From all accounts, Brandon Lee’s “The Crow” (based on a late 80s graphic novel) is a time capsule of the 90s, and as misplaced as I am saying that being born at the tail end of the decade, it’s one of those films you can immediately tell is from the 90s when you’ve been on this earth long enough. That certainly isn’t a bad thing. In fact, the 90s feel of The Crow is why it is still awesome years later, and it still holds through the test of time.  The atmosphere, the soundtrack and simply everything in this film make it one of my personal favorites to go back and watch. I still remember watching for the first time when I was 12 or so.

Directed by Uncle Fester look-a-like Alex Proyas, who would later go on to direct garbage films such as “Gods of Egypt” and “Knowing.” Although, I have yet to actually watch his legitimately well received movie “Dark City.” This movie however, is about Eric Draven played by the late Brandon Lee, who along with his fiancée Shelly are murdered by a group of thugs on Halloween in their loft and a year later, a crow resurrects Eric so he can come back the following Halloween and get revenge on the thugs. Lee’s Eric is over the top and brooding in a way that makes him a great protagonist. I would be remiss without mentioning Michael Wincott, whose edgy gothic 90s villain will always be etched into my brain, as well as David Patrick Kelly as Jerry Horne in Twin Peaks and Sully in Commando.

Instead of being a big Hollywood blockbuster, it is lower budget and that is one of the best things about it. It feels authentic and grimy, from an age where, while not like it is nowadays, graphic novel adaptations were pure fun, such as Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher and Wesley Snipes’ Blade. This is the time when a Venom movie should have came out.

This movie has action too. Gunfights, hand to hand combat, parkour and all of it is so much fun. The sweet, sweet atmosphere and soundtrack is another outstanding feature in this film, maybe it is because my parents have raised me on 80s and 90s movies, but both of these features are perfect for me. The soundtrack pretty much defines a whole section of my music taste. Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Henry Rollins, Violent Femmes, you name it. I feel as if I have already gushed on the gothic atmosphere enough, but therein lies the love it or hate it nature of The Crow. As much as people like myself love this movie and hype it up, someone may think of it as overrated. They may hate the soundtrack and think the film itself is a bit cheesy, but that can go for every well loved movie. One person can love pineapple pizza, and others will hate it.

Overall, “The Crow” is an excellent movie. It is by no means perfect, and I can definitely see why some people would think it is over-hyped, but it is one of those movies that will never not be awesome.

Edited by Adam White and Abbie Barth