When delving into the revival of the iconic "Shaft" franchise with the 2019 film bearing the same name, it's clear that the movie sets out to bridge generations with a blend of old-school bravado and new-age sensibilities. The film injects life into its narrative with a mix of comedy and action that's designed to entertain. At the heart of the movie is the dynamic between the ultra-cool, eternally badass John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) and his son John “JJ” Shaft Jr. (Jessie T. Usher), with the latter bringing a tech-savvy, millennial twist to the crime-fighting saga.
The intergenerational tensions provide a fertile ground for comedy—Samuel L. Jackson delivers his lines with the kind of cheeky gravitas only he can muster. His presence in the film is like a richly flavored seasoning that makes even the most conventional scenes deliciously watchable. Jessie T. Usher's role as JJ presents an earnest foil to Jackson's over-the-top Shaft, and their chemistry is often the main vehicle for humor. It's in their banter, interplay, and eventual camaraderie that the film finds its most enjoyable moments.
Now, onto the storyline—it's a tale as old as time: a son reaching out to his estranged father for guidance. In "Shaft 2019," JJ's need for his father's old-school set of skills to solve the mystery surrounding his best friend's death takes us on a journey through Harlem's less-than-glimmering side. It's a personal quest, not just for JJ but also for the senior Shaft, who is operating with his own agenda and scores to settle. The theme of family is not new, but it is comforting and provides a steady pulse to the story's progression.
The film takes us through an array of punchlines and showdowns, all set against the gritty backdrop of Harlem's drug scene. The action scenes are peppered throughout and are choreographed to offer enough excitement without being groundbreaking. They serve as support for the film's comedic core, ensuring there's rarely a dull moment.
However, "Shaft 2019" doesn't quite ascend to the heights its makers might have hoped for. The biggest challenge here is balancing the nostalgia of the Shaft legacy with the sensibilities of modern audiences. While the film gets points for bringing freshness to the franchise, it occasionally stumbles in execution, with some jokes and scenarios feeling forced or out of touch, teetering on the edge of cliché.
Another point of contention might be the film's take on female characters, who, while present, aren't given as rich a narrative tapestry as their male counterparts. Regina Hall, who plays Shaft's ex-wife Maya Babanikos, shows sparks of fiery independence but is still relegated to the sidelines of the main narrative muscle.
In conclusion, "Shaft 2019" is an entertaining ride with enough humor to keep audiences engaged, but it isn't without its flaws. It's a film that elicits chuckles and has moments of genuine warmth and action-induced adrenaline. However, those looking for more consistency in quality or a more profound exploration of the Shaft character might find themselves wanting.
The film thus scores a comfortable 6/10. It's a cocktail of predictable and sporadically surprising elements—a movie that doesn't fully deliver a knockout punch but at least throws enough good jabs to keep you in your seat, smirking, until the credits roll.
