is this not a tad overrated because of Lee's death ?

No. That would the The Dark Knight.

This came out when I was in the 4th grade and I never watched it until last year at the age of 34. Not sure why I waited so long but it allowed me to give an unbiased opinion since I didn't rush out to see it just because of his death...I will say it's really good. It's the type of movie that gets better with each viewing for me. I would say it's IMDb rating is actually very appropriate. That said because of his death The Crow will forever and always be sort of like a urban legend...and fitting I think. It's a creepy, dark, mysterious movie. Brandon was born to give us this role. It was his destiny to die during the filming of it.

This would still be good

Absolutely not its one of the best CBMs made in my view, has so much re watch appeal, the story is great, the cinematography is great, the actors are perfect, just a brilliant film and Brandon Lee was absolutely perfect for Eric Draven, its just one of those films that should never ever get remade, even though it is, it will never be topped.