Shadow Man (2006)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

A Disappointing Continuation

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I have seen a few of the films from the leading actor, both the ones that made it to the cinema, and the ones made for TV and straight to DVD, and so far Under Siege is the only one worth mentioning, I was sure this film would be another I would find tedious. Basically Jack Foster aka The Shadow Man (Steven Seagal) is a widowed former CIA operative, he is travelling with his young daughter Amanda (Skye Bennett) to Europe for what they thought would be a relaxing getaway. However Jack is tricked by rogue CIA operatives into smuggling a deadly virus out of the United States, they kidnap Amanda following the completion of the mission. Jack slowly realises he is just a small pawn in a much bigger game, he vows to rescue his daughter and bring her back safe and sound, he will get vengeance upon those who crossed him, using his great skill of martial arts and weaponry, and he must also stop the extremely wicked plot to hijack the world. Also starring Eva Pope as Anya, Imelda Staunton as Ambassador Cochran, Vincent Riotta as Harry, Michael Elwyn as George, Garrick Hagon as Waters, EastEnders' Alex Ferns as Schmitt, Michael Fitzpatrick as Chambers and Elias Ferkin as Velos. Seagal is completely out of shape and mumbles his way through, the casting of Staunton as the embassy leader is pointless, and it laughable seeing from Trevor from EastEnders putting on a bad American accent, I could not follow the wretched story of kidnap and international conspiracy with a virus, the special effects are awful, not even the fast fight and chase sequences can save it from being a complete waste of time, a crap action thriller. Poor!

Well, another of Seagal's Direct-to-DVD movies down the hatch. This one actually wasn't too bad.Once again the the big dude plays a former operative with a colorful past which is hinted at but never explained. Once again he has a daughter that's kidnapped and he breaks some bones to get the guilty party.The script, in fact, is somewhat confusing now and then and the paper thin story seems more complicated than it actually is. Old Steve does OK here, he's not dubbed (I think) and he seems to be doing most of his fighting himself. Oddly enough, fairly many shots show him (and leading lady Eva Pope) continually below face level so just about anyone could be doing the running there.Spoiler A particularly curious scene involves Seagal and Pope fleeing the safe house due to a helicopter chasing them. Their faces are never shown while running, neither in the car as they get to the woods and only a close-up of Steve with a gun while he shoots the chopper down. Very strange scene - might even have been put in after the fact. Very cheesy CGI in the scene by the way.End of Spoiler "Shadow Man" is average entertainment all the way. If you're in the mood for Steve, this is an OK choice. Decent fighting scenes and shoot-outs but it's mostly pretty forgettable.

I'll repeat this again: I like Seagal. But he's not trying anymore. You got the photoshopped head on the covers, retitles every two seconds, and the big man once again shows he's not going to World Gym. I have a Steven Seagal DTV addiction. I need to go to S.S.A. {Steven Seagal Anonymous} This time around: Jack Foster (You know the guy I'm talking about) is an ex-cop on a mission to save his daughter from terrorists. Same old, same old.When Steve was making films with Warner Bros. in the mid 80's-90's, all of his films were professionally made. Now since 2001- and present day, his films look terrible. They are shot in Romania or Bucharest or some foreign country with tax breaks. The green screen during the chase scene is horrendous. On the plus side, it looks like Seagal lay low on the stunt doubles this time around, and the climax is unintentionally funny.It's better than "Attack Force" but not as good as his DTV peak "Belly Of The Beast".One more thing: You can make some lame jokes at his expense with the title: He's a "Shadow" of his former self, or he casts a big "Shadow". Your choice.For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

I bought this movie fully aware that Steven Seagal movies are just OK, or damn right lame. but sometimes you're in luck. unfortunately this wasn't it.you get that b-movie 90's feel. it's OK to watch, but you crave for something more. that something is called acting. you can see in Seagal's face that he just don't give damn. its just another forgettable action movie that he just don't get in to the plot. movies like "marked for death" and "under siege" where superb. and i truly believe he could make these types of movies again. he just needs to fire his agent and find a really talented director with a bright idea. then you have have the whole nine yards. but after 'mistakes' like this,"black dawn" and "into the sun" etc. i would be dreaming if i could see Seagal in a high budget action movie with capable co-stars, and full devotion shining on his face! i am still hoping! good night, and good luck!