Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Kien Navarro Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Fleur Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

lost-in-limbo Late night TV as a kid, I would stay up in the hopes of coming across something so outrageously fun, or trashy, and that's how I initially came across this Full Moon production. This and "CRASH AND BURN" seemed to be on a loop every couple of months, becoming a staple of my late-night TV habits. Actually it's been quite awhile since I've last watched "SHADOWZONE", maybe around 15 years. My memory was rather fuzzy, but watching this little b-film again, after all these years. It remained a diverting, down-pat viewing. Mainly it reminded me of those plethora cheap Alien rip-offs, and boy, this film lifts some set-ups from "ALIEN". I must admit, it wasn't as exciting as I remembered; nonetheless it was actually efficiently made by J.S Cardone, for such a limited looking production.When it's not simply splashing blood against walls as the victims get attacked for most part off-screen, there are a few effective moments of suitably grotesque make-up FX and a touch of splatter. You can't fail with a head explosion. Even the creature design, and we do get a good look at it, provides solid enough practical effects despite the stiff movements. The script's theory behind its origin, structural metabolism and how it adapts to survive is rather creative, yet it's hodgepodge, as the science behind all of this commotion is nonsensical and poorly expanded on, sometimes even stalling and taking away from the simple-minded fun.The mystery of what's going on in this underground facility slowly builds up to the danger that will unfold. Now that's when stupidity comes into play, to keep the story moving and to cause some deaths. Don't you just love it when our heroine needs something to destroy the computers, so he heads out the corridor to find an emergency axe in a glass case. Um, just wait a minute -- It's been there all this time, untouched, no one thought of using it when you got a hostile creature from a parallel dimension lurking about. Things don't start off that seriously though, with the script providing moments of morbid humor, but once the creature hits the scene, that changes and the cheap, tight surroundings gets claustrophobic trapping the occupants inside.The turning point is when James Hong (who was appearing in nearly everything that was low-budget horror related in the late 80s to early 90s) decides to get himself knocked off. I was disappointed by that, but Louise Fletcher, Miguel A. Nunez Jr and Cardone regular Frederick Flynn do make something of their characters, even providing quirky shades, as our heroine played by David Beecroft, whose character is sent there by NASA to investigate the death of one the researchers' subjects, had all the personality of a wooden plank.

barnthebarn Sleep inducing movie ironically about dream therapy and experiments. One of the few Full Moon releases to feature a selection of real animals including a cute monkey. Louise Fletcher is an older doctor, ex Baywatch star Shawn Weatherly (she was eaten by a Shark in Baywatch as her breasts weren't big enough or something!) is a young doctor and various men including David Beecroft (as Nasa captain) and James Hong is a male doctor. That is it really, they hang out in a science laboratory where attractive blonde Maureen Flaherty lies completely naked in a sealed dome. Beecroft is sent to investigate the 'Shadowzone' project as someone has been killed. Director J.S. Cardone in one of his two Full Moon outings (the other 'Crash and Burn') has always preferred TV movie style sex and nudity to actual proper storytelling and though this is potentially a strong science fiction tale he manages to make it as bland as perhaps only he could. Watchable thanks largely to the fine cast, but truly average.

willywants After someone is killed in the subterranean project called "Shadowzone," a NASA captain is called in to investigate. In the project, sleeping subjects are induced into a deep EDS state whereby they become portals to a parallel universe. Unfortunately this causes adverse reactions in the subject, and something gets through the portal, the consequence of which is an attrition problem. "Shadowzone" is a fine horror film, if one with a few irritating faults. The story does have many similarities to "Alien", yes, but it's backed up by a smart script and some tense, suspenseful scenes, excellent performances, and great gory special effects. Louise Fletcher, who I generally find to be a pretty bad actress (See the 1986 "Invaders from Mars" remake for proof...)gave a very fun, amusing performance as the chap-stick-obsessed scientist. James Hong was awesome here, it's a real shame he was killed-off so quickly! David Beecroft ("Octopus") also gave a good performance, even if he keeps things a little too straight-faced. J.S. Cardone's screenplay and direction help the film greatly as well. There's lots of suspense, scares and effective moments. Also good here, as I said before, are some great gory special effects. The "Ick" factor is high in this one!Among the complaints I have here is the ending. Not only is it unsatisfying, but it also feel cheap and rushed. The final incarnation of the creature was surprisingly laughable, quite unexpected considering how nice the quality of the effects throughout the rest of the film. "Shadowzone" is a rear horror film, but if you happen to find it, rent it. It's an atmospheric, well-done horror/sci-fi film with excellent performances, a smart script, very nice special effects and a good (if far-fetched)plot. Enjoy!7/10.

horror7777 SHADOWZONE was, I believe, Full Moon's first picture. It's well done on a low budget and I was satisfied with most of it. I actually first got interested in this film when I saw the coming attraction for it on the FRIDAY THE 13th PART VIII video. The deaths were cool, the acting was good, and the plot was commendable, especially considering what we're getting from Full Moon nowadays. This film was not an ALIEN rip-off. I read somewhere that this was an ALIEN rip-off and was surprised as I found really no similarities. Also of note, there is no Full Moon Videozone included with this film. No. Instead, we have a "talking" full moon! **1/2out of****I watched this at about 12:00AM, and then watched it again at 7:00PM. I can definitely tell you that this film is more effective if watched late at night. It's more fun too.