The Shadow

A couple of days ago, I wrote about Sam Raimi's film Darkman. Darkman actually came about because Raimi wanted to do a big screen adaptation of the classic hero from pulp novels and radio serials The Shadow. When he was denied, it inspired him to write and direct Darkman. A few years later however, director Russell Mulcahy was given the opportunity to bring this legendary character to life on film in 1994's The Shadow.

Alec Baldwin takes on the role of Lamont Cranston, a millionaire playboy who secretly fights crime at night as The Shadow. Lamont trained in Tibet for years to have the ability to hypnotize others, read their minds, and be able to disappear into the shadows. He also underwent a strict physical regimen so he could be a fighting machine. But Lamont might have met his match when Shiwan Khan, John Lone, a descendant of Genghis Khan who underwent the same training that Lamont did, resurfaces with plans of world domination.

I've always loved the stories of The Shadow, and the film, for the most part, doesn't disappoint. Baldwin is perfectly cast as Cranston, as is Lone as the evil Khan. Mulcahy has surrounded the two with a terrific supporting cast that includes Tim Curry, Peter Boyle, and Jonathon Winters. Penelope Ann Miller, as Cranston's love interest, I think is a bit miscast. Miller was able to land a lot of great roles in the late 80's and early 90's, but I always felt she was a little too bland to be the leading lady.

Another complaint I have is that the origin The Shadow is told in the first five or ten minutes of the movie and feels kind of rushed. I can kind of understand it since the filmmakers probably wanted to move the story along and get to the more exciting aspects. But honestly they could have either ditched the opening, or made the movie a little longer.

That being said, this is still an enjoyable action flick that won't let down fans of this classic character.

It's available on dvd.