Shadow Force

Carnahan’s without his usual playbook and stuck riffing off far more competent special agent actioners, which leaves the result feeling cheap and unserious.

The charisma-endowed Washington and Sy do all they can to make the proceedings engrossing but even they are hard-pressed to make it interesting.

A bullet-riddled scenario this simplistic and improbable can’t afford to be as sentimental as “Shadow Force” often gets.

The sitcommy scenes of family arguments and droll wisecracks clash with the grimmer aesthetic Carnahan wants to give it, so “Shadow Force” feels like an action film serving two masters and fulfilling neither’s needs.

Shadow Force deserves to be buried deep inside any random streaming service’s catalogue, never to be unearthed by even the most indifferent and callous what-to-watch-next algorithm.

While there are elements that could warrant a watch for non-discerning viewers, the film's medium-octane sequences and lackadaisical plot resolution leave an unsatisfying taste in whatever mouths are compelled to leave their house to see this in theaters.

Surprisingly likable, brisk, and funny—at least until the third act starts to drag a bit—this action flick easily gets viewers rooting for its loving family of main characters.

Who knew Kerry Washington could be a fighting phenom!

Shadow Force is the right parts put together in the wrong ways. It’s like buying your dream car and finding out it won’t take you anywhere.

This bullet-riddled love story includes explosions, shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, and a boat chase, but none of it is exciting.