Shaft is an action-packed movie that features three generations of the Shaft family, a detective family with a long line of justice served in their blood. Directed by Tim Story and produced by Davis Entertainment, Khalabo Ink Society, New Line Cinema, and Netflix, this franchise is a sequel of the 70s blaxploitation film, also titled Shaft. The movie follows John Shaft, a former NYPD officer turned private detective, and his son, JJ Shaft, an FBI analyst, as they try to find out the truth about the mysterious death of one of JJ’s old friends, while confronting the ever-growing threat of drug lords and terrorism in Harlem.
The movie’s plot starts in 1989, when John Shaft and his wife, Maya, are targeted for assassination by a drug lord named Pierro “Gordito” Carrera. Although they survive, Maya decides to leave John and move away to protect their newborn child from the dangers of being with a detective. The story then jumps to 25 years later, where JJ has grown up, becoming an FBI analyst specializing in cybersecurity. When one of JJ’s old friends is found dead by overdose, JJ suspects foul play and starts investigating, seeking help from his estranged father, John Shaft.
Shaft follows JJ and his father as they unravel the case of Karim’s death, which leads them to confront their past and a dangerous drug lord, Gordito. Along the way, they find themselves in Harlem’s underbelly, facing drug dealers, corrupt cops, and even a terrorist organization, all while dealing with their complicated family dynamics.
One of the significant themes in the movie is the idea of familial legacy and dynasty, with Shaft as the backbone of the family’s history of justice-serving detectives. This theme is explored in the generational gap between John Shaft and his millennial son, JJ, who has to reconcile his different ideals and values of justice, which proves to be a significant challenge in solving the case.
The movie also touches on other social issues, such as drug abuse, terrorism, and, to some extent, Islamophobia. The plot revolves around a drug rehab clinic, which is, in fact, a front for a drug cartel run by Gordito. The storyline also includes a subplot about the Imam of a local mosque and his supposed involvement in a terrorist organization, which brings the FBI into the mix, creating tension and misunderstandings.
In conclusion, Shaft is an action-packed movie with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged throughout. While the exploration of generational gaps is somewhat superficial, the movie touches on crucial social issues that are still relevant today. The cast, particularly Samuel L. Jackson and Jessie T. Usher, delivers strong performances that keep the audience entertained, providing some much-needed levity to the movie’s otherwise dark themes. If you are a fan of the Shaft franchise, this movie is an excellent addition that offers new perspectives while still being faithful to the franchise’s roots.
