Staring Sam L Jackson as the new John Shaft, this modern take on a classic 1971 tv series is witty and charming. Although the narrative is neither here nor there the acting and casting is perfect and I had a good time whilst watching. This film is nostalgic and brings a lot of fun references from the original. Here’s a breakdown of the narrative: John Shaft Jr may be an FBI cyber security expert, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend's untimely death, he needs an education that only his dad can provide. Absent throughout his childhood, the legendary John Shaft agrees to help his son navigate the heroin-infested underbelly of Harlem, New York. Besides, the locked and loaded Shaft has his own scores to settle, both professional and personal.
Essentially, this is a cop movie, it’s crude and rude at times but that’s just the way Sam L Jackson is and he brings a lot to the table. Jessie Usher plays Shaft’s son and he is a stand out, he really holds his own and brings a lot of humour to the role. In a nut shell, this movie is very simple and relies on the fact it’s built on an already mainstream, recognisable name. Shift is known by a lot of audiences and I don’t think this movie is better than the 70s series but it does reinvent the image of Shaft and brings him into this century, it’s a silly, fun and easy movie to watch with the family.
Comments