Shaft Review

By Myla Tosatto

Even though the new Shaft movie is a “family movie” (in the sense that it is about a father and son reconnecting and teaming up), it’s not a movie you will want to take your youngish family to. That is, unless you are okay with A LOOOOOTTTTTTT of swear words. Like, so many swear words. To the point that Movie Myla (who is no stranger to salty language) was actually blushing. Also, Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) is stuck in the past and doesn’t really get being politically correct; which is on point for his character but it would be hard explaining to your kids who presumably live in modern times. Have I mentioned the violence yet? The film is violent. Not John Wick levels of violence, but violent. This is, of course, all okay. It’s rated R for a reason. I just wanted to give you a heads up. Now if the kiddos do make it to this movie, they will think it’s funny. Because it is. Just don’t come running to me when they imitate Shaft.

Whew. That was a big warning for a summer comedy! Sorry! Shut your mouth!

What will the grownups get when they go see Shaft? They will be treated to an old timey buddy comedy that wouldn’t have been out of place in the 70’s (when the original Shaft came to be) or the 80’s. John Shaft’s son, JJ (Jessie T. Usher) seeks out Shaft’s help when his best friend Karim (Avan Hassan) dies. The duo is aided by the smart and fearless Sasha (Alexandra Shipp) and ultimately John Shaft, Sr. himself (Richard Roundtree). Rounding out this comedy is the always amazing Regina Hall as Maya Babanikos.

And don’t worry- though this movie is set in modern times, Shaft still has great leather outerwear, an awesome ride and the aforementioned potty mouth. You need not to have seen the Shafts that came before this one. You should, however, be familiar with the original Theme from Shaft by Isaac Hayes (or the current rendition by The Math Club) because that song is incredible. Can ya’ dig it?

Shaft is now playing in theaters!