The Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than Expected

The Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than Expected

As a lifelong cinephile with a soft spot for Gothic comic book adaptations and a deep appreciation for the original “The Crow,” I must confess that my anticipation for this reimagining was tinged with both excitement and trepidation. Unfortunately, based on the first wave of critical reviews, it appears that “The Crow” (2024) might be more of a feather in the cap of cinematic misfires rather than a crowning achievement.


After the ban has been lifted, initial responses to this year’s modern take on the classic Gothic comic book film “The Crow” have started coming in. So, does the remake starring Bill Skarsgård live up to both the original material and the iconic 1994 version? Or is “The Crow” the disappointing comic book movie that some have anticipated?

Regrettably, the movie “The Crow” has been met with much resistance and it seems that initial critics have not been lenient, further complicating its prospects at the box office. At present, the Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes stands at a dismal 6%, but there’s still hope for improvement – before the 16th review came in, the movie was at a dismal 0%. However, the early reviews have been largely consistent in their negative assessment, suggesting that “The Crow” may struggle to take flight.

David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter initiates a wave of unfavorable critiques by labeling the movie as a “dull, overly somber extravaganza that drags on.” This sentiment is echoed by Benjamin Lee from The Guardian, who adds that the film is not just a failure, but a complete catastrophe with an incomprehensible plot and poor execution, a remake that will likely be remembered as one of the most unnecessary and unsuccessful ones ever produced.

The initial 15 reviews consistently echo similar criticisms. Ranging from complaints about a confusing narrative, to dissatisfaction over the film substituting the original movie’s ‘tension and emotional turmoil’ with excessive violence, and a recurring question as to why there was a need for another adaptation of The Crow.

Regardless of a movie’s quality, it usually has its devoted followers. However, “The Crow” appears to be an exception, as it struggles to find approval even among those who aren’t fans of the original 1994 Brandon Lee film. The movie’s performance at this weekend’s box office against films like “Alien: Romulus”, “It Ends With Us”, and “Deadpool & Wolverine” will shed light on how widely its appeal extends.

The Crow Is Due to Land in Theaters From August 23

The Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than ExpectedThe Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than ExpectedThe Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than ExpectedThe Crow Reviews Have Been Worse Than Expected

The narrative of “The Crow” comic, first published in 1989 by James O’Barr, centers around a young man named Eric. Tragically, his fiancee, Shelly, is slain by a ruthless street gang when their vehicle breaks down. In the aftermath, Eric himself is shot and succumbs to his injuries at the hospital. However, he experiences an extraordinary resurrection, orchestrated by a mystical crow, which compels him to exact vengeance on Shelly’s killers. As he methodically hunts them down, Eric grapples with the profound grief of losing Shelly. For more details about the reimagining, you can refer to the official synopsis provided below:

“Eric Draven (Skarsgård) and Shelly Webster (FKA twigs), who were meant for each other, suffer a tragic end when Shelly’s haunting past comes back to claim them. If granted the opportunity to rescue his soulmate, Eric embarks on a ruthless quest for vengeance against their murderers. Guided by both the realm of the living and the dead, he aims to restore justice in an uneven world.”

Under the guidance of director Rupert Sanders, with screenplays penned by Zach Baylin and Will Schneider, the film titled The Crow features Bill Skarsgård (known for his roles in John Wick: Chapter 4, It) portraying Eric Draven, also known as The Crow, alongside FKA Twigs (from Honey Boy) as Shelly Webster. The cast also includes Danny Huston (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 30 Days of Night), Josette Simon (Wonder Woman), Laura Birn (Void, A Walk Among the Tombstones), Sami Bouajila (Ganglands), Isabella Wei (1899), and Jordan Bolger (The Book of Boba Fett, The Woman King)).

The Crow
is set to be released on August 23, 2024, and you can check out the trailer below.

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2024-08-23 02:34