The Crow 2024 Movie Review

The Crow is a movie that, while visually impressive, struggles with pacing and could have benefited from either a shorter runtime or more consistent action. Directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven, this adaptation is not a direct remake of the 1994 cult classic but rather a fresh take on the original graphic novel by James O’Barr. The story remains familiar: Eric Draven is brutally murdered alongside his fiancée, Shelly, and returns from the dead to seek vengeance on those responsible.

The movie spends a significant amount of time-about 30 minutes-establishing Eric’s relationship with Shelly. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it might not align with what viewers expect if they’re going in looking for wall-to-wall action, especially considering the intense and action-packed marketing campaign. The setup is thorough, but it does make the film feel like it’s dragging its feet, taking its sweet time to get to the action we’re all waiting for.

When the action finally arrives, it’s solid-gory, intense, and well-choreographed-but it’s also fleeting. Most of the key action sequences seem to have already been teased in the trailers, leaving little surprise for audiences. The movie shines visually, with fantastic cinematography that captures the gothic atmosphere beautifully, echoing the vibe of the original while adding a modern flair. However, the action that does exist feels too brief, especially given how long the movie spends getting there.

Bill Skarsgård’s performance as Eric Draven is a highlight. He brings a haunted, intense energy to the role, making it his own while respecting the character’s legacy. The supporting cast, including FKA Twigs as Shelly, also delivers, but the slow pacing and minimal action might leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed. The film clearly aims to balance character development with action, but in doing so, it leans too heavily on the former, at the expense of the latter.

Overall, The Crow to me is a mixed bag. It’s not a bad movie-it’s visually stunning and anchored by strong performances-but it does suffer from pacing issues. If you’re expecting a relentless action flick, with a immortal John Wick fixing a horrible wrong, you might be disappointed. However, if you’re a fan of the original story and appreciate a more atmospheric, character-driven approach, there’s still plenty to enjoy here. It’s worth checking out, but maybe temper your expectations for the action.