Shaft Review

Despite being the third movie of the Shaft anthology titled Shaft, director Tim Story’s new film is in no way a remake or retelling of the well-known blaxploitation action-comedy films from 1970 and 2000. The most recent installment once again adds to its fictional world by creating a new perspective through a vast generational gap. The Shaft film from 2000 had Samuel L. Jackson play John Shaft II, the brash nephew of the original John Shaft played by Richard Roundtree. Now, Jessie Usher is John Shaft III (also known as JJ), an equally driven yet visibly less macho branch from the Shaft family tree. Although the contrast between the investigators often creates the most intriguing aspects of the films story, much of what drives Shaft feels outdated and cliché. One-dimensional characters, tone-deaf humour and an inconsistent pace ultimately takes away from the films action sequences and enthusiastic performances.

Shaft follows John “JJ” Shaft III, an FBI cybersecurity agent and third generation member of the Shaft family of private investigators. Having grown up without his father due to the divorce of his parents, JJ has become quite the independent person. But when JJ’s best friend is mysteriously murdered, he knows that it’s not something that he can figure out on his own. Looking for insights and a little firepower, JJ hires the help of his father, John Shaft II, to uncover the secrets behind his friend’s untimely death.

The generational clash between main characters creates a chemistry that can be entertaining; but it’s the inconsistency of the films tone that eventually becomes the most apparent issue of Shaft. The films attempt to blend both the aggressive opinions and actions of Shaft II with the infinitely more modernized and rational approaches of JJ often feels forced. Many jokes and homages come off as outdated references that helps make the script feel as sloppily put together as the films linear crime narrative.

It’s unfortunate that the poor story and dated humour eventually spoils the wonderful performances that each member of the cast gives. The charismatic efforts are highlighted mainly by Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree, who always manage to find a way to put energy in even the most basic characters.

The invigorating score and well executed action sequences paired with the great performances helps move the plot along, but the film struggles to gain momentum and never stays consistently entertaining. Overall, Shaft succeeds as often as it fails. There is a clear effort that can keep those first viewing generally entertained. However, nothing in this film is original or engaging enough to leave a lasting impression, the poor script and generic plot results in a film that lacks any memorability and will soon become another forgettable addition to the catalogue of modern action films.

The energetic performances, action and score of Shaft quickly becomes marred by the its predictable narrative and outdated humour.

Produced By: Warner Bros.
Runtime: 111 minutes
Rating: R