Shapeshifter (1999)

Let's be realistic.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

SHAPESHIFTER is another Full Moon kid's adventure flick shot in Romania with a largely unknown cast and performances that can best be described as wooden, particularly on the part of the child actors present. The plot is typically nonsensical and involves a kid whose parents were secret agents. He inherits a shapeshifting ability - as per the title - and must use it battle an evil nuclear mastermind. He also hooks up with some friendly gypsy characters who are on hand to help him out. The film is cheaply staged and largely uneventful, although the shapeshifting graphics aren't too bad; it's a pity there aren't more of them.

I usually enjoy "discovering latent powers" stories, so I'd expected an enjoyable story, but was frequently jerked out of my "suspension of disbelief" & "immersion in the story" by non-acting, lack of "likeableness" & character development, and unbelievable events.The main character's (Alex) line delivery was like an ordinary teen's, not an actor's. His mother acted, but not his father. The "love interest" girl (Anika) was indeed cute & ingenuous, but worthy of more involvement & development. The Cyberwitch's acting was high-energy & fun to receive; her over-confidence, however, was embarrassing & unlikely in such a successful 'bad girl'. The 'bad guy' was OK, and had the best line in the movie (to her). The mentor's acting was satisfying, but his dialogue with Alex was sometimes disjointed, partly due to uninspired writing and partly Alex's non-acting. I did enjoy the old artifacts that he used; that part "resonated" with me.The first half of the movie is spent, boringly, getting to the good/magical part (which needed & deserved more time).THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH COULD BE CONSIDERED A 'SPOILER', though vague.Alex's abilities were unbelievable, because he just gets its right, first time, every time; no learning curve, no stuttering, little doubt; it's just too sudden & too easy to be involving. I never really believed that he was in serious trouble, which erased the suspense. He should've had some serious failures & setbacks; his adversary should've been tougher for him.

Good family fun! My 10-year-old son and I enjoyed the great special effects, the twisting plot and the exotic locations.We definitely thought Shapeshifter was several cuts above the typical family fare.

I watched this movie on a night when I wanted something light in the sci-fi realm. It fit the bill. I thoroughly enjoyed it inconsistencies and weakness included. I found the use and place of music intriguing but I can't say more without going too far.