bill bodkin and logan j. fowler quote nevermore…
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Rent. The Raven looks like it could go either way in terms of quality. The idea for the plot line is interesting enough; murders occur based on Edgar Allen Poe’s (John Cusack portraying the role of the disturbed author) writings, he becomes go to detective to figure out the clues. Cusack seems a inspired choice for the character of Poe, due to the fact the he normally plays the likeable leading man who woos the ladies. Here, he seems to be getting into another form altogether, and really, his performance might be what saves the film. The atmosphere of The Raven seem cheesy, and I don’t know if it will be good for scares. However, the trailer could be totally leading us on and the movie might actually be a surprise. Who knows? I’m willing to find out, so in that case, I’ll be quothing The Raven…I mean, renting it, when it hits the DVD racks. –LJF
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Undecided. I’m undecided whether The Raven will be something I check out in theaters or on DVD. I’m extremely intrigued by the mere fact that John Cusack will be playing Edgar Allen Poe. I can really see him sinking his teeth into the role, really enjoying playing the character — you know, not playing the same role he does in the lackluster rom-coms he makes bank on. Think about it — he was awesome in Grosse Point Blank (which he wrote), in 1408 (a terrific psychological thriller) and High Fidelity (which he also had a hand in producing). I mean those are seminal Cusack movies…unlike Serendipity, Must Love Dogs or 2012 — all the big budget fodder he’s been in. He’s totally mailed it in on those films. But with The Raven, I can see him going all out and making this movie something special. However, I’m not as convinced the supporting cast or the rest of the film will make the movie special. This could easily be a film where it’s only good when Cusack is onscreen and completely dreadful when he’s off — thus my cinematic debate. Either way, I will be seeing The Raven in some form this year. –BB
