Director Alex Proyas transforms James O’Barr’s nihilistic (though deeply cathartic) graphic novel into a dark gothic romance that chronicles the Devil’s Night resurrection of Detroit musician Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) one year after he and his fiancee were brutally murdered; his bloody revenge spree against the thugs responsible is guided by a large black crow that also holds the key to his supernatural powers. The Crow has style, energy and atmosphere to spare, and is oh so much more than your average “comic book movie,” unafraid to go for true pathos and a genuine sense of tragedy whilst still remaining a strong genre film with villain characters with names like “Top Dollar” and “T-Bird” (“A whole jolly club with jolly pirate nicknames!” exclaims Eric at one point). What you’ll most remember, though, is the seething, playful and heartbreaking lead performance by the late Lee, a true movie star in the making taken from us far too soon. Followed by a bunch of sequels you should never, ever see.
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New On Netflix: The Crow