Raven, The (10/9/2012)

Rated R for bloody violence and grisly images.

Starring John Cusack, Luke Evans, Alice Eve and Brendan Gleeson

Directed by James McTeigue (Ninja Assassin and V for Vendetta)

My wife and I are both fans of Edgar Allen Poe and John Cusack…so believe it or not, this was a perfect date night movie for us.

When a mother and daughter are found viciously murdered in 19th-century Baltimore, Detective Emmett Fields (Evans) makes a startling discovery: the crime resembles a fictional murder described in gory detail in the local newspaper—part of a collection of stories penned by struggling writer and social outcast Edgar Allan Poe (Cusack). But even as Poe is questioned by police, another grisly killing occurs, also inspired by a popular Poe story. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues as the pair races to stop a madman from turning every one of the author’s shocking stories into blood-curdling reality. When Poe’s love, Emily (Alice Eve), becomes the killer’s next target, the stakes are raised even higher and he must call on his own powers of deduction to try to solve the case before it’s too late.

Long before the Saw films or Ghost Hunters on TV, there were the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Most people would agree that Poe’s fiction is sick, twisted…and really well written. So why did it take this long for someone to create a thriller in which a real-life copycat killer is inspired by his stories? I don’t know, but personally I think it was worth the wait.

The Raven won’t do much to change the common perception of Poe as a perverted alcoholic, but John Cusack manages to bring some humor and charm to the role – which helps convince us that someone like Emily Hamilton could fall in love with a man who writes stories like “The Pit and the Pendulum.” Speaking of Emily, Alice Eve is absolutely perfect in this role. And Luke Evans gives a solid performance as Detective Fields.

Director James McTiegue is not directing a horror movie, he directs a fast pace thriller that is intense and wildly entertaining.

The Raven, is well-researched – and made me reread The Raven, a few others and even a few biographical articles about Poe…I love when movies make me read. So much of the “story” comes from the mind of Poe himself – a testament to the author’s staying power…and “creepy-factor”.

My wife and I loved it, it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex or nudity but there is one F-word and several other milder profanities.
There is also plenty of violence. Everything from a man getting his throat slashed to a man being cut in half by a large blade. Another disturbing scene is when Emily is buried.

Conversation Starter

1. Take a minute or two to list five things you love.


2. Why do you love them?

Read John 15: 12-14, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.”
3. How did Edgar show love for Emily?


4. Now look back at your list, is there anyone or anything on your list that you would consider drinking poison in order to save them?


5. Truthfully, Jesus doesn’t want us to drink poison, but are you willing to lay down your agenda or your will to love others? In other words, are you willing to be selfless to truly love others?


6. What are some things you can do this week to love others better?