The initial feedback for Lionsgate’s upcoming reboot of “The Crow” has emerged, and it’s far from positive. Cliff Dorfman, the screenwriter known for “Warrior,” shared his thoughts online, describing the film as “horrible” and “unwatchable.” Although his post has since been removed from X, the internet never forgets. Dorfman’s reaction was blunt: “If hypothetically, one happened to see a screening of @TheCrow_Movie #thecrow which @Lionsgate is releasing in August, one might say, it’s horrible, it’s unwatchable, don’t waste your money, or can’t believe it’s so much worse than the original. It is. And don’t.”
Dorfman had previously written a screenplay for an earlier version of “The Crow” that was to be directed by F. Javier Gutierrez. That version never materialized, which might explain some of his bias. Nonetheless, the general sentiment among fans seems to be one of low expectations for the reboot. The first trailer did little to win over the audience.
The film’s plot centers on soulmates Eric Draven, played by Bill Skarsgård, and Shelly Webster, portrayed by FKA Twigs. They are brutally murdered, and Eric is given a chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself. He embarks on a quest for revenge, navigating between the worlds of the living and the dead. The cast also includes Danny Huston, Laura Birn, Sami Bouajila, and Jordan Bolger.
The reboot is set to hit theaters on June 7, 2024. However, the early reactions are not promising. Dorfman’s scathing review has already set a negative tone, and it seems the film has a steep hill to climb to win over fans.
This isn’t the first time “The Crow” reboot has faced criticism. Alex Proyas, the director of the original 1994 film, has also questioned the need for a remake. He believes that Brandon Lee’s legacy should be respected. Proyas stated, “I really don’t get any joy from seeing negativity about any fellow filmmaker’s work. And I’m certain the cast and crew really had all good intentions, as we all do on any film. So it pains me to say any more on this topic, but I think the fan’s response speaks volumes. THE CROW is not just a movie. Brandon Lee died making it, and it was finished as a testament to his lost brilliance and tragic loss. It is his legacy. That’s how it should remain.”
The reboot has been a topic of debate for years. Many fans of the original film feel that it should be left untouched. The 1994 version, starring Brandon Lee, has a cult following and is considered a classic. The tragic death of Lee during the film’s production added a layer of poignancy to the movie, making it more than just a film for many fans.
Bill Skarsgård, who plays Eric Draven in the reboot, has also voiced concerns about the film’s ending. This adds another layer of uncertainty to the project. With so much skepticism surrounding the reboot, it remains to be seen whether it can live up to the original or if it will be another failed attempt at reviving a beloved classic.
The film industry is no stranger to reboots and remakes, but they often come with high expectations and scrutiny. “The Crow” reboot is no exception. The original film’s legacy looms large, and any attempt to recreate it is bound to face challenges. The early reactions suggest that the reboot has not met these challenges successfully.
As the release date approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if the film can overcome its early negative reviews. For now, the outlook is grim, and the reboot has a lot to prove. Whether it can win over fans and critics alike remains to be seen. The legacy of “The Crow” is a heavy burden to bear, and the reboot has a long way to go to live up to it.
