MOVIE REVIEW by Lucas Allen: Today’s viewers can dig new ‘Shaft’

Shaft (2019)
(Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema)

By Lucas Allen

Though dated by today’s standards, Gordon Parks’ 1971 film “Shaft” not only jumpstarted the blaxploitation genre of that decade, but also opened the doors for African-American actors and directors. After two sequels, a short-lived TV series and the 2000 semi-remake/sequel, the new “Shaft” attempts to revive the franchise for a new generation.
It’s directed by Tim Story, director of the “Ride Along” movies,and it’s co-produced and co-written by Kenya Barris, the creator of the hit TV series “Black-ish.”
After growing up with single mother Maya (Regina Hall), J.J. (Jessie T. Usher) hopes not to follow in the footsteps of his estranged father ,detective John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson). Now as a rookie FBI analyst, he takes on a personal mission to figure out the mysterious death of a childhood friend from a drug overdose. After figuring out that it was actually murder, he turns to his father for help, even though the two of them have their differences in handling the case. The old Shaft handles street justice his own way that made him a legend in Harlem. Still, the two of them gather enough clues together to figure out the motive behind the murder.
With the help of J.J.’s crush, Sasha (Alexandra Shipp), he figures out that it’s somehow linked to a new mosque being built in Manhattan. However, Shaft also believes it has something to do with a drug lord he’s been trying to go after for nearly 30 years. When things do get crazy, they’re going to need another Shaft on their side when Grandad John Shaft (Richard Roundtree) is ready to get back into the game.
Unlike the other movies, which have a gritty and dramatic tone, this one chooses to take on a lighter and comedic tone to differentiate itself from what was done before. One may see this as an attempt to parody the ’70s original with a current generation perspective, but that’s not the case. It’s more of a humorous coming-of-age story of a young generation clashing yet still learn with the values of the older generation. The character dynamic helps drive this story and it pays off by the end.
Much of the humor is good, while other parts don’tt land. There are also some moments of violence that sometimes clash with the humor. But everything’s structured fairly and whatever flaws it has is overcome by the entertainment value. The climax is much more action-oriented with frantic gunplay and lots of bullets flying. By the end, you’ll imagine yourself walking down the streets of New York to the sweet sounds of Isaac Hayes’ iconic theme song.
Jackson’s first-time playing Shaft in 19 years is just as cool and incredible as ever. With the added humor, he also brings a level of charisma he’s most known for. Also, Roundtree surprisingly maintains his coolness at the age of 76, especially when handling some of the action. Usher brings some likability to a character who’s basic schtick is being a millennial caught in an old-school world of crimefighting. Hall also has some good scenes with Jackson thanks to their genuine chemistry.
2019’s “Shaft” may seem like a big departure from its previous incarnations, but it still has the power to be as cool as ever. And while we still have our superheroes, there is always one like Shaft who doesn’t need a cape or superpowers to be amazing.

THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for pervasive language, violence, sexual content, some drug material, and brief nudity)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)