Shaft (2019)

Another movie savaged by the critics, Shaft probably represented a confusing bag for the average viewer. On one hand, it holds the semblance of a sequel to the 2000 version with Samuel L. Jackson. That movie was a mostly serious venture directed by John Singleton who's first film was Boyz n the Hood.

Of course, he's also responsible for 2 Fast 2 Furious but for the most part, his work exists as a far more serious set of ventures. Which is probably why this new film made the critics go berserk because the 2019 film is not remotely serious. In fact, I'd put it just below a Will Ferrell type of comedy as far as jokes go...but more violent.

Tim Story took the reins as director. He's known for things like Barbershop, Ride Along 2, and oddly, the two Fantastic Four movies with Chris Evans (both of which I liked). When looking through the body of his work, we can assume Shaft will be a comedy first and foremost and on that note, this film delivers ten times out of ten (Shaft 2000 reference, sorry).

This movie starts with Shaft having a fight with the mother of his child. A shootout occurs. The Shaft family is divided with his son growing up in a privileged lifestyle while Shaft remains in New York doing his thing. The ultimate goal of this movie is to prove that as different as they are, they really aren't that different at heart (I think).

There's a lot of action, far too many one liners and asides to count, and Richard Roundtree being fabulous. (Amusingly, he's only 6 years older than Samuel L Jackson but plays his father.) The key to the story of course is checking out the generation gap, how different the two characters approach the obstacles and how they ultimately overcome them.

The story itself isn't complex. It won't change your life. You need to go in wondering how out of control Sam Jackson will be and if you're not offended easily, you'll have a good time. The first movie wasn't changing lives, but it had a far more serious message. This one is about a father and son connecting...and we've seen this done better in plenty of other movies.

Certainly not with as much profanity though.

One thing I'll reveal is that from the preview, I thought Shaft's son would be kind of a buffoon, mostly useless. That was not the case. He was actually amazing, but he's not as physical of a character as the other two. That might help you to make a decision on whether you want to see it or not.

I was entertained by Shaft. It was funny and inappropriate. That worked for me.

Rating: 3 out of 5