Shaft (2000)

Samuel L. Jackson makes a gleefully updated John Shaft in John Singleton's homage to (not remake of) the early '70s action classic, picking up where Richard Roundtree's legendary Shaft left off. The Manhattan-set film is highlighted by excellent performances, dynamic action scenes, and witty one-liners (Jackson's Shaft: "It's my duty to please the booty"--although the line's deceptive: there's a surprising lack of sex in the film). Unfortunately, it's offset by a surprisingly uninspired, predictable, one-dimensional story, penned by Singleton, Richard Price, and Shane Salerno. The story, in which Shaft investigates the murder of a young African American, is without suspense, since from the start the audience knows that rich white boy Walter Wade (Christian Bale) did the deed, and that Shaft is going to kick his ass, big time. That said, charismatic performances--from Jackson (who, in keeping with the times, is more volatile and fiery than his predecessor), Toni Collette (as a frightened witness), the villainous Bale, and the utterly amazing Jeffrey Wright (Basquiat)--make the film enticing and watchable. Look for a cameo by the original Shaft's director, the legendary Gordon Parks, and fans of the original should note that a still stunningly handsome Roundtree briefly appears as Jackson's uncle. --N.F. Mendoza Amazon.com

It's worth watching once to satisfy your curiosity. That's it.

It's worth watching once to satisfy your curiosity. That's it.

There's no suspense, nothing new, nothing interesting in this movie. Samuel Jackson could not save it.

August 8, 2007

GOOD MOVIE

This was an entertaining movie, which is more than I can say for some other movies that get rave reviews. I guess everyone sees things differently, therefore, form different opinions. Compared to Shaft of the past, this one doesn't stack up, but I don't think the intent was to compare.

Answer to L. Gontzes comment...I would assume the reason for there not being a nude scene with the lovely (not so lovely in this film) Vanessa Williams would have something to do with the fact that she was very much pregnant during filming! notice they tried not to shoot any shots of her from the waist down?

N-E-Wayz...this film had several different elements to appeal to a diverse audiences. I would recommend to others.

This is the second posting of my review. My first review was accidently given **. I deleted and reposted, in order to keep the low rating from affecting the overall average........
October 15, 2006

good movie

This movie has a lot of meaning behind it. The actors put on a really good show. Movie is lacking special effects but that does not hurt the quality in any way. Story keeps on unfolding in unexpected ways.

June 3, 2006

Could have been so much better!

I have to say that I am not familiar with any of the old Shaft episodes, or had had any other contact with the character apart from this movie so I cannot make any comparisons to other sources, nor can I take part in discussing the technicalities and the specifics like other reviewers have. Therefore, coming from someone that did not "know" of Shaft prior to the film I have to say... that I was rather disappointed!
The acting is about average with the exception of Samuel Jackson who carries out his performance very well (as always), and Jeffrey Wright who really steals the show as Basquiat, the gangster.
Regarding the plot, it is weak; the chances that the character, Walter Wade Jr., would provoke and then deliver as he does are way beyond "slim!" The desperate need to demonize what W.W. Jr. represents gets tiring after the first 1000 or so movies! Enough is enough! The same applies for main characters with "chips on their shoulders!" Let's move on please!
As for having Vanessa Williams (who is GORGEOUS!) play in this film and not have a single nude scene (in this R Rated movie!) with her is such a WASTE!
Though the potential for a great movie was definitely there it fails to take off. A shame really... No masterpiece here.
March 24, 2006

Horrible Remake. Samuel Jackson is too old to play Shaft

What was John Singleton thinking. I know he produces good films but this is far worse. The Shaft from the 70s was sexier, cooler, more aggressive, and classer than Jackson. This was a watered down verison where Parks and Roundtree made cameos. It's almost to the point they take the blackness out of the character. No love making and ect. Don't even waist your time! If you want to see it, check it out on cable tv or something. Save your money! February 25, 2006

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