The Shadow (DVD, 1997)

When I am often asked what my criteria is for a "great" movie, I always remind the person that greatness and success are not always mutually exclusive. A perfect way to illustrate this is to examine The Shadow. Now, my idea of what makes a film great is simple, if it does exactly what it sets out to do and I walk out feeling that I would not have done anything differently had I made the film myself, that is a great movie. I feel The Shadow is a great movie (though I would have refrained from the needless and crude "next time you get to be on top!" joke...so completely out of character), but it was not a successful one in terms of monetary gain. Now, why is that? The look is spectacular, the sets and actors spot on, an incredible amount of respect is given to the source material, and it even has a beautiful score that is sampled in many other movie trailers and a good end theme...so why no money? Perhaps lousy advertising, mishandling by the studio, although it must be noted that until the late 90's, a film featuring a masked protagonist was an utter conundrum to a producer (many of whom know less about culture and film than you would imagine). The truth is that I don't know why it didn't fare better at the box office, but I don't care, either, and neither should you. The movie is a little gem of pulp throwback. If you like the character, the movie is a great, fun experience that makes you wish you could see more. Alec Baldwin is at his best, and shows the beginnings of the comedic timing and wit that he is so well known for now. Jone Lone, Ian Mckellen, Jonathan Winters, Peter Boyle, Tim Curry, a dazzling Penelope Ann Miller...these are actors the on their own garner high praise, and this film features them all in the parts they do best. My advice is to do a marathon of The Shadow, The Phantom, Flash Gordon (the queen-centric version with Sam Jones and what appears to be half the royal shakespeare company)and the truly awesome Sky Captain with Jude Law. All are highly entertaining and deserve another look. In the end, my ultimate statement on what makes a movie great is that it is a silly question, it is completely subjective and within the eye of the beholder. Not every film is, or should be, Citizen Cain. There is nothing wrong with going to the movies to eat popcorn, laugh, cheer, gasp and have a good time...that is why they started making movies in the first place - movies like The Shadow.

Although it was a bomb when it first came out this movie is truly great! it captures the simplicity and corniness of the big band era and still delivers a good story based on a pulp hero that fits perfectly with the tone of the movie. I like the way the create a world within the 1940's New York and translate the radio cereals into a glorious movie full of color and special effects (pretty good for its time anyway!) Batman, Spider-Man or even Superman it's not, but it does tell a tale that many heroes of today including Batman, were based on. If you are a fan of pulp heroes like The Shadow, The Spider, Doc Savage then you'll really enjoy this flick!

I realize I am not old enough to remember the old radio show The Shadow. My mother used to tell me the stories that she rememberd listening to.
When my husband bought the movie I was so excited to see it as I remembered those stories from my mom.
Alec Baldwin stars as the Shadow and he must battle his enemy Shiwan Khan. Khan is building an atomic bomb.
I absolutely loved this movie. The way The Shadow was depicted was just as I had imagined him being.

Loved it ever since it came out. Like all type of super hero movies. And being that this first was on radio and comics way back in the day 50's or so it just nice to see it made into a movie like this and in this way. Classy and down to every exact point. Great acting with Alec Baldwin, Peter Boyle(R.I.P). Not to mention other famous actors aswell in this movie. Kindof puts you in mind of a Batman type of movie, but the batman type portrade in this movie with a bid of supernatural or unknown type of powers. If you like Batman, Superman, Spiderman. Get this movie. Its a must have classic.

A bit corny at times, The Shadow delivers the look and feel of the old radio program and the pulp graphic novels with flair and drive. The sets are vibrant and detailed, the music is creepy and driving, and the Shadow himself is brilliantly played by Alec Baldwin. I only wish we got to see more of The Shadow himself. There are several sequences missing from the final cut, and the dvd was only offered in full screen, which knocks the experience down a notch. All said, a fun ride that leaves you wanting more!