The Shadow

Name: The Shadow
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy
Released: July 1, 1994
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 50
Cast: Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller

1994

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Mixed or average reviews based on 30 Critic Reviews

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: July 1, 1994 | PG-13

Starring: Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller

Summary: In 30's New York City, the Shadow battles his nemesis, Shiwan Khan, who is building an atomic bomb.

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Crime

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 108 min

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Critic Reviews

William Arnold

The period detail, the makeup effects, the computer-generated transformations, and Jerry Goldsmith's brassy score are all excellent. The Shadow also manages to make fun of itself without ever letting the self-parody get out of hand, or disintegrate into camp. For what is essentially a summer slugfest, The Shadow also has unusually rich character performances. [01 Jul 1994]

Mick LaSalle

The Shadow is more than just the product of the trend to make high- tech features out of '30s superheroes. It's adventurous film-making, genuinely enthusiastic and genuinely inspired. [01 Jul 1994, p.C1]

Robert Faires

The film still looks great, as does Baldwin, but the tense tale of the fight against Shiwan Khan -- a cooly evil John Lone -- becomes a silly, sloppily developed world takeover story pulled from the Batman TV show, characters stall, and the humor goes broad. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

The Shadow shows what can happen when you overdress pulp. You wind up with something gorgeous and suffocated, bejeweled trash floundering in its own oversplendid stuffings. [01 Jul 1994, p.H]

Jack Kroll

The movie, half camp, half straight, has its moments, but Australian director Russell Mulcahy lacks the loopy flair of Batman's Tim Burton. Still, the art deco -- 1930s New York, Miller's silvery dresses -- is gorgeous. [11 Jul 1994, p.50]

Glenn Kenny

While the movie’s re-creations of New Deal-era Times Square and other period New York locations are impressive indeed, screenwriter David Koepp (who scripted Jurassic Park, which shares The Shadow‘s craven refusal to take its genre seriously) and director Russell Mulcahy sink the movie through their lack of conviction. Read full review

David Sterritt

A hodgepodge of violent action, ostentatious effects, and lunkheaded jokes, stitched together by a hackneyed plot. [01 Jul 1994, p.13]

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christian2021

Jul 25, 2021

The Shadow is a perfect homage to the old long forgotten comic Shadow superhero, in short runtime it establishes it's own unique universe in 1920's America and manages to go through all the stages of a movie and never feels boring which is why I give it a 10/10. It's not Marvel super 3 hourThe Shadow is a perfect homage to the old long forgotten comic Shadow superhero, in short runtime it establishes it's own unique universe in 1920's America and manages to go through all the stages of a movie and never feels boring which is why I give it a 10/10. It's not Marvel super 3 hour long metaverse, it's quaint, short and have soul. The performances of John Lone is superb, the acting is great, Penelope Ann Miller makes you fall for her but ofc the star of the show Alec Baldwin is an amazing actor, he gives the shadow a lot of depth and his physiognomy makes him work as both a villain and hero. And ofc kudos to Tim Curry, amazing performance as always, you can't help but love him. I have probably seen this movie over 20 times and I never am bored, every scene brings something and feels natural. Excellent Movie, I miss old hollywood.… Expand

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Kai82

May 19, 2022

I see this movie as hidden gem. It is based on „The Shadow“ who was a really successful super hero in the 1930/40 with radio dramas, comics and even movies. Also the Batman creators took a lot of inspiration from him and you will see this even in this review. Sadly the character becameI see this movie as hidden gem. It is based on „The Shadow“ who was a really successful super hero in the 1930/40 with radio dramas, comics and even movies. Also the Batman creators took a lot of inspiration from him and you will see this even in this review. Sadly the character became somehow forgotten and is rarely used today. Back to the movie. It is the story of Lamont Cranston rich spoiled playboy by day and vigilante hero “The Shadow” by night. However he was not always like this and has a past that haunts him (Do you see that this description also fits Batman with 100% accuracy? ;-). However things got serious when a new player enters New York with Shiwan Khan and the woman Margo Lane discovers strange things about him aka his playboy persona. I am vague to avoid spoilers. The story grabbed me from start to finish. It has of cause a heroes journey, search for redemption, character development and a lot of enjoyable moments. The pacing was excellent, the twist are good and the fitting characters round it up. I see no missteps and praise the actors, writer David Koepp and director Russell Mulcahy. For the actors we got an amazing Alec Baldwin as Lamont Cranston / Shadow. He nails both sides of the character and always feels genuine. John Lone as Shiwan Khan is such a lovable antagonist. He is evil and enjoys it as. Margo Lane played by Penelope Ann Miller rounds up the main characters with a great performance. For the side characters I remember Peter Boyle as Moses, the Tulku (could not find the actors name) and Farley Claymore played by Tim Curry as being really good. A truly good cast for me. I also want praise the sets, costumes and special effects as these create an intense atmosphere. I think the special effects aged a bit poorly but I don't mind. Overall I repeat that this is a hidden gem and really good movie. I recommend it for film noir, Batman and super hero movie fans.… Expand

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