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The Raven is an engaging thriller
Showtime with Sasha
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What does Edgar Allan Poe have in common with a serial killer? They both are the subject of a murder-mystery called “The Raven,” which is now in theaters.

John Cusack stars as legendary American author Poe. A quick hop over to the movie’s official Facebook page offers fans a glimpse of the film’s byline. It reads this way: “No one imagined more ways to die than Edgar Allan Poe — and no one else can stop a madman from bringing every one of them to life. The film gives a fictitious account of the already mysterious final days of the writer, suggesting a serial killer is using Poe’s work as inspiration and only the Gothic writer can catch him.”

“The Raven” is an engaging caper that will keep you guessing. It isn’t difficult to see that “The Raven” is a lot like your run-of-the-mill Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper mystery. If you enjoy a whodunit with some of the gore factor of, say, the first “Saw” picture, then you’ll enjoy this one. You don’t need a knowledge of Poe to enjoy the film, though some familiarity with “The Murders at the Rue Morgue” and “The Mask of the Red Death” will work in your favor.

I didn’t want to buy Cusack as a convincing Poe, but I must say the actor gives a strong effort.

I applaud the cameo appearance of Brendan Coyle, who plays Mr. Bates on the ever popular “Downton Abbey” series.

My favorite aspect of the film is actor Luke Evans. You may remember him as Zeus in “The Immortals”. (That’s the one about Theseus and the Haraklion bow with the crazy, supernatural arrows. You know, the one where Mickey Rourke is the creepy bad guy.) Well, in “The Raven,” Evans is our wily detective, the one who first deduces that the first murder is connected to a Poe story. My goodness, this man can act.

So, while some critics say “The Raven” is forgettable, I say… I’m a fan!

If you’re a fan of Showtime with Sasha, watch reviews at www.coastalcourier.com.

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