The Shadow (1994)

A mixed bag that received mixed reviews when released in 1994, this lavish film works overtime to honor the spirit and style of the vintage pulp novels and radio shows that made The Shadow a household name in the 1930s and '40s. Alec Baldwin plays the Shadow, a.k.a. Lamont Cranston, who arrives in New York from his decadent life in Tibet, fully reformed and disciplined in his ability "to cloud men's minds." A crime fighter who lurks in the dark recesses of the city, the Shadow faces his most deadly challenge when Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the last surviving descendant of Genghis Khan, hatches a plot to conquer the world. The scheme involves a madman (Tim Curry), a hapless scientist (Ian McKellen), and various traps designed to catch and kill the Shadow, who must also contend with his blossoming romance with Margo Lane (Penelope Ann Miller), a slender beauty capable of a little mind play of her own. The movie's art deco production design turns out to be a scene-stealer when the plot drags, and in the title role Baldwin is never given enough good material to create a compelling character. Still, The Shadow is true to the legacy that inspired it, admirably avoiding any conspicuous compromise of its 1930s style and setting. If you can't get into the story, you're sure to be hooked by the look of the production, which is never less than dazzling. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Teenville

This strongly resembles the Superman films: it was designed for teenage audiences, with lots of violence and noise, and it is utterly brainless. The most interesting question is: Can Alec Baldwin act? Vacuous and silly, the movie no doubt made a lot of money. And I'm out $6 for believing the reviewers on Amazon.com. August 13, 2008

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit

Intended as the first of a series of films based on the old pulp magazine, it suffered the same fate as another classic from that era, Doc Savage. A pity it really is an entertaining film with loads of action, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Ann Miller, John Lone, Ian McKellen , the late Peter Boyle and Jonathan Winters. Set in the 1930's it successfully captures the period in look and style. My only real complaint on this film was the decision by some low-forehead at MCA to release this in full-screen. July 11, 2008

This movie should have stayed in the shadows.

Alec Baldwin does a fine job of portraying the main character.
But the villains in this movie are so generic it's not even funny.
The Shadow tries desperately to be Batman or some other comic hero but falls flat.
Boring story, boring fx, the usual damsel in distress garbage.
Dull, boring, unmemorable.
At least Baldwin was good eye candy back then.
Otherwise I can't recommend this generic super hero movie.
Pass.
June 25, 2008

Genuine Nostalgic Fun

This adaptation of the radio show and Street & Smith pulp character is a beautifully produced and acted example of a superhero film. I cannot help but feel that its boxoffice failure was more a result of poor timing than anything else. When it was produced in 1994, superhero films were out of vogue; had it been released ten years later, it may well have been a hit. The production design is gorgeous and Alec Baldwin is a knockout as the Shadow and his alter ego, Lamont Cranston. My only problem with the film is the casting of Penelope Ann Miller as Margo Lane (a role played on radio by the wonderful Agnes Moorehead). I like Ms. Miller but she has the same problem that bedevilled Kate Bosworth in "Superman Returns": she's too light-weight. Placed next to Baldwin, she seems like a little girl. The rest of the cast, which includes Sir Ian McKellen, John Lone and Peter Boyle, is uniformly fine. April 19, 2008

What makes a great movie...The Shadow knows!

This is a straight ahead adventure film with an all-star cast giving great performances in the style of the 30's and 40's mysteries.

The film is definitely a throwback and I think that may be what turned-off the audiences of the 90's, as the tone is very classic in it's over dramatic performances and humor.

That being said, the film has some great scenes:

-The Shadow's intro is perfect as it establishes his dark edge and ability to psychologically and physically defeat his opponents.
-The introduction of Shiwan Khan hypnotizing the museum guard, sets up a great villain played perfectly by John Lone.
-Margot changing into Lamont's Aunt's dress while convincing Lamont that he needs her help really endears you to the characters.
-The manic back and forth banter beween the hero and villain in the Sanctum Sanctorum is the high point of the film.
-Tim Curry has a great mental breakdown towards the end of the film.
-And all of the effects are beautifully carried out.

The film does have just a few low points that may have been a factor in the bad reviews which can all be attributed to the scenes of Alec Baldwin as the warlord Yin-koh which are dampered by the terrible costumes and sets.

I may be a bit biased as I was a 12 year old Shadow fan at the time this movie came out, with a membership in The Shadow fan club (agent ring and all) who loved listening to the old radio shows on long drives. But this movie is one of my all-time favorites and definitely worth your money.

Buy it, rent it, just see it! You'll be glad you did. April 8, 2008

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