Watch Shadow Builder

In the 1998 horror movie Shadow Builder, Michael Rooker plays a priest named Father Vassey who, after witnessing the death of his own brother at the hands of a supernatural being called a Shadow Builder, is tasked with defeating the monster before it can destroy an entire town. Leslie Hope plays Jennifer, a mother whose son is taken by the Shadow Builder. She teams up with Father Vassey and a group of locals to try and stop the creature, even as it seems to grow stronger with every passing hour.

Shawn Thompson plays Chris Hatcher, a local sheriff who initially doubts the existence of the Shadow Builder but eventually comes to believe in its power.

The plot of Shadow Builder revolves around the Shadow Builder, a demon-like creature who is brought to life by a group of cultists seeking to summon an ancient evil into the world. As the Shadow Builder begins to wreak havoc on the town, killing those who stand in its way, Father Vassey teams up with Jennifer and Chris to try and defeat the monster and stop the cultists from bringing about the end of the world.

One of the key themes of Shadow Builder is the power of belief, both in the supernatural and in oneself. Father Vassey, who has lost his faith in God, must find the strength to believe in the power of good to defeat the Shadow Builder. Jennifer relies on her love for her son to fuel her determination to stop the monster, while Chris ultimately finds the courage to stand up to the cultists and fight for what he believes in.

The movie is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and effective use of practical effects, including some impressive creature design for the Shadow Builder itself. The action scenes are well-choreographed and shot, with a palpable sense of tension and danger.

However, some critics have singled out the performances as uneven, with Michael Rooker's over-the-top turn as Father Vassey being a particular sticking point. Leslie Hope and Shawn Thompson fare better in their roles, bringing some emotional depth to their characters' struggles.

Overall, Shadow Builder is a solid horror movie that will appeal to fans of the genre. While it may not be a masterpiece, it delivers on its promise of thrills and scares, with some memorable set pieces and a satisfying conclusion.

Shadow Builder is a 1998 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.