Shaft

Image credit: Wikipedia

As I’ve mentioned (probably) on many an occasion, streaming services are a fascinating phenomenon of this place we’re living in for a number of reasons. One, they’re a great means of being able to watch something that you may have been curious about, but not willing to fork out the money to buy and then potentially regret and have to give away or go through the hassle of reselling. And two, original content. While all that glitters is definitely not gold, some things are just nice and shiny and amusing to look at, like Netflix’s new semi-retro adventure, Shaft.

The film tells the story of young FBI data analyst JJ Shaft (Jessie T. Usher) who enlists the help of his estranged rogue detective father John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson) to help solve the case of the murder of his best friend. What begins as a simple case of who killed whom, quickly escalates into a complex web of a giant drug circle and the two Shafts, must work through their daddy-sonny issues in order to shut the whole thing down.

Basically a reluctant-buddy cop movie, a la The Other Guys, 21 Jump Street, or The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Shaft ticks all the boxes for a fun Friday night in. The story is predictable, but solid and functional, with the dynamic of the two central and conflicting characters being father and son making it just that little bit different to other films like it.

The drama and humour that takes place, while confusing at times, is a pretty spot-on reflection of society right now: social attitudes, cultural attitudes, racial conflicts, and gender political jokes all constantly coming at you so it’s hard to find a place to turn and catch a breath.

Image credit: AustinChronicle

Where the movie properly shines is in its cast chemistry. Jackson reprises his seminal role from the 1980s with this fabulous, nonchalant badassery, which plays beautifully off Usher’s nervously PC adorability. Neither character is overdone, but both stand out from the crowd and it’s quite fun to watch the two play off each other.

The nostalgia factor brought into a modern setting makes Shaft a good flick for a wider group of audiences and the film itself is a simple and fun action movie, perfect for a Friday night in on the couch with popcorn.

Director: Tim Story, 2019

Cast: Jessie T. Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Richard Roundtree, Regina Hall, Alexandra Shipp, Matt Lauria, Titus Welliver, Avan Jogia, and Luna Lauren Velez