Plot twist: Despite what the poster, trailer, and overall lack of marketing may lead you to believe, Shadow Force is actually pretty good.

 

Helmed by Joe Carnahan of The Grey fame, Shadow Force is a TV movie idea handled with compassion and expertise. Omar Sy’s magnetic performance centers the stage, a father who’s been exposed as an ex shadow operative and willing to go at whatever lengths to keep his son safe. Add in the extra layer of Kerry Washington returning as an estranged wife/mother, a family dynamic is formed that glues the story together in surprisingly emotional ways.

 

Shadow Force isn’t a guaranteed win for everyone given all the options in theaters this week. The action is pretty standard, some of the visual effects look wonky, and there’s bits of dialogue that could have used another pass. However, if you’re open to watching just about anything with a good story, Shadow Force is far from a bad choice. You even get great supporting casts such as Mark Strong (Shazam!), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers), and Method Man (Keanu), all giving great, dedicated performances.

 

Shadow Force is a B-action movie with genuine storytelling. This review is short because there isn’t much to unpack, but not every movie needs to have an insane amount of layers to discuss. Some movies, like Shadow Force, are just a good time. I’d hate to see it be completely overlooked, especially since it has one of the strongest final shots of the year.