The Raven review
Review:
The Raven is a real treat for fans of old horror movies. It features two of the top stars of the genre, it's preposterous enough for campy enjoyment, and it isn't a completely dreadful movie either. Granted, it's not in the same league as Bride of Frankenstein, for example, but it's still fun to watch. The filmmakers go to absurd lengths to compensate for the plot's limited connection to Edgar Allan Poe; not only does Dr. Vollin have an insane obsession with Poe's work (although he doesn't seem to understand its meaning), but the film even includes a Poe-inspired interpretive dance. Indeed, the most unbelievable part of the movie isn't Dr. Vollin's crazed plan or the assortment of weird devices in his mansion, but rather the overwhelming ovation that the dancer receives for her performance. In addition to fans of modern dance, people who enjoy watching portentous close-ups of Bela Lugosi's stare should also be pleased with this film, which proves conclusively that this underrated thespian needed only his eyeballs to overact. His performance may be stagy and hammy, but it's also dynamic; he knows how to raise his eyebrows or cackle insanely for maximum effect. Karloff's less theatrical acting style provides a nice balance to Lugosi as well as the film's dollop of pathos. Not surprisingly, the supporting cast is a lot less interesting to watch, a problem that isn't helped by uninspired generic dialogue (e.g., "Oh darling, isn't it wonderful?"). The suspenseful ending seems a bit slow by modern standards, perhaps because the characters have a tendency to face danger by huddling together in apparent fear of stepping on Lugosi's or Karloff's lines. Nonetheless, this movie is fun as long as you don't take it seriously. by Todd Kristel, All Movie Guide
