The Crow Movie Review: A Lifeless Remake That Fails to Soar

Star Cast: Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, Danny Huston
Director: Rupert Sanders
Runtime: 111 Minutes
Language: English
Available On: Theaters

The Rebirth of a Classic – Or Is It?

The early 90s brought us “The Crow,” a film that transcended its comic book origins to become a cult classic, largely due to its haunting atmosphere and the tragic death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee. Now, three decades later, director Rupert Sanders attempts to breathe new life into this beloved franchise. But instead of soaring, this remake stumbles, leaving audiences yearning for the original’s dark brilliance.

What Works: A Glimmer of Hope in the Shadows

In the dimly lit landscape of this film, there is one faint spark: a well-executed action sequence towards the end. Sanders, known for his visual flair in past projects, manages to orchestrate a scene that almost reminds us of what “The Crow” could have been. But alas, this brief moment of intensity is not enough to salvage the film from its otherwise sluggish pace and lifeless execution.

The Crow Movie Review: What Went Wrong?

A Lackluster Script That Misses the Mark

To put it bluntly, “The Crow” remake is a textbook example of how not to craft a screenplay. The original film’s script was a tight, emotionally charged journey that captivated viewers from start to finish. In stark contrast, this remake meanders aimlessly, squandering every opportunity to build tension or develop its characters in any meaningful way. The result? A story that feels more like a dreary TV pilot than a feature film.

Skarsgård and Twigs: A Chemistry Experiment Gone Awry

The casting of Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven initially seemed like a promising choice. After all, Skarsgård has proven his ability to portray complex, tormented characters. However, in this role, he seems lost, unable to tap into the deep well of emotion required to bring Eric’s pain and anger to life. His performance lacks the intensity and nuance that made Brandon Lee’s portrayal so iconic.

FKA Twigs, who plays Shelly, Eric’s doomed lover, fares even worse. While her ethereal persona might work in her music career, it falls flat in a role that demands genuine emotion and vulnerability. Her portrayal feels forced and unconvincing, making it difficult for the audience to invest in the couple’s tragic love story. Simply put, the chemistry between Skarsgård and Twigs is non-existent, rendering their relationship utterly unconvincing.

Direction and Cinematography: A Visual Misfire

Rupert Sanders, who once impressed with his visual storytelling in “Snow White and the Huntsman,” seems to have lost his touch with “The Crow.” The film is visually uninspired, with dull, lifeless frames that fail to capture the dark, gothic beauty that was the hallmark of the original. The film’s pacing is another major issue. At 111 minutes, it drags, with long stretches of time where nothing of consequence happens. It’s as if Sanders was unsure of how to fill the runtime, resulting in a movie that feels both rushed and painfully slow.

Music and Editing: A Chaotic Symphony of Errors

Music played a significant role in the original “The Crow,” with its soundtrack becoming almost as iconic as the film itself. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for this remake. The choice of music is jarring and often feels out of place, disrupting the flow of the film rather than enhancing it.

The editing is equally problematic, contributing to the film’s disjointed structure. Scenes that should build tension or evoke emotion instead feel flat and unengaging. The editing choices rob the film of any momentum, making it a chore to sit through.

Star Performances: A Missed Opportunity for Greatness

Given the film’s weak script and direction, it’s no surprise that the actors struggle to deliver memorable performances. Bill Skarsgård, who has shown considerable talent in other roles, seems miscast as Eric Draven. His portrayal lacks the depth and intensity that the character demands, resulting in a performance that feels more tired than tortured.

FKA Twigs, despite her best efforts, is simply not up to the task of playing Shelly. Her line delivery is awkward, and her attempt to bring an otherworldly quality to the character falls flat. Instead of appearing ethereal, she comes across as wooden and unconvincing. It’s a shame, as both actors have potential, but they are let down by poor direction and a weak script.

The Crow Movie Review: Final Verdict

The original “The Crow” was a film that resonated with audiences because it was more than just a revenge tale—it was a deeply emotional story of love, loss, and redemption, wrapped in a unique visual style that has yet to be replicated. Unfortunately, this remake fails on almost every level.

The film’s attempt to modernize the story while staying true to its roots results in a confused mess that pleases neither fans of the original nor new viewers. Instead of recapturing the magic of the original, this remake feels soulless, a pale imitation that lacks both heart and creativity.

If you’re a fan of “The Crow,” do yourself a favor and revisit the original. It’s a film that still holds up today, while this remake is likely to be forgotten as quickly as it was released.

In Conclusion: Some Classics Are Better Left Untouched

Sometimes, in the pursuit of reimagining a beloved classic, filmmakers lose sight of what made the original so special. This is the case with “The Crow” remake. It’s a film that tries to capitalize on the nostalgia of its predecessor but fails to deliver anything of substance. Perhaps it’s time Hollywood learns that not every classic needs a reboot—some stories are best left as they are, perfect in their original form.