The Crow
⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
In 1994, Brandon Lee was accidentally killed on the set of the original filming of the cinematic adaptation of James O'Barr’s cult classic comic book series. This tragedy drew attention to the project and led to a franchise being released around the world. In an attempt to resurrect the series, Ghost in the Shell director Rupert Sanders reimagines the love story of Eric (Bill Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA Twigs), which transcends time and spiritual dimensions.
These two unlikely lovers are brought together as they find themselves on the run from Roeg (Danny Huston), a centuries-old crime lord. He has reigned on earth for years since making a pact with the devil to send innocent souls to hell in exchange for eternal life. Yet, things go awry when Shelly manages to escape his plans and holds the evidence that will bring down his organisation. The couple is apprehended and killed, but Eric is given a chance to make amends for all of the actions of evil acts their adversary has performed over the years. With the aid of a spiritual guide named Kronos (Sami Bouajila) and a crow, Eric discovers his immortality, except these powers come with a cost that may be too much to bear.
For fans of the original film or the comic book series, there are whispers of the origins of this revenge-fueled spiritual excursion. Yet, for most, this will only be a shell of the initial tribute to gothic rock and revenge. Bill Skarsgård is less goth and more bogan in his depiction of the tattooed assassin. He is left with rudimentary dialogue that will make most wish for his mutism found in Boy Kills World. The screenplay is painfully predictable and attempts to capture a John Wick vibe. However, as opposed to the beauty within the violence, the only thing that comes is unnecessary and inexcusable gore. While the script needs some work, and the action sequences seem uninspired, the problem with the whole premise of The Crow is the believability of the love between Eric and Shelly.
Their love is meant to express ‘pure love’ for the whole second half to work. Yet, Skarsgård and FKA Twigs have little to no chemistry, and the progression of their love affair happens too fast to make it convincing. Neither their physical relationship nor spiritual connection is proven to be the definition of pure love. Pure lust, sure, but not pure love. Granted, Danny Huston delivers on the smarmy and evil side of the equation, except his character is so underdeveloped that it is difficult to understand his overall motivation. A symptom of this screenplay is that it relies on the audience to have some knowledge of the series for things to make sense. Still, there is little of this version of The Crow that will draw new fans to the franchise and will leave the devoted fanbase drowning in the cinematic purgatory of mediocrity.
REEL DIALOGUE: Is hell a real place?
People have addressed this question throughout history, and it is expressed in various forms in many of the world’s religions. The Crow delivers a fictitious view of the underworld and the creatures that live in this place of fire and brimstone.
The Bible addresses the subject of hell, and even though James O'Barr provides an imaginatively detailed visual account, it is far from what is understood in the Bible. This place of eternal separation from God is a place that no one should desire to reside, and thankfully, the words of God share how to avoid going there.
Spoiler alert: Hell is real, but The Crow is not.
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. - Matthew 10:28
