Shaft (2019)

Samuel L. Jackson returns in 'Shaft', which is now the third time that title has been used in a five film franchise. That seems to be a strange trend nowadays like last year's 'Halloween' also the third usage in that series. Anyway, you're here for a review not title nitpicking so let's get on with it. This time around, John Shaft II (Jackson) is reunited with his long lost son (Jessie T. Usher) who is in need of his father's help solving the murder of his longtime friend. Things only get hectic from there with lots of gun play and Jackson's favorite swear word on full display.

Overall, I enjoyed this new entry of 'Shaft' thanks to its tongue in cheek humor, fast pacing, likeable characters, and it's retro feel. However, this retro feel can be a detriment in some places like the plot which is very typical of the genre and wafer thin. The film at times can also be a little too pushy with its overall message. It attempts to play Jackson and Roundtree's Shafts as old grumpy misogynists who are bad or harmful because they won't change and be more politically correct. This push is not inherently bad in movies, but it is often pushed way too hard to the point where you have a headache after they've beaten you over the head with it. If the film wants to be retro then it should just be retro, if it wants modern politics and culture then do that but it tips the scale too far off when you try to be both.

It also doesn't help that if their goal was to demonize Jackson and Roundtree's characters, they failed because they are way more funny, likeable, and fun to watch than Shaft's son JJ or his mother played by Regina Hall (Scary Movie). He's portrayed as that stereotypical Millennial who is a wimp, hates guns, drinks lattes etc. you get the picture. It's lazy writing for sure but even with these problems I still thoroughly enjoyed this movie while in my theater seat. The action scenes are fun thanks to the constant banter between Shaft and his son and even though his role is brief Richard Roundtree as Shaft Sr. is hilarious and he's still got the character down after all these years. It's a perfect example of a summer popcorn flick and I would recommend 'Shaft' for those looking for a fun way to spend a day at the movies. It's story is cliche and the modern elements can get in the way, but this movie made me laugh throughout and the cast for the most part keep my attention thanks to their charm. Just don't expect some grand thing and you'll have a great time.

7/10