Kafkaesque tale dazzling to watch

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 1999)

When I describe this movie to people, I always tell them if Kafka had written comic books, he might have turned out something like this. Alex Proyas proves THE CROW was no fluke with this visually dazzling film. He convincingly creates a world we can accept and marvel at, and he never breaks the rules he sets up. I missed the emotional connection I felt with THE CROW, perhaps because while Rufus Sewell does a good job in the main role, he doesn't give us that connection. Still, I found it compelling viewing. Jennifer Connolly doesn't have a big role, but she adds to the level of weirdness we feel, since she has the most "normal" role. I was surprised to find William Hurt here, but he's very good. Acting honors, however, go to Kiefer Sutherland, who's better than he's been in a long time.