What would it take to make a successful Shadow movie?

O.K., so let me start off by saying I'm a Shadow fan since my early years in the 80s having my dad read Shadow novels to me at bedtime. Some novels of the earlier Walter B. Gibson author, then the later Maxwell Grant "pen name". So, needless to say, I'd love nothing more than a great, successful Shadow movie. Here's the point for discussion...as the title of the thread states, what would it take for a Shadow movie to be successful in today's world?

I was admittedly thrilled when I heard about the 1994 release and, of course with my dad, couldn't wait to go see the movie. Even in 1994, a time before IMDB or other movie news sites, I think through an interview with Alec Baldwin, I had heard of the plan to turn this into a movie franchise. So imagine my excitement! Now we get this movie. I have my warm and colds towards this movie that I'll get into, but I did go see it a few times and brought friends with me each time. Despite my best, quite laughable efforts, it, as we all know, failed at the box office. So where did it go wrong and what would it take to fix it?

First of all, the movie itself has a few marks in the plus column for me. I liked Alec Baldwin...personally thought he was great in the role with what he was given and can't even begin to cast the role nearly as well as he played it with today's Hollywood stars. I liked how they did throw in some "you have to be familiar with the character to get excited" things (mention of Cardona, Burbank in his office, Shrevy, areoplanes...ect.) The visuals, music, ect...all awesome! The story...fun, but wow, really take it as a fun ride and don't overthink the details. Also, there are some disappointing aspects for a longtime fan familiar with the source material. Which leads me into "didn't likes" of the movie.

Unfortunately, in retrospect, I couldn't see it back in '94 (won't give age and date myself), but many of the reviewers had it right when they said "cheesy"! Some of the dialog almost hurt to hear (The Shadow making patriotic statements, almost everything to do with Margo Lane...ect.) Margo Lane psychic...really? Uhg. And what's up with the ring being only a signal? What about the mystical powers of the "girasol"? The story overall, with some of the aspects (the invisible building, ect.) left me wanting. And what the hell, was with the origin story of "Yenko"? Again, ugh! Give me some Kent Allard or portray The Shadow as the dominant personality who assumes other identities. A love relationship with Margo Lane? Limited exposure to his agents (no Harry Vincent)? Just a few complaints about the movie we got.

Now, here's the question? How can a successful movie (not gonna call it a remake, cause it really wouldn't be a remake) be made today? #1 concern to be addressed...how to attract today's audience to a character that is quite honestly dated. Truthfully, how many people are there still out there familiar with the source material of the subject? And I think this is the main thing that hurts the chances for success. Now if the longtime rumors of Sam Raimi's involvement would prove to be true, that could help. But only if he is a true fan of the source material and would bring to life a movie that would attract not only the remaining fans of the pulps, but a new, younger audience as well. However, The Shadow should remain a period piece. Taking him out of the 30s is not the answer. It would also have to be darkened up a bit. Now I'm not the first guy to be all about things being "dark" (I hated the last three Harry Potter's and the new very successful Batman movies), but The Shadow was definitely not dark enough as a character. I mean, he only blaster two guys with the .45s and drove one guy (Farley) mad enough to commit suicide. For any of those like myself who have read the pulps or even perhaps heard the radio show, you know The Shadow was a bit less hesitant to draw his guns and blast the badguys than the movie portrayed him.

So, in my humble opinion, keeping the timeline in place, darkening up the story/character a bit, paying attention to the source material possibly with a director familiar with it, and a good story that includes elements to bring in fans of said source material and a newer, younger audience as well, would be ways to hopefully bring this interesting character back into mainstream Hollywood.

Comments? Thought? Suggestions? Shadow fans, fire away!





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