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Birds of a Feather: Six Other Revenge Movies for Fans of ‘The Crow’

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Today marks the 25th Anniversary of one of the greatest comic book films ever made – Alex Proyas’ 1994 horror-tinged action/revenge fantasy The Crow.

Based upon James O’Barr’s gorgeous, moody graphic novel, The Crow tells the story of Eric Draven, a rock musician murdered by a vicious band of thugs along with his fiancée Shelly on the night before their wedding. One year later, a supernatural crow resurrects Eric to “put the wrong things right,” turning him into a nigh-unstoppable force while guiding him on a mission of revenge as he tracks and executes anyone who had a hand in his and Shelly’s deaths.

With its stunning visuals, triple-platinum alternative soundtrack, and the urban gothic romance at the core of its story, The Crow has resonated with fans for nearly three decades. To help celebrate its anniversary, Bloody Disgusting has compiled a list of Crow-friendly cinema to watch alongside this modern classic. That’s right – if you can’t bring yourself to check out the sequels even once more, and you’ve given up all hope that you’ll be watching the long-mooted remake anytime soon, try giving these similar slices of cinema a shot alongside the original.


Avenged

A young deaf woman named Zoe is raped and murdered by a pack of evil rednecks, only to be brought back to life by an elderly Native American and possessed by the vengeful spirit of an Apache chief hellbent on killing the descendant of the man responsible for his death – a man who also happens to be one of Zoe’s attackers. With no small amount of brutality on display, Avenged will satisfy fans who have always wanted to see a female Crow lead onscreen.


Dead Man

Johnny Depp stars as William Blake, a man sought by bounty hunters for the murder of the man who killed his lover and sent a bullet into his chest – a bullet lodged right next to his heart, making him the walking “dead man” of the film’s title. Accompanied by his newly acquired Native American pal Nobody, Blake paints his face in a fallen fawn’s blood and traverses the film’s Western landscape, becoming an adept killer as he makes his way to the ocean to enter the Spirit World which awaits him. A haunting, elegiac Western filmed in gorgeous black and white, Jim Jarmusch’s Dead Man is essential viewing for Crow fans who appreciate the hallucinatory, monochromatic visions of James O’Barr’s original graphic novel. (Bonus points: The Crow’s Top Dollar Michael Wincott appears as one of the deranged bounty hunters on Blake’s trail).


Dracula Untold

In this 2014 film, witness a handsome, raven-haired, brooding undead antihero imbued with supernatural powers seeking revenge after tragically losing the love of his life. With its gorgeous photography, beautiful score and gothic atmosphere, this prequel/retelling of the Dracula legend seemed geared directly toward the sorts of viewers who adore The Crow. It’s worth noting that this film’s Dracula, Welsh actor Luke Evans, was at one time cast to play Eric Draven in the still-unrealized Crow remake.


El Muerto: The Dead One

This 2007 comic book adaptation featured “That ‘70s” Show” star Wilmer Valderrama as Diego, a young man murdered and returned to life by the Aztec god of death. Boasting black and white face paint, Diego sets about on his mission to carry out sacrificial murders for his god, until his work puts at risk the life of the woman he loves. With its painted-up undead hero, supernatural plot, doomed romance and comic book origins, El Muerto should provide an enjoyable enough diversion for Crow fans.


Spawn

In this much maligned 1997 film adaptation of Todd McFarlane’s long-running comic book, black ops agent Al Simmons is murdered by his superiors, only to be resurrected by Malebolgia (think Satan) to act as Hell’s emissary on Earth. Instead, Simmons attempts to reconnect with his wife, then elects to use his hellish powers for good as a dark superhero of sorts. Awash in a blend of gothic imagery and comic book sensibilities that Crow fans should appreciate, this ultimately campy film has its charms, even if it’s rarely successful throughout its runtime. A fun enough flick, but here’s hoping the upcoming Blumhouse reboot nails the original comic’s dark, gritty tone better than this misfire did.


The Wraith

This 1986 actioner stars Charlie Sheen as the titular, back-from-the-dead badass who drives an otherworldly Dodge Turbo Interceptor to hunt down the gang of sleazy criminals who murdered him in his previous life. 80s music, Sherilyn Fenn, and lots of cool car chases collide in a film that is more than a little reminiscent of The Crow in story, if not at all in style.

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Don Mancini in the “Early Stages” of Working On a New “Chucky” Movie!

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Chucky death

Everyone’s favorite killer doll is headed back to the small screen with “Chucky” Season 3: Part 2 on April 10, but are any further movies being planned at this time?

Created by Don Mancini, the “Chucky” television series remarkably plays around with existing elements from all previous films without disregarding ANYTHING from the past. From the original Child’s Play to sequels including Child’s Play 2, Bride of Chucky and even Seed of Chucky, it’s all one cohesive timeline that Mancini remains deeply committed to.

Of course, the most recent film in the Child’s Play franchise was the 2019 remake, to date the only movie in the saga that’s NOT part of Mancini’s vision. Is Mancini’s original incarnation going to spend his final days on TV, while another Chucky will be featured in the movies? It’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves for the last few years, and we may now have an answer.

Speaking with the Scream Dreams Podcast this week, Mancini revealed that he’s in the early stages of development on a potential new installment in the original Chucky film franchise!

new Chucky movie

CHUCKY — “Jennifer’s Body” Episode 303 — Pictured in this screengrab: Chucky — (Photo by: SYFY)

“Like anyone in this business, I want to do more things. At this point though if it’s only Chucky I’m totally cool with that,” Mancini explains. “I have other things I want to do. I’m working on a new pilot. I’m also, actually, in the early stages of working on a new Chucky movie.”

Mancini adds, “At this point, my goal is just to keep working.”

Outside of the aforementioned Child’s Play remake, there are to date seven installments in the franchise, with Cult of Chucky (2017) being the original franchise’s most recent film.

For now, Chucky remains a small screen icon. Don’t miss the premiere of Season 3: Part 2 on both USA and SYFY on April 10, with new episodes hitting Peacock the day after they air.

You can watch Don Mancini’s full chat with Scream Dreams below.

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