Let's Give Salvation a Chance

As I have written numerous times before, in my opinion, the failure that COA endured, in part, was self-imposed by fans. Without as much as a second thought, many fans of the original Crow movie had already made up their minds that COA could not measure up to their expectations. Just as Vincent Perez's performance, in the lead role, could never measure up to that of Brandon Lee's. Yes, there were certain aspects of COA that could have been improved. The movie was rushed and certain story premises lacked the depth that was needed. But I do not believe the movie failed just because of these things. It failed, in part, because of the lack of support from Crow fans. Before the lights were dimmed in the theater and the opening credits rolled, COA didn't have a chance. Many had already decided that COA was not THEIR Crow movie. This time around, I ask that Crow fans all over put any pre-conceived notions behind them and give Salvation a chance. Do not make your mind up before heading into the theater. Try going in with an open mind. Not with a mind that has tried, judged and passed sentence. Do not be distracted by what the first movie did or how Brandon played his role. It will be very hard not to prejudge Salvation, prior to going into the movie, due to past experiences, good and bad. As with other genre movies, we, as fans of The Crow have certain needs that have to be fulfilled before we will allow the story and characters to become a part of us. Because many of us have based our expectations and needs on the original movie, we set ourselves up for disappointment. One thing that works for me is to read whatever I can find on the actors and production staff of the movie. Get to know them, understand where they are coming from. There has been enough press, with comments from Eric Mabius, Kirsten Dunst, Bharat Nalluri, and Jeff Most, for us to get a feel for the integrity of the actors and crew. If you have read the interviews with Eric Mabius on ABaHB, you know that he has done countless research and much soul searching for his role as Alex Corvis. Eric has taken the role very seriously. He understands the enormous following that comes with the movie and has done his best to make sure his performance is true to the character. I have found that familiarizing myself with the actors helps me to better understand what they are trying to do. Reading reports on not only what they have done recently, but also what they have done in the past, serves to help me to more readily grasp and embrace the total concept. Doing this kind of research, is, by far, better for me than reading spoiler riddled reviews of pre-screenings, or speculating what MIGHT happen. My motto has always been, if you're going to make a judgment, make an educated judgment. Do not make a judgment based on unfounded preconceptions or "word of mouth". Too many times, we like to "group think" and let the opinions of others influence our own. Even though James O'Barr has commented on how much he enjoyed the sneak peek he had of Salvation, my eager anticipation is based on my desire to see a new Crow movie, not because someone says it is good. Knowing that O'Barr enjoyed the movie does play into the thought process, no doubt, but that has not prompted me to form a solid opinion of what the success of Salvation will or will not be. Flocks of fans went to the theaters the first week that COA was out, yet many went with the attitude that they were not going to like it. Many even convinced themselves that they were there to give it a fair chance. But fan reaction and ticket sales indicated a direct contradiction to that. This time around, after we have read all the current updates on Salvation, after all the reviews of early screenings have come in, and when the last opinion has been voiced, in chat areas, step back and take a moment to reflect. Then, educate yourself. Get to know the people that you are watching up on the screen. Separate fact from fiction. And above all else, keep the door of acceptance open.

Take care

LLcruize