Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven

A disturbed and brooding writer, Edgar Allan Poe, struggling with debt and the death of his wife, finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation when a killer begins re-enacting his poems. The killer leaves a trail of gruesome scenes mirroring Poe's most famous works, forcing the author to team up with a detective to catch the culprit before more lives are lost.

The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and over-the-top violence. While some acknowledged the intriguing premise and John Cusack's performance as Poe, the overall consensus was that it failed to live up to its potential and offered a weak interpretation of the literary icon.

• The film suffers from a convoluted plot and a lack of genuine suspense.

• John Cusack's portrayal of Poe is a highlight, but not enough to save the movie.

• The violence is often gratuitous and detracts from any potential atmosphere.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception, with many finding the premise interesting but the execution disappointing. Some viewers enjoyed the dark atmosphere and the performances, particularly John Cusack, but a significant portion felt the plot was predictable and the gore excessive.

None notable.

The film was released on October 19, 2012, which would have been Edgar Allan Poe's 203rd birthday.