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In the ‘70s, a tough private detective named John Shaft defended the streets of Harlem while seducing its ladies. Times have changed—and now there’s a new Shaft in the city. Instead of a gun, he works with a laptop. But in Shaft, the youngest member of the infamous family finds himself in need of backup.
Shaft stars Jessie T. Usher as John “J.J.” Shaft Jr., a straight-laced young data analyst for the FBI. When his best friend’s death is written off as just another overdose in the wrong neighborhood, J.J. sets out to prove that his friend was killed. He quickly discovers that he’s in over his head—and when things get dangerous, he realizes that he’ll need help from his estranged dad (Samuel L. Jackson). In order to work with his gun-toting, womanizing father, though, he’ll also have to face his deep-seated feelings of betrayal toward the man who abandoned him as a child.
Things have definitely changed since Richard Roundtree first starred as the hard-hitting, womanizing detective in the ‘70s. Technology has changed. Society has changed. And this millennial Shaft brings a completely different perspective on crime fighting and women. But don’t worry; this isn’t a weak and whiny reboot (though Usher’s awkward and generally clueless J.J. may sometimes seem that way). Though the new generation gives it an updated twist or two, it’s still irreverent and violent and a little bit old school. And that’s what makes it entertaining.
What really makes it entertaining, though, is Sam Jackson. He’s at his best when he doesn’t hold back—and he holds absolutely nothing back here. He shouts and shoots and curses (to the point that you might need to go to a safe, comfortable place after watching it, where you can get all of that shouting and cursing out of your system without offending anyone). And he does it with such charisma that you can’t help but laugh and enjoy every over-the-top scene.
The problem, however, is that the film needs Jackson. Whenever he isn’t in a scene, it’s just not much fun. That’s when you’ll notice how complex the story is, how awkward the writing is, how uncomfortable the performances are. And you’ll spend those scenes biding your time, waiting for him to return to make things fun again.
If you love Sam Jackson for his sheer Sam-Jackson-ness, you’ll definitely love him here. Sadly, though, the new Shaft doesn’t live up to the old—and his scenes feel more like placeholders than a smooth transition for a new generation of crime fighter.
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