The Shadow
The Shadow

The Shadow

1994Movie108 minEnglish

Based on the 1930s comic strip, The Shadow is put up against his archenemy Shiwan Khan, who plans to take over the world by holding a city to ransom using an atom bomb. Using his powers of invisibility and "the power to cloud men's minds", The Shadow comes blazing to the rescue with explosive results.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes26%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users61%
Director: Russell MulcahyGenres: Action, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

In 1930s New York City, millionaire Lamplighter's League heir Lamont Cranston is kidnapped by a warlord and transformed into a ruthless opium dealer. Haunted by his past actions, Cranston returns to the U.S. and uses his newfound psychic abilities to wage a one-man war against crime as the mysterious Shadow. He finds himself battling the evil Shiwan Khan, who plans to unleash a deadly plague upon the city.

Critical Reception

The Shadow received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising its stylish visuals and Alex Baldwin's performance, but criticizing the convoluted plot and uneven tone. Audiences were similarly divided, leading to a moderate box office performance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark, atmospheric visuals and period setting.
  • Alec Baldwin's portrayal of the titular hero was often highlighted as a strong point.
  • Criticized for a muddled narrative and a lack of genuine excitement or depth.

Google audience: Google users generally found 'The Shadow' to be a visually interesting film with a decent premise, though many felt it didn't live up to its potential, citing a weak script and pacing issues.

Fun Fact

The iconic laugh of The Shadow was originally conceived as a subtle whisper, but star Alec Baldwin felt it wasn't menacing enough and pushed for the more pronounced, chilling laugh that made it into the final film.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Rob

Rob

A tongue-in-cheek nostalgic throwback to the thirties and forties. Love the style, the imagery and the period. Heaps of fun!
Wuchak

Wuchak

_**Genghis Khan’s descendant intrudes upon The Shadow’s urban world in 1930**_ After some kind of epiphany and receiving training in Tibet in the 20s, Lamont Cranston (Alec Baldwin) fights corruption in New York City in 1930-31 as the my...
John Chard

John Chard

What's that in the shadow? The Shadow is directed by Russell Mulcahy and is based on the character of the same name created by Walter B. Gibson. It stars Alec Baldwin in the title role and support comes from John Lone, Penelope Ann Mille...