The Crow

The Crow 2023 Review: More Fowl Than Fierce?

This new reboot of 'The Crow' flaps its wings but fails to soar. Find out why critics are calling it a 'train wreck'!

The highly anticipated reboot of 'The Crow', starring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven, has landed with a spectacular thud. While fans of the original 1994 film, which became a cherished cult classic, expected a flight through the gothic underworld, they were instead met with a reimagining that has left many critics shaking their heads in disbelief. Director Rupert Sanders claims to offer a stylish and operatic experience; however, most reviews point to a lack of depth and excitement. The film's attempt to juxtapose hope and magic falls flat amidst bland dialogue and uninspired action sequences.

Despite a better storyline compared to its predecessor, this version quickly loses its charm, proving that not all beloved stories require revival. Critics describe the third act, filled with blood-letting escapades, as insufficient to revive a dull narrative that, after over a decade in the making, feels lifeless and lacking urgency. The soundtrack, featuring industrial heavyweights like Nine Inch Nails, might be the only thing that captivates audiences, but even that fails to complement the lackluster visual approach.

Moreover, while Bill Skarsgård brings his unique flair to the titular role, the essence of what made the character legendary seems to be overshadowed by poor execution and uninspired characters. Even the intriguing co-stars, like FKA twigs, struggle to find solid ground in this disjointed presentation. Many reviews have labeled it tedious or worse, likening the overall experience to a train wreck that seems unworthy of theatrical release. Without the grandiosity of the '90s classic, the new adaptation risks being just another forgettable flick in an era saturated with remakes.

As the summer movie season wraps up, while audiences are excited for imaginative storytelling, 'The Crow' has instead become a cautionary tale against rehashing well-loved franchises. Fans are reminded that iconic films should remain untouched and revered rather than haphazardly resurrected into something that feels cheap and uninspired. So, if you plan to visit the cinema for some dark, thrilling escapism, you might want to take flight away from this reboot.

Interestingly, the original 'The Crow' had a tumultuous production, overshadowed by the tragic passing of its star Brandon Lee. His legacy cemented the film's status in pop culture, making it even more impactful. Additionally, did you know that the original film was based on a comic book created by James O'Barr, who drew inspiration from his own experiences with loss? It’s a stark contrast to the current adaptation and leaves us pondering what went wrong in the reimagining. Maybe, just maybe, some things are better left to fly free in the past!