Amazon Prime quietly adds controversial film that's 'The Matrix meets John Wick'

Amazon Prime has discreetly dropped a controversial action thriller that has been described as 'The Matrix meets John Wick'.

The latest take on The Crow, which hit the big screens just last year in 2024, has now landed on the streaming service. This iteration serves as both a fresh adaptation of the original comic book and a reboot of the iconic film series that started in 1994.

However, its production stirred up a storm due to the tragic history associated with the original movie, where lead actor Brandon Lee was fatally shot on set at the age of 28, leading to script rewrites and reshoots to complete the film without him.

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Talk of remaking The Crow has been buzzing since 2008, attracting a carousel of Hollywood talent including Mark Wahlberg, Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, James McAvoy, Tom Hiddleston, and Luke Evans, all once tipped for the starring role.

Yet, the project consistently faced backlash from die-hard fans opposed to the idea of a new film. Alex Provas, director of the original, openly attempted to halt the remake in 2019, citing reverence for Lee's memory, reports .

He stated: "It's not just a movie that can be remade. It's one man's legacy. And it should be treated with that level of respect."

James O'Barr, the creator of the comic, once expressed that the loss of Brandon Lee was akin to experiencing the death of his fiancée all over again, leading him to regret ever writing the comic. However, in 2014, O'Barr clarified that there wouldn't be a remake of the film but rather a fresh adaptation of the original book. He likened this to having multiple celebrated adaptations of Dracula films from Bram Stoker's classic novel.

Bill Skarsgard, who has notably starred in two other remakes as Pennywise the Clown in IT and Count Orlok in Nosferatu, steps into the role of Eric Draven AKA The Crow. FKA Twigs joins him on screen as Shelley, Draven's girlfriend.

Their characters are soulmates tragically slain by the demons from her past. Offered the chance to rescue his beloved by sacrificing himself, Draven comes back from the dead to exact gory vengeance on their murderers, navigating between the realms of the living and the dead to set things right.

Despite the tragedy surrounding Lee's passing, three standalone sequels to the original movie were released, each featuring a new actor and character as the eponymous hero. Unfortunately, these sequels were met with negative reviews from both critics and fans.

The 2024 reboot, however, has sparked mixed feelings among viewers. It scored a mere 21% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers questioning the need for its existence. One critic even went so far as to say: "It is also so violent it is very nearly unwatchable."

Many film buffs have noted that the new rendition is more faithful to the comic book, rather than drawing inspiration from the 1994 movie. One viewer clarified: "Everyone throwing shade at the Crow 2024 are missing the major point. It's not a remake of the 1994 film, but rather a rework of the original comic book/story line."

They went on to praise: "Well acted , great effects, The Matrix meets John Wick, in Goth style. Doesn't stray far from the original book, even get to see some still art from O'Barr's brain acted out on film. Hidden gem, well worth the time and a watch."

Another fan echoed this sentiment, lauding the new version as a commendable standalone piece. They enthused: "The Crow is a stunning reimagining of the cult classic, blending modern visuals with a timeless tale of love and vengeance. While it may not entirely capture the raw intensity and gothic charm that made the 1994 original so iconic, it still delivers a powerful and emotionally charged narrative.

"The film stays true to the spirit of its predecessor while introducing fresh elements that resonate with contemporary audiences. The haunting performance by Bill Skarsgard, combined with a beautifully atmospheric soundtrack, ensures that this retelling is a worthy homage that stands strong on its own merits."

However, not everyone was impressed, with some viewers branding the film a 'waste of time' and urging others to stick to the original, which is conveniently available on Amazon Prime.

The Crow is streaming on Amazon Prime.