“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+

“Dolemite Is My Name” Movie Review

    I have to admit that I have not seen the film “Dolemite” nor have I had much of a desire to see it.  Still, I have always found Rudy Ray Moore to be a rather fascinating celebrity so when I heard there was going to be a movie based on his life, I knew I wanted to see that film.  Interestingly enough the film ended up becoming a Netflix original film even though I have a feeling it might have made a decent amount at the box office had it graced the silver screen.

    The film depicts Rudy Ray Moore’s life from just before he invented the Dolemite character to the opening of the first “Dolemite” movie.  The film opens with Rudy working at a record store and also working at a local nightclub as the establishment’s announcer.  Rudy is hungry to showcase all of his vast skills, but is constantly overlooked.  After listening to some stories of the local homeless community, Rudy creates the character of Dolemite which he debuts at the nightclub he works at (unknowingly to the own) to vast acclaim from the audience. From that moment on, Rudy sets his sights high and decides to bet on himself.

    Being a Netflix film, I really didn’t expect a great deal from this film, but the film ended up far exceeding my expectations.  “Dolemite Is My Name” is currently the best Netflix original movie I have seen this year (if not ever).  I would even go as far as to say the film is one of the best movies of the year.  Everything about the movie clicked in all the right ways and created an entertaining look at one of the most popular figures in African American entertainment.

    The film’s script is sharp and funny and paints Rudy Ray Moore as a very relatable person with big dreams.  I think it was interesting how Rudy Ray Moore was constantly pushed aside when he tried to do a more traditional act (his boss at the nightclub even told him he didn’t want his vaudeville act) and he didn’t achieve recognition until he created a foul mouthed character in Dolemite.  It’s ironic because Rudy even mentions disliking Redd Foxx early in the film because he cursed so much in his comedy act.

    The cast of the film was beyond stellar.  This was the best film Eddie Murphy has done in a long time.  Even though Eddie Murphy doesn’t resemble Rudy Ray Moore much, Murphy does manage to capture his energy and spirit.  The supporting cast is amazing as well.  Da’Vine Joy Randolph is a revelation as Lady Reed and holds her own among many other seasoned professionals.  Keegan-Michael Key is hilarious as screenwriter Jerry Jones.  It also enjoyed the glorified cameos Chris Rock and Snoop Dogg provided in the film.  To my amazement, the biggest treat in this film besides Eddie Murphy in this film is Wesley Snipes.  Wesley Snipes absolutely steals every scene he is in as D’Urville Martin.

    The film is helmed to perfection by Craig Brewer who will next helm Murphy and Snipes again in the sequel to “Coming to America”.  Brewer succeeds in his ability to both showcase the importance of the blaxploitation movement in Hollywood while still providing enough levity to poke fun at how ridiculous elements of it were.  You can’t make a movie about Rudy Ray Moore without loving his work and Brewer clearly appreciates the legend.

    So this is officially an end of an era for me, because I can now officially say I love a Netflix original movie.  I hope I can say the same about “The Irishman” when I get to see it later this month, but I believe this is the first Netflix movie of the year that is a real awards contender.  It’s really that good.

Grade: A