The Crow (1994)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  6 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: 'The Crow,' is a prime example of style-over-substance filmmaking, but frankly there's nothing wrong with that, particularly when the style amounts to as much as it does here. The atmosphere of this gothic, dystopian city is truly tangible and all-consuming, and that feeds the desperation of what is otherwise a relatively under-developed revenge story in which Brandon Lee's character avenges the death of his wife at the hands of a criminal gang terrorising the streets. That is of course made possible by the set-design from Alex McDowell (of later Fight Club and Watchmen fame), the cinematography of the infamous Dariusz Wolski, and the atmospheric music of Graeme Revell which makes it all feel like you're trapped in one of Robert Smith's favourite dreams. Couple that with some entertaining action and you've got yourself a fun and iconic 80s cult hit.
  
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It hardly gestures the most genius story, nor the most well-developed or engaging characters. Instead, the world-building does all the heavy lifting.
  
  VERDICT: A film where the dark, boding atmosphere propels the desperation more than the story or character-development, 'The Crow,' is a prime example of style over substance filmmaking, and frankly there's nothing wrong with that.

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