“Shaft” (2019) Movie Review

    It’s fair to say that this year’s “Shaft” film left little impact in theaters and with audiences since it seemed like almost no one bothered to watch the latest film in the long running franchise.  I was curious about the film upon it’s release but even I didn’t bother seeing this film in theaters (I can only see so many films at the multiplex).  Now that it is out on home video, I finally got a chance to check out this film and I had several thoughts after finishing this film.

    The film follows John Shaft’s son JJ as he is informed that one of his childhood friend’s overdosed and died in Harlem.  Knowing that his friend was clean, he travels to Harlem to figure out what really happened to his friend.  Once arriving in Harlem, he quickly realizes he needs help in investigating the possible murder so he ends up turning to his father for help.  The pair clash over style and culture but work together to get to the bottom of what is going on.  Over the course of the investigation, the two learn to accept and appreciate each other and the pair realize that family comes first.

    Now, the original “Shaft” film was historical and one of the most successful blaxploitation films ever made.  It was also a good movie which even now stands the test of time.  This film will not be remembered anywhere near as fondly primarily because it turns the franchise into a bit of a farce.  I don’t mind a good action comedy one bit and this film has enjoyable elements, unfortunately those elements come at the expense of the legacy of the franchise.

    This is the fifth theatrically released “Shaft” film (there were also a number of made for television films) and the second soft reboot.  I do appreciate the fact that none of the “Shaft” reboots negate previous films and that makes “Shaft” one of the longest running action franchises still going.  Other remakes could learn a lesson from this franchise.

    Now for the film itself, it unfortunately fails in many aspects.  Samuel L. Jackson once again returns as John Shaft after nineteen years but plays the role a lot less seriously than he previously did (which is on par with the less serious overall tone of the film).  Jackson does seem to have fun to his credit.  Jessie T. Usher is enjoyable as Shaft’s son JJ and has good chemistry with Jackson.  The highlight of the film is Richard Roundtree’s small cameo as the original John Shaft and JJ’s grandfather (this retcon from Shaft’s uncle to father is acknowledged in this film).

    Much of the humor of this film falls flat as it tries for edgy non politically correct comedy that just doesn’t stick the landing and comes off as crude.  It probably doesn’t help that a lot of the film’s style and references are a bit outdated at this point.  This film actually ended up being released directly to Netflix outside the United States and it is easy to see why.

    “Shaft” is an overly formulaic film that is very rough around the edges and lacks charm.  It certainly isn’t the worst film I have ever seen, but Samuel L. Jackson typically brings more to the table and this film is easily the weakest in the “Shaft” franchise to date.

Grade: D+