The Crow

[LastSunrise1981]

The Crow: City of Angels is a good stand alone film. It just had the misfortune of coming right after Brandon's masterful performance and a overall great film.

Salvation? It was alright. But it was your typical straight to video/dvd film that didn't have good acting, horrible writing, and a lame plotline. The concept of corrupt officers committing murder and rape was different, but it just felt forced and not sincere.

Wicked Prayer? Yeah, let's not go there.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

I personally think that both "City of Angels" and "Wicked Prayer" suffered from the same drawback: the witchcraft/sorcery angle. The Crow was never intended for concepts like that; it was meant as a straight-up tale of personal poetic justice and vengeance. None of this stuf like "take down the big, bad voodoo dude in L.A.", or "stop a satanic biker gang from bringing back the devil"...none of that. Going down those paths takes the story into territory it was never meant to go. I personally think that the first film is so popular today for two reasons: the tragic loss of Brandon, and more importantly the resonance with the comic, which was born from James O'Barr's own life experiences. Audiences identify with stories that represent something sincerely emotional to them, and the original film works on that level, because we all want to see "bad guys" pay for hurting us.

 

[Moviefan2k4]

Hey everyone, check out this interview with Ernie Hudson. He explains what happened on the set of The Crow and how easily it could've been avoided. This is the first time I've ever heard anyone describe the incident in detail.

Thanks for those clips; met Ernie almost 2 years ago at a convention, and didn't have the heart to ask him about Brandon's death (not knowing how he'd respond, after all).

 

[Symbiotic]

The Crow
The Crow: City of Angels
The Crow: Salvation

^They were all awesome.

The Crow: Wicked Prayer was the worst comic book adaptation ever I've seen in my whole life.

Agreed on all points.

 

[Marx]

The Crow
The Crow: City of Angels
The Crow: Salvation

^They were all awesome.

The Crow: Wicked Prayer was the worst comic book adaptation ever I've seen in my whole life.

Well said SP.

 

[C. W. Saturn]

The Crow is an excellent film.

 

[hitmanyr2k]

My favorite movie of all-time

I made a video tribute combining OBarr's graphic novel and the film.

[YT]qYZzxo_xSwA[/YT]

 

[Hellstormer]

I personally think that both "City of Angels" and "Wicked Prayer" suffered from the same drawback: the witchcraft/sorcery angle. The Crow was never intended for concepts like that; it was meant as a straight-up tale of personal poetic justice and vengeance. None of this stuf like "take down the big, bad voodoo dude in L.A.", or "stop a satanic biker gang from bringing back the devil"...none of that. Going down those paths takes the story into territory it was never meant to go. I personally think that the first film is so popular today for two reasons: the tragic loss of Brandon, and more importantly the resonance with the comic, which was born from James O'Barr's own life experiences. Audiences identify with stories that represent something sincerely emotional to them, and the original film works on that level, because we all want to see "bad guys" pay for hurting us.

You know I never thought of it like that, but I think you hit the nail on the head. They tried to overdo the magic angle. That's the whole reason they took the Skull Cowboy outta the first one, because he overdid it.

 

[jaymes_e06]

I just watched Crow again yesterday and I can honestly say it's underated. It's a fantastic movie. Mr. Proyas is a genius!

 

[Moviefan2k4]

They tried to overdo the magic angle. That's the whole reason they took the Skull Cowboy outta the first one, because he overdid it.

Actually, franchise producer Jeff Most once said that a big reason for the Cowboy's removal was the state of special effects at that point. Michael Berryman was hired to play the Cowboy, and judging by his inclusion in the DVD's deleted scenes montage, they probably wanted him in the final cut. But visual FX at that point just weren't advanced enough to do the character justice, so instead the story was re-focused with the bird itself as the power link.

As for the magic angle, "Salvation" really fell in that regard too, now that I think of it. The whole plot device with the scarred arm was one thing, but the Captain's (implied) sorcery combined with his insane affinity for taxidermy was a notable problem with the narrative. Personally, I liked the kind of story "Salvation" was trying to tell, but I'd wind up re-cutting it to remove as much of the blood, gore, sex, and nudity as possible, without trashing the essence of the tale.

 

[Symbiotic]

Actually, franchise producer Jeff Most once said that a big reason for the Cowboy's removal was the state of special effects at that point. Michael Berryman was hired to play the Cowboy, and judging by his inclusion in the DVD's deleted scenes montage, they probably wanted him in the final cut. But visual FX at that point just weren't advanced enough to do the character justice, so instead the story was re-focused with the bird itself as the power link.

