Coventry "Shadow Builder" doesn't only dispose of the ugliest VHS-cover in the history of cinema, it also is one of the most ineptly bizarre films I ever had the (mis)fortune of seeing. The film is a little bit based on a short story by Bram Stoker (you know, the guy who gained some fame with his vampire novel) but the scriptwriter obviously had a lot of fun adding insane stuff that comes from his own imagination, like a swearing priest who operates 9mm guns…with laser beams! Believe it or not, but there are many interesting ideas and ingenious details noticeable in "Shadow Builder", and with a slightly more coherent script, the film might have been very good. It introduces a quite original monster, in the shape of Darth Vader-resembling demon that can only reign in the shadows. He has been summoned by a bunch of freaks and now he's looking for 12-year-old Chris Hatcher. During the sun eclipse, demon-guy will use Chris to make the world come to an end because he was born with stigmata. Yes, very clever!! Michael Rooker stars as the troubled priest who stalks the demon all over the country and Tony "Candyman" Todd has an insignificant role as the town's nut. The film is actually quite enjoyable, but only during the moments when the plot doesn't necessarily have to make sense, like for example the neat sequences of the town in chaos or when the demon possesses random souls in order to gain power. Director Jamie Dixon tries to uphold a constant level of action and most cast members seem to fulfill their job with great devotion. I can't properly judge the use of special effects, though. Some visual gimmicks are quite well done whereas others are lousy and on the verge of pitiful. Definitely not a must-see, but if you're a fan of silly horror, it's worth watching when it comes on TV or something.

Ali709 The movie is not a failure, it has a good story (because of the good writer). Visual Effects look good (I didn't like the eclipse ones tho, those were...shit!). It's still good as a only on video movie. The shadow builder and it's dogs look good. Very good acting by Michael Rooker. It can be noticed that Kevin Zeggers will look good when he's older, but anyways, he doesn't do a very good acting in this movie. The movie, however it is, it's familiar to all of us. It's another Devil , Light and a good priest movie. Like Posessed (altho posessed was much better than this). The movie is entertaining, but it isn't a piece of art. 6/10

mice_elf I just love this movie. It has a reasonably original plot and is fairly well directed and filmed. The effects are, in the main, pretty good, in particular the demon. There are some interesting characters, like the assassin priest and the crazy repair-man dude played by Tony "Candyman" Todd. Kevin Zegers as the demons intended victim adds a touch of class to the movie with his well thought out and believable portrayal of Chris.The movie just screams 1980's straight to video horror, albeit with a bigger budget and better effects. Some people seem to think this is a criticism, but when you consider how popular those 1980's horror flicks were, I don't see it as a criticism at all, I just view the movie as a retro-flick. What really makes the film stand out are the great one liners... Priest walks into police station and says "I'm looking for a boy". Police man answers "Isn't that illegal father?" to which priest retorts "F**k off!". You just gotta love it!

psycho_153 This isn't a great movie but not a waste of time. Some good things are in this movie, you have to love the gun wielding priest and the actual demon is cool as well. Not the best acting but there are some okay special effects. The story is about an evil Archbishop of the Catholic Church summons a demon to try and destroy the world. The summoners are killed, but the demon escapes to hunt down its needed victim. The victim soon turns out to be a child that has the potential to become a saint. After ravaging the town and turning its citizens upon themselves, the demon soon locates and captures his prey. This had the potential to be a great movie, it isn't totally bad in fact it's pretty good. Give it a go if you want some good special effects mixed with the supernatural theme. If you wants special effects and supernatural theme also check out The Frighteners which is a great movie.