Amazon.com video review:
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 video review:
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
