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Busta Rhymes, Christian Bale, Dan Hedaya

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 of...( read more  read more... )f. 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

Flixster Users

48% liked it

58,217 ratings

Critics

68% liked it

110 critics

R, 127 min.

Directed by: John Singleton

Release Date: June 16, 2000

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DVD Release Date: December 12, 2000

Stats: 1,653 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,653)

  • stopitgoaway
    October 17, 2009
    stopitgoaway
    An enjoyable but nevertheless quite silly and average remake of the classic television show has the new John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) beating up a white racist (Christian Bale) and getting booted off of the police force. Everyone in this film is a racist - primarily the whites -...( read more) and this whole idea is way too forced. The language and violence is rough, yet the film itself is quite goofy, with not many good scenes and only a few mediocre action sequences. The moral is somewhat depressing: if someone wrongs you, or someone of your race, then beat them up and kill them once they reappear. Richard Roundtree's cameo helps a bit, but regardless, this SHAFT is still only "good" at best.
  • SirPant
    September 25, 2009
    SirPant
    Not really a remake, more a revamp on the name. Jackson was the man for the job but this isn?t a touch on the original. I liked it though and Richard Roundtree gave it his blessing!
  • JDFortuneFan
    July 19, 2009
    JDFortuneFan
    Three stars is probably too generous, but I did enjoy Jeffrey Wright, Christian Bale and Busta Rhymes. The film plays like a TV detective show from the 1970's and Jackson fits the character of John Shaft.
  • puffchunk
    September 24, 2007
    puffchunk
    Okay, nothing special
  • thmtsang
    July 14, 2007
    thmtsang
    Love the music and Samuel is so cool.
  • ythelastman89
    November 20, 2009
    ythelastman89
    A fun homage to black sploitation films of the 70s. Samuel L. Jackson did a great job and fit the role of John Shaft perfectly. Christian Bale was also quite good as a slimy over privileged villain.
  • rosemoore9
    September 30, 2009
    rosemoore9
    watch dis film over-over..so g8t..
  • ruthssantana32
    September 23, 2009
    ruthssantana32
    ohhh man this movie was too much for me... I really did enjoy it... recommented!!!
  • myfavchords
    September 20, 2009
    myfavchords
    Although this movie isn't perfect I still enjoyed it a lot. It is not as good as the original but I think Samuel L. Jackson does a good job in the lead role. If you are looking for something not to serious then check this movie out.
  • ahhh1989
    September 20, 2009
    ahhh1989
    Not as good as the original. Kinda fun though.

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Critic Reviews

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Is this a good movie? Not exactly; too much of it is on automatic pilot, as it must be, to satisfy the fans of the original Shaft. full review

January 1, 2000
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

The surprise is that the movie doesn't just rely on Jackson. Shaft has everything. full review

View more Shaft reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments

  • carlyworld
    November 19, 2007
    carlyworld
    just damn crazy `bout the action der
  • studdmufin04
    November 7, 2007
    studdmufin04
    There is some aaaasss kicking goin on in that movie.
  • heinegin
    May 16, 2007
    heinegin
    I love the attitude in SHAFT it was amazing...sooooooo uuuuhhhh!lol
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Shaft Trivia

  • Who was originally going to play Shaft but ended up being replaced by Richard Roundtree?  Answer »
  • Who played Shaft in the remake?  Answer »
  • In Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope, the rebels found a weakness in the deathstar, an exhaust shaft that was...  Answer »
  • What Oscar did the original "Shaft" (1971) win?  Answer »
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