Shaft Reviews

Three generations of Shaft are represented in this pseudo-sequel directed by Tim Story (Barbershop), from a script by Kenya Barris (Black-ish) and Alex Barnow (The Goldbergs). The entertainment value of this film is surprisingly good, although it will likely bother some audiences due to certain audacious “old school” views expressed by some of the characters.   John Shaft’s (Samuel L. Jackson) estranged son JJ (Jesse T. Usher) has not followed in the family’s footsteps. Instead of pursuing private investigation, he has graduated from MIT with a degree in cybersecurity. But the untimely death of his best friend draws him into his father’s world, putting two, and then three John Shafts on the trail in Harlem, seeking to right related injustices, both past and present.   Barris and Barnow clearly knew what they wanted in their script, combining the grittiness of the original films with some solid action-comedy. Their story -- although thin in some places when it comes to characters, plot, and repercussions for wonton destruction -- weaves a fun, action-packed adventure in the vein of the originals. Some of the best moments are when old school clashes with the modern, sometimes winning and sometimes losing, but always entertaining. Some of the language and themes are outrageously dated, but they aren’t unexpected either, given the generation of Jackson’s character.   Tim Story took this script and ran with it, creating portrayals that match their characters perfectly. The eldest Shaft has seen it all before, the middle one exudes self-confident swagger, and the youngest is torn between the world he knows and the one he has just discovered. In a combination of excellent acting and direction, everything works harmoniously.   The acting is mostly perfect for the roles. Richard Roundtree proves he still has it going on, and Usher continues to impress with each role. The evolution of the latter’s character is well done but hurried for the sake of the story. Jackson is his usual foul-mouthed, hard-hitting self, at times going as far to resemble his character Jules from Pulp Fiction. His portrayal of John Shaft is so much fun, though, that this is easily forgivable. Rounding out the principals are their lovely ladies: middle Shaft’s angry ex, Maya, flawlessly played by Regina Hall, and JJ’s potential partner, Sasha, brought to life by up-and-coming Alexandra Shipp. The rest of the cast is inconsequential, even the villains, dancing to the fantastic music of the Family Shaft. In step with the cinematography, the blend of old and new music keeps the pace of the film flowing non-stop. Rhythm and Blues, Rap, Funk, and Easy Listening complement the action like an old lover coming around again.   This third incarnation of the classic title had so much potential, and the story genuinely delivers. While it won’t win any awards for addressing social injustice or inequality, it is certainly entertaining in the vein of both action flicks, and the originals -- exactly what you expect when you’re talkin’ about Shaft.