of them are easily able to find a soft spot with each other through their appreciation for the arts. But the subtlety about their shared appreciation is only quickly dropped at the ends of an extremely intimate sequence. Due to this, it may feel like the connection between Eric and Shelly is rushed as the film reaches its first turning point.
Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs however are able to provide confident performances as the two lovebirds. While mostly present in the first act, twigs gives Shelly that hint of ominous innocence that helps form the character’s complexity. Shelly’s past is shrouded with mystery and even though she wants to move on, she will never escape the truth. This is especially so when Shelly meets Eric, who Skarsgård gives a very gripping, if darkly comedic, performance.
In his own way, Skarsgård proudly makes Eric Draven his own while giving his own respects to Brandon Lee. With the introverted Eric happily opening up to Shelly, Skarsgård brings out the character’s sympathetic side with a touch of needed gravitas. However, it’s when Eric slowly grows into becoming the “angel of death” that Skarsgård further proves his acting range that was first notable in the IT films. He could go from being grimly hilarious to terrifyingly determined and chillingly cold in the right moments.
On top of some great performances, The Crow’s action gets absolutely crazy for the franchise. There are some very gruesome moments throughout, from bones being broken to limbs being slashed to shreds, that might be a little hard to watch. Yet, it’s all so cool to see Eric taking down the bad guys as he goes along his way, especially with one later sequence. Plus, given Eric’s powers of regeneration and immortality, the film gives audiences what they want: many close-ups of henchmen being brutalized by their own means.
Still, the overarching mission itself marches on familiar territory while bearing some minor plot threads that could have been further explored. From Shelly’s past with her greedy mother to one of demonic crime lord Vincent Roeg’s minions turning the other cheek, The Crow does more telling than showing in order to balance between their paths and Eric’s personal arc. The dialog surrounding these moments may also leave some confused with its metaphoric detailings. However, they still manage to be thematically consistent in maintaining Sanders’ ideas of love and retribution.
The Crow is an ambitious re-envisioning that wants to balance its emotional love story with the franchise’s memorably brutal action. These aspects intertwine to create something that not only pays its dues to Brandon Lee’s iconic performance, but also stands out in its own way compared to the previous Crow films. Sure, there are some elements of Sanders’s adaptation that could be more fleshed out, but what gets put on screen will give audiences that unique experience.
The Crow is now playing in theaters.
Rating
★★★☆☆
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.