Not everything has to be deep. A movie can just be fun! That is exactly the type of attitude you need going into this latest incarnation of Shaft. For those old enough to remember the original Shaft this will be a whole lot of fun. Several tribute scenes pop up which will make you smile.
Shaft is totally a part of the fabric of African-American film. The character originally surfaced in the 70s. Cool to see them make this multi-generational with the original Shaft (played by Richard Roundtree) making an appearance as the original badass. Or in this case, the grandfather.
Though this is mostly for the laughs there are a couple of moments of serious when called for. Not the greatest story, but that is really not essential in this case. Mostly because its purpose is to present cool action sequences and tickle your funny bone.
Fathers and sons can be very different. Basically when it comes to John Shaft (played by Samuel L. Jackson) and John Jr. (played by Jessie T. Usher) they are polar opposites. JJ is an MIT graduate and works as a cyber security expert with the FBI while John is a rough and tumble private detective.
JJ finds he needs his estranged father’s particular set of skills after his friend dies under suspicious circumstances. JJ wants to find out the truth. Shaft has a way of getting the truth. As the two begin working together their opposite ways of doing things begin to clash.
Totally an example of a film which critics will grade low and audiences will love. Don’t nit-pick. Just put your feet up, pop some popcorn and enjoy.
Special Features:
- Can Ya Dig It? The Making of Shaft
- A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy – Part One: A Bad Mother Born
- A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy – Part Two: No Questions Asked
- A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy – Part Three: A Legend of His Time
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
- Digital Copy