And personally, I prefer it that way.

 

[hitmanyr2k]

Actually, franchise producer Jeff Most once said that a big reason for the Cowboy's removal was the state of special effects at that point. Michael Berryman was hired to play the Cowboy, and judging by his inclusion in the DVD's deleted scenes montage, they probably wanted him in the final cut. But visual FX at that point just weren't advanced enough to do the character justice, so instead the story was re-focused with the bird itself as the power link.

I'm a bit torn on that issue. I'm glad they focused on the bird as the power link but at the same time I would have liked the original storyline that Eric can be hurt when he deviates from his path and helps the living (Sarah and her mom).

 

[eledoremassis02]

This all I have to say lol
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5q7x1BJvuRw

great movie!

 

[Hellstormer]

...is that real?

 

[cerealkiller182]

yes its real. Thats definitely Brandon Lee. But Im almost certain that was never what was truly intended. Brandon Lee was known for his practical jokes (supposedly) I wouldnt be surprised if after a few takes he did that just for the hell of it.

 

[Symbiotic]

Well, that's an... interesting take of the scene.

 

[murt]

one of the greatest heroes ever, very creepy

 

[murt]

just bought this film

 

[murt]

I heard hollywood has plans to remake the crow. Let's hope they take the time to make it good, and not just throw together another crap sequel just to make money. Try getting a quality comic super hero director first, like a Frank Miller, The Wachowski Brothers, Christopher Nolan, or even the original director, Alex Proyas. And then find a star who could make the film pop, like a Cillian Murphy, or Johnny Depp would be perfect for the role. Lte's hope if they redo it it'll have to great job done on it like they did for the Dark Knight! fingers crossed

 

[Heretic]

I heard hollywood has plans to remake the crow. Let's hope they take the time to make it good, and not just throw together another crap sequel just to make money. Try getting a quality comic super hero director first, like a Frank Miller, The Wachowski Brothers, Christopher Nolan, or even the original director, Alex Proyas. And then find a star who could make the film pop, like a Cillian Murphy, or Johnny Depp would be perfect for the role. Lte's hope if they redo it it'll have to great job done on it like they did for the Dark Knight! fingers crossed

Frank Miller is a quality super hero director? His resume' basically includes helping with Sin City (not superhero) and a movie youve never seen. The Wachowskis have done one really cool movie, and a whole lot of timekillers. The Crow is an offbeat comic, so I say if it gets another sequel or a redo, then give it to someone off center. Darren Aronofsky has shown interest in comic properties, for instance.

 

[nocomics]

Frank Miller is a quality super hero director? His resume' basically includes helping with Sin City (not superhero) and a movie youve never seen. The Wachowskis have done one really cool movie, and a whole lot of timekillers. The Crow is an offbeat comic, so I say if it gets another sequel or a redo, then give it to someone off center. Darren Aronofsky has shown interest in comic properties, for instance.

I'd take Frank Miller over what they've done in the past. I would'nt be opposed to Proyas doing a sequel,but I don't see him wanting to do a remake of it...They need to ditch the sorcery aspect,and get to basics,need a fresh idea(futuristic,medevil,female crow,indian crow,or maybe a japanese/oriental actor:jet li,tony ja,guy from matrix-serv,or someother).
I think we are getting ahead of ourselves,as I dont think Ive even heard any rumblings of it getting remade/reboot or anything. I believe O'barr isn't interested in doing another,but since he don't get the rights back until 2015 I'm sure the owner( I think Disney) can do what they want with it...
*and no jason stathem

 

[Heretic]

I was more intrigued with Rob Zombies idea than what they eventually decided to go with instead of him. At least it would have been different...

 

[Moviefan2k4]

I believe O'barr isn't interested in doing another...

Actually, if I remember right, he told me at one point that he'd had an idea for a female Crow story, but he also stated the studios don't listen to him. He says they still haven't paid him what he's owed in residuals from using his characters. They've ripped him off big-time, and so he makes a living touring conventions, selling his books and doing custom sketches for fans.

Personally, I like for James to get the rights back, and then (if he wanted to) he could write, produce and direct a "Crow" film himself. After all, no one knows that world better than the guy who created it to begin with.

 

[Marx]

This all I have to say lol
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5q7x1BJvuRw

great movie!

That's a different take on the scene...I think I much prefer the version in the movie though.

 

[Hellstormer]

http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7912
O god no.

How can you make it more realistic, hard-edged, or gritty?