As a huge fan of the original "The Crow," I approached the 2024 remake with mixed feelings. Brandon Lee's performance profoundly impacted me, and the tragic circumstances of his death during filming only added to the film's mystique and emotional weight. With high hopes for Bill Skarsgård, who I genuinely enjoy as an actor, I was eager to see his take on Eric Draven. However, I quickly found myself disappointed.
Pacing and Tone
Right from the start, I found "The Crow" (2024) to be agonizingly slow. The pacing seemed off-kilter – it felt as if the filmmakers were trying too hard to create an artistic atmosphere. Unfortunately, this heavy-handed approach made the first act feel like a drag. While slow pacing can work in a film’s favor, here it resulted in a tedious portrayal of Eric and Shelly’s relationship, lacking the palpable chemistry that defined the original.
Artistic Vision or Nonsense?
There was an assertion that the film embraced an artistic vision; however, I found that to be absolute nonsense. Much of the movie came across as confusing, with disjointed storytelling that left me scratching my head. It felt like a mix of characters that didn’t resonate with me. I longed for the gritty urban atmosphere of the original, where the dark and brooding world was as much a character as Eric himself. Instead, this version felt emotionally and thematically disconnected.
Action Highlights
I won’t deny that when the action finally kicked in towards the end, the film delivered some standout moments of mayhem and extreme violence. Those five to ten minutes were the highlight, showcasing the brutality that embodies “The Crow” spirit. The fight choreography had flashes of brilliance, demonstrating that the filmmakers had the capacity to craft thrilling sequences. However, it felt too little, too late, especially given the lackluster journey to these moments.
Performances
The performances in the film left much to be desired. Bill Skarsgård brought intensity to Eric, but the character needed more depth to rise beyond a hollow shell. Oddly, his makeup seemed a little too familiar, reminding me of his portrayal as Pennywise in "IT," which detracted from his unique identity as Eric Draven. As for FKA Twigs as Shelly, despite appreciating her artistry, her portrayal felt flat and underwhelming. It’s difficult to sell a romance formed in a rehab center under dire circumstances when the relationship feels built on flimsy foundations.
Visuals and Artistic Choices
I can appreciate some elements, like the visuals and certain artistic choices, but they didn’t compensate for the lack of a coherent and engaging story. While the film has its aesthetic moments, they didn’t connect meaningfully to the narrative, leaving me feeling unfulfilled.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “The Crow” (2024) felt like a missed opportunity – a film trying to pay homage to the original while attempting to carve its own path, yet stumbling in execution. I walk away feeling deflated, longing for the magic of the original film that continues to resonate with fans for decades. If you are a lover of the original "The Crow," you may want to temper your expectations going into this one.
