The Shadow Movie Review

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? Why “The Shadow” of course, as is shown in this highly stylized big screen version of the ‘30s pulp fiction series and radio show that once starred Orson Welles. Billionaire playboy Lamont Cranston (Alec Baldwin) is a master of illusion and defender of justice thanks to his alter ego and his secret network of operatives. Aided by companion Margo Lane (Penelope Ann Miller), the Shadow battles super-criminal Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the deadliest descendant of Ghenghis Khan. Numerous and elaborate special effects provide icing on the cake for those in the mood for a journey back to the radio past or a quick superhero fix. A bad scripting choice reveals the Shadow's origin from the beginning, ruining the opportunity for much potential suspense and mystery, but this is still a fun and satisfactory adaptation. Plenty of wry humor, but surprisingly, none of it comes from Jonathan Winters, who plays his police chief role straight.

1994 (PG-13) 112m/C Alec Baldwin, John Lone, Penelope Ann Miller, Peter Boyle, Ian McKellen, Tim Curry, Jonathan Winters; D: Russell Mulcahy; W: David Koepp; C: Stephen Burum. VHS, LV MCA