In Washington DC, several people are shot dead by muscular Stephen Lang (in a very long coat). After this mysterious opening, we meet presidential special assistant Charlie Sheen (as Robert "Bobby" Bishop). For the most part, this movie shows us numerous stunted situations for Sheen, who has more lives than a cat. He witnesses a murder and escapes one himself. Then, he escapes another, and another and another... in fact, Mr. Sheen may suffer more Perils than Pauline. "Shadow Conspiracy" involves a plot to assassinate the President of the United States, which Sheen tries to stop. They do get to that, eventually. The story plays like they either didn't adhere to the script or revised it as they went along – this results in something which varies from confusing to predictable...For his last film, director George P. Cosmatos gets some nicely photographed moments, with help from the skilled Feitshans family. Serious and jut-jawed, Sheen disappoints by "acting" throughout – he's better when allowing himself into his characters, with humor. Sheen doesn't appeal as a steely-eyed action hero. An illustrious supporting cast features reliable Donald Sutherland (as Jacob Conrad), who is fine but obvious in these surroundings, and investigative reporter Linda Hamilton (as Amanda Givens) appearing confused and superfluous...At one point we're not to worry because there is a "Shadow Government inside the White House." Since this is a Presidential assassination thriller, it wouldn't be far-fetched to assume Republican politician and former Vice President Dick Cheney saw this film. In politics beginning with the Richard M. Nixon Administration, Mr. Cheney revealed a secret "Shadow Government" existed in the US, shortly after the 9/11 "World Trade Center" terrorist attacks. The story seemed to die after a few days and Cheney is no longer asked about his mysterious revelation. Cheney was certain Iraq had "weapons of mass destruction" poised to attack the USA, said the war would be over in weeks and other nonsense – so, he may have swiped his "Shadow Government" idea from this relatively obscure movie.**** Shadow Conspiracy (1/25/97) George P. Cosmatos ~ Charlie Sheen, Donald Sutherland, Linda Hamilton, Stephen Lang

Familiar plot. Familiar reaction. Just maybe, the casting pushes this action/drama through to the end. Bobby Bishop(Charlie Sheen)is a major player in Washington D.C. for he is a special assistant to the President(Sam Waterston). Bobby is given a tip that there is a covert action being put into place to overthrow the government. To find out more details he is to meet Professor Yuri Pochenko(Theodore Bikel)only to watch him be gunned down by a sniper. Bobby's mentor, Jacob Conrad(Donald Sutherland), thinks he is just over reacting. Bishop's former girlfriend Amanda Givens(Linda Hamilton)is known as a sharp investigative reporter and is more than willing to help ferret out this much rumored activity. Bishop finds himself running for his life in a chain of chaos and confusion. A Special Agent(Stephen Lang)is hell-bent on killing him before he can blow the whistle on the attack on the existing government.Ben Gazzara plays Vice President Saxon and Gore Vidal has the role of Congressman Page. Nicholas Turturro is an expert technician in surveillance. The plot does reach a fever pitch and the action is heavy and exciting. The most believable of the cast is Lang, who seems to have unlimited lives. Sutherland's talents are wasted. Sheen may be taxing his abilities. This movie is better than you may think.

I clicked onto the Encore Mystery channel to wait for the movie I wanted to see, Island of Dr. Moreau. I caught only a few minutes of Shadow Conspiracy. An old man runs to meet Charlie and grabs him by the arm. Suddenly, an Assassin in a bright rain coat taps the old man in the head (with a side arm) from across the street. After waiting for "C" to turn around and look, the "A" tries to shoot "C" and clearly misses. "C" was a much easier target, the old man couldn't have run far. Duh! There is a chase and "C" is on an elevator "A" is on the roof, so he tries to shoot the cable, which is parallel to the "A". He hits and severs the cable, impossible. Later, this time with a specialized rifle, the "A" lines up on "C" from maybe 50 meters, but is to stupid to notice a motorcycle coming up and taps the rider instead. How does Charlie get his parts? Does Daddy go to the producers and say "Look, my kid needs work..." It reminds me of his stupid Sit - Com. All the actors are good except, yup ... you got it. I usually have to endue 2 or 3 minutes of that waiting for C.S.I. to come on. Let's see, what can I do for the next hour. I know, I'll trim my toenails! Much better use of my time.

If one realizes that George Cosmatos meant this story to be told as a '70s style "B" thriller, you will enjoy this movie for its acurate portrayal. When I first tuned to this movie I assumed I was watching somthing from 1977. Only when I saw the age of the famous actors (and the cell phone) did I realize it was set in 1997. The details of style are depicted perfectly, from the split screen focus for foreground and back, to the assasin having 2 different color eyes. The acting is said to be poor, but instead I say it was edited with poorer takes to remain true to the "B" movie genre. If you enjoyed "Patriot Games" or "Pelican Brief" you may feel this story is shallow and weak. I was rivited to this story front to back.