The Hollywood Reporter unveiled plans today for a remake of the 1994′s The Crow which starred Brandon Lee, Bai Ling and Ernie Hudson. The new movie will be directed by 28 Day Later helm, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.
So does anyone feel this is a necessary remake?
As a matter-of-fact, I do.
The Crow remains as a mainstay in mod-gothic filmspeak largely because its star, the son of Bruce Lee and the new face of martial arts sexy, Brandon Lee, was killed late in the film’s production (when a tightly packed blank bullet acted as a real bullet).
A film based on a graphic novel (of the same name) at a time when the term “graphic novel” much less “film based on a graphic novel” were all novel concepts, The Crow was ahead of its time. I loved The Crow when I saw it in the theater (several times), however more recent viewings show the overall style and movie tech of the time do not hold up.
What does hold up is a stand-alone story of a murder-revenge fantasy by a reanimated devil/angel dark and sexy title character who doesn’t sparkle, even when it rains all the time.
What I hope is the structure of this Crow movie follows the straight-forward but satisfying storyline of the original movie. There were actually three subsequent Crow movies made, and a briefly run TV series, but like the Matrix series, all pale to the original. Stick to the roots, get a brooding and compelling lead. Obvious choices might be Jared Leto or James Franco. Allow me to throw the name Devon Bostick into the black-feathered hat. If you don’t recognize the name, he plays older brother Rodrick in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie series. My prediction is that Devon Bostick is a name that you will be hearing in the near future.
Fire it up!
By Sci-Guy-John
April 8th, 2011 - 8:10 am
As someone who has never cared for “The Crow” in any of it’s incarnations, I can only say that I can think of way worse things to remake.
April 8th, 2011 - 9:22 am
That’s partially the point. You wouldn’t or shouldn’t remake 2001 or Empire Strikes Back, as they still hold up. However, movies that are good stories, but look a little worse for wear are good candidates for remakes. That being said, there are few good examples and many poor examples were execution hasn’t met expectations.
April 8th, 2011 - 12:54 pm
“CAW CAW. BANG! Fuck, I’m dead.”
April 9th, 2011 - 8:56 am
A few years ago, Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”, “Law & Order: LA”) was on the rumored list of people to play the lead in this movie. I barely remember “The Crow” anymore, but am worried that any new adaptation will sacrifice story for high-tech effects. Just don’t let Zack Snyder direct it….
April 9th, 2011 - 7:46 pm
ill only watch if the kill the main actor for rea;…again
April 9th, 2011 - 7:56 pm
Scott…don’t you ever change. I liked The Crow when it came out, but it doesn’t really hold up today. Except for the soundtrack, which I still love.