The Crow

2024 - 8 - 23

The Crow Reboot: Flapping More Than Soaring!

Bill Skarsgård - box office - Brandon Lee - cult classic - FKA Twigs - goth aesthetic - Rupert Sanders - The Crow

Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs take on a gothic classic in a film that critics say has potential but doesn't quite hit the mark!

2024 has seen the release of a much-anticipated reboot of the cult classic "The Crow," featuring Bill Skarsgård in the titular role and FKA twigs as his ill-fated love, Shelly Webster. Directed by Rupert Sanders, this adaptation introduces a fresh take on the original tale, urging fans to set aside memories of Brandon Lee’s iconic performance. While the film offers a chance to delve back into the dark themes of love, loss, and vengeance, it seems many viewers and critics alike are left pondering if this latest rendition will ever quite take flight.

Interestingly, while some reviews have praised the film's unique perspective, a hefty portion of critics have slammed it for its perceived lackluster execution. From Hypertext labelling the film as “a nothing movie made for no one” to sentiments shared across various outlets that the movie is “tedious” and “awful,” it appears that Rupert Sanders' efforts to breathe life into the gothic aesthetic may have missed the mark. Can Bill Skarsgård’s ethereal portrayal and the addition of a vibrant soundtrack help it defy the odds, or will the film simply flounder under the weight of its own ambitions?

On the other hand, some reviews find glimmers of hope amidst the shadows. The film is viewed as a fresh yet familiar love story overlaying the somber themes of forgiveness and second chances, echoing through scenes that may resonate with new audiences. This reboot, though losing ground against the monumental cult status of its predecessor, holds the potential to carve its own identity. Time will tell if it can reclaim any of the fabled magic or soar with the wings of its dark universe.

In a twist of fate, just as Eric Draven is given a second chance at life, the film too may find its audience as it settles into theatres across New Zealand. The shtick of what makes this reboot tick may just lie in its eccentricities. And speaking of quirks, did you know that the original "The Crow" was released in 1994, just months after Brandon Lee’s tragic accident during filming, which only heightened its cult following? Plus, the film’s iconic soundtrack includes songs from bands like The Cure and Nine Inch Nails, forever embedding it into the goth rock scene. Here's hoping this new version can at least provide some joy to fans, even if it doesn’t quite hit the high notes!