ARE WE READY FOR ANOTHER CROW TO FLY?
In 1994, I went to the theater 13 times to watch Brandon Lee's "Eric Draven" visit retribution on those who had wronged him. I went for the dark visuals and supernatural story. I went for the music, which to this day remains one of the best film soundtracks by various artists. I went because I loved James O'Barr's source material. In other words, I am and have always been a tremendous fan.
If you found yourself watching the 1994 film adaptation countless times, or buying electrical tape and black leather to complete your Crow costume for Halloween, then you're in good company. If you found yourself disappointed, heart-broken, or downright angry with the numerous film sequels, or short-lived television series (Remember The Crow: Stairway to Heaven? I didn't think so.) then again, you're in good company. When that first image of Bill Skarsgard in character hit the internet recently, I did what many of you did. I hung my head, mumbling about the uncanny Jared Leto "Joker" likeness, and dismissed any hope of seeing a good remake. And then the trailer arrived.
5 REASONS TO BE CAUSIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
1. ERIC AND SHELLY'S STORY
Unless you've read James O'Barr's graphic novel, what you know about Eric Draven and Shelly Webster's relationship is only glimpsed at in brief flashbacks during the 1994 film. What this trailer for the 2024 remake suggests is that we'll spend some time with the ill-fated lovers, getting to know them, which means we'll be given time to care about what happens to them, and call for the ultra-violent vengeance that Eric is sure to dish out to those deserving it.
2. THE ACTION
Let's take another look at that trailer above. Brutal close-quarters fight sequences. A thrilling fight within a car chase. Gunfire and bloodshed at every turn. In the "John Wick" era of Hollywood, you may not be happy with Eric Draven's look, but you can't deny the movie looks set to deliver on the thrills.
3. THE MUSIC
Okay, I know. It's only one song. But it's Ozzy Osbourne with Post Malone and Travis Scott! The song "Take What You Want" was initially released on Post Malone's 2019 album, Hollywood's Bleeding. A year later, it was included as a bonus track on Ozzy's 2020 album, Ordinary Man. It's use in the trailer is hauntingly good. One can only hope it's inclusion here is hinting at several great tracks to be featured in the film.
4. THE VISUALS
Admittedly, it's nice to see this trailer offers plenty of brightly-lit scenes and beautiful cinematography. We expect the heavy rain (it can't rain all the time) and darkened city imagery, but the supernatural hues of blue, flickering fluorescents, and moody use of shadows is suggesting that like it or loathe it, the film will look gorgeous.
5. BILL SKARSGARD
Skarsgard is NEVER going to replace Brandon Lee. That's okay because we can all agree that no one ever will. So let's consider what Skarsgard is capable of when he commits to a role. His take on Pennywise in the "It" remake was positively terrifying. And from "Hemlock Grove" to "John Wick: Chapter 4," he's carefully crafted his performances for 2+ decades. We may not be overly ecstatic with this Eric Draven's look, but Skarsgard is one actor that can make us forget about it, or possibly even approve of it, once the story plays out on the big screen this summer.
What did you think about the trailer? Do you plan to see this version of "The Crow" in theaters?
