We Just Watched... The Crow (With Robert Brockway)
Aug 26, 2024
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Joining the conversation is Robert Brockway, a guest co-host known for his sharp insights on film. They dive into the cult classic 'The Crow,' reminiscing about its impact and the quirky experience of watching it in a nearly empty theater. The group shares mixed feelings about the upcoming remake, debating its necessity and production woes. From a critical look at character dynamics to a humorous take on the film's love story, the discussion touches on themes of despair and nostalgia, leaving listeners pondering the essence of this dark superhero saga.
The podcast explores the cultural nostalgia surrounding the original 'Crow' film, highlighting its emotional depth and significance to the goth community.
Contrasting audience and critical receptions of the new 'Crow' remake illustrate the subjective nature of film appreciation and differing expectations.
A key criticism is the remake's overemphasis on the romantic subplot, which detracts from character development and the film's central vengeance theme.
Deep dives
Memories of the Original Crow
The discussion revolves around the nostalgia associated with the original 'Crow' film, highlighting its cultural impact among fans, especially within the goth community. The speakers express a fondness for the original, noting its emotional depth and unique storytelling approach. They recall their collective excitement and apprehension about watching the new 'Crow' remake, considering how the legacy of the original casts a long shadow on any new iteration. This sets the stage for a comparison of how the sequel measures up to the beloved original, particularly regarding character depth and emotional turmoil.
Critical Reception and Initial Impressions
The speakers share their contrasting experiences of audience and critical reception surrounding the new film. They mention that the film received poor critical reviews yet garnered some positive audience reactions, implying a disconnect between the critics' perspectives and the general public's enjoyment. Despite their own low expectations for the remake, they approach it with an open mind in hopes of some entertainment value. This duality underscores the often subjective nature of film appreciation, especially when remaking a classic.
The Overemphasis on Love Story
A major critique of the film centers on its excessive focus on the romantic relationship between the two main characters, which detracts from the overarching narrative of vengeance and supernatural themes. Instead of establishing the characters quickly and moving on to the revenge plot, the film heavily invests time in a montage of their love story, which feels unnecessary and drawn out. This decision ultimately limits the development of the film's villains, reducing them to mere footnotes rather than antagonists with depth. The speakers express disappointment that the storytelling formula found in the original was abandoned for this longer love narrative.
Character Development and Action Sequences
The speakers lament that the film neglects to develop its villainous characters effectively, resulting in a lackluster payoff for the protagonist's eventual confrontations. They point out that, while the original 'Crow' allowed audiences to get to know its antagonists through personal interactions, the remake falls short by rushing through important character moments. Interestingly, they note that the protagonist's struggles in learning how to navigate his powers after becoming the Crow are both unique and funny, allowing for a different kind of storytelling. However, as the film progresses, the action sequences become less engaging and fail to build the tension necessary for a satisfying climax.
Final Thoughts on the Crow Remake
Ultimately, the podcast reflects on the overall impression the new 'Crow' film leaves, acknowledging that while it has some redeeming elements and nostalgia pricing, it fails fundamentally in its execution. The final battle lacks tension and depth, with the villain being dispatched too easily, leaving viewers questioning the stakes created throughout the film. They express a desire for future iterations of this story to capture the spirit of the original while also establishing their own unique identity. In conclusion, their thoughts suggest that the film is an uneven mix of ideas that, despite being entertaining in parts, suffers from its ambitious yet flawed storytelling.
