Watch Shaft
- R
- 2019
- 1 hr 51 min
-
6.4 (58,368)
The movie Shaft from 2019 is a sequel to the original 1971 film of the same name, continuing the story of the iconic private detective John Shaft, now played by Samuel L. Jackson. The film also introduces a new generation of Shaft, in the form of John's estranged son, JJ, portrayed by Jessie T. Usher, and the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree, who makes an appearance as John's father.
The plot of the movie centers around JJ, a data analyst for the FBI, who turns to his father for help in solving a murder case after his best friend dies under mysterious circumstances. John is initially reluctant to get involved, but when he realizes that his son's life is in danger, he decides to use his street smarts and detective skills to help JJ solve the case. Along the way, father and son must navigate the dangerous underworld of Harlem, dodging bullets, and outsmarting cunning villains, to uncover the truth behind the murder.
As expected, Samuel L. Jackson brings his trademark intensity and charisma to the role of John Shaft. He exudes confidence and swagger, effortlessly delivering snappy one-liners and witty comebacks. Jessie T. Usher, meanwhile, plays the role of JJ as a more nerdy and awkward character who is still coming to terms with his family's legacy. There is an interesting dynamic between the two characters, with John pushing JJ out of his comfort zone and JJ bringing a more modern perspective to the investigation.
The film also features some notable supporting performances, including Alexandra Shipp as a no-nonsense bartender who aids John and JJ in their search, and Regina Hall as Maya, John's ex-girlfriend and JJ's mother. Richard Roundtree, the original Shaft, makes a brief appearance, adding some nostalgic weight to the film.
One of the film's strengths is its action sequences. Director Tim Story, known for his work on the Fantastic Four films, injects a lot of energy into each scene, whether it's a car chase, a shootout, or a fistfight. The film doesn't shy away from violence, but it always feels grounded in the reality of the situation. The action is also complemented by a funky, upbeat soundtrack that pays homage to the original Shaft films.
Another aspect of the film that stands out is its humor. The script, written by Kenya Barris and Alex Barnow, balances the serious crime drama elements with plenty of comedic moments. Most of the humor comes from the banter between John and JJ, with John often poking fun at his son's more uptight demeanor.
Overall, Shaft is an enjoyable action-comedy that offers a fresh take on the classic detective character. While it doesn't quite match the grittiness and social commentary of the original film, it still manages to entertain with its charismatic performances and well-executed action scenes. Whether you're a fan of the original Shaft films or just looking for an entertaining popcorn flick, this movie is definitely worth a watch.
Shaft is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 40.