GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Sheep Movie Review: The Raven directed by James McTeigue | I Smell Sheep

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sheep Movie Review: The Raven directed by James McTeigue

The Raven, directed by James McTeigue, stars John Cusack, Luke Evans, Brendan Gleeson and Alice Eve. While I left the movie entertained and enjoyed parts of the film, the major plot holes and tedious accents left me disillusioned overall.

Plot:
The macabre and lurid tales of Edgar Allan Poe are vividly brought to life - and death - in this stylish, gothic thriller starring John Cusack as the infamous author. When a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Poe's darkest works, a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) joins forces with Poe in a quest to get inside the killer's mind in order to stop him from making every one of Poe's brutal stories a blood chilling reality. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, which escalates when Poe's love (Alice Eve) becomes the next target.

From the beginning this film establishes itself as a work of fiction, with whimsical balls and over-the-top killings taking place in 19th century Boston. While the dark cinematography and impressive attire help build a believable baseline, there's definitely something essential missing: story! The killings are interesting and gruesome, but the dialog leading up to and directly after the slayings are unbearable to sit through at times. Poe as a character needed a little more development and a lot less manic ramblings in pubs. I adore John Cusack and I know he acted to the best of his ability on this one and possibly there's not much you can do with a script that goes nowhere.

Putting all the issues I had with plot and goofy dialog aside, let me say that I was thoroughly impressed with a few things in this film. First and foremost was Luke Evans, who just looked amazing on screen. The man's got some talent and proves that if given the chance there will be no issues with his ability to take on a leading role. Acting aside he's just gorgeous to look at, I could stare all day at the prime cut of beef! Second was actress Alice Eve, who some readers may know from the funny flick She's Out of My League. Alice doesn't play the typical airhead damsel in distress, no no this gal's got some chops on her and the beauty to back it up. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her in coming films as well.

Getting to the climatic ending I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that I was able to guess who the real killer was, which I always hate! Keep me guessing, people! The Raven reminded me a lot of movies like V for Vendetta and Sherlock Holmes but it is definitely nowhere near the same level of quality. Middle of the road movie for me, trust me folks I WANTED to get behind this one so much more then I did. Fans of the previously stated films might find this enjoyable, but even then that's a pretty big maybe.

Getting 2 and 1/2 'professor Plum in the kitchen with the meat cleaver' Sheep
KD

4 comments:

  1. aw, that's too bad! but I know what you mean when the dialogue just doesn't do the film justice. This looks like a renter for me cause even if it isn't a great movie, I still love me some Cusack

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  2. I love the guy too and he's a big part of the reason why I saw this. Really and truly I wanted to like this a lot more then I did. It's worth a watch but at rental prices. :)

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  3. Darn. I wish it had story. I'll check it out when it comes out on DVD.
    Thanks for the review.

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    1. Well, maybe you will like it more then I did? Who knows. Check what others are saying too. And worst case you wait a couple months and see it from the luxury of your home. :)

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