Shaft Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woke FBI agent teams up with his aggressively un-woke dad and granddad to solve a case involving heroin and toxic masculinity, mostly through shooting people and saying “motherf***er”.

🍿 Shaft: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Family Legacy

The film opens with a flashback to 1989 where John Shaft II, his wife Maya, and their infant son JJ survive an assassination attempt orchestrated by drug lord Pierro ‘Gordito’ Carrera. Fearing for her son’s safety, Maya leaves Shaft, raising JJ on her own, leading to JJ growing up without his father’s influence.

A Son’s Investigation

Years later, JJ, now an FBI cybersecurity expert with a degree from MIT, investigates the suspicious death of his childhood friend, Karim. Convinced it wasn’t a simple overdose, JJ seeks help from his estranged father, John Shaft II. This sets the stage for a collision of generational differences and investigative styles as they navigate Harlem’s underbelly.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Shaft and JJ’s investigation leads them through drug rehab clinics, mosques, and confrontations with local thugs. They uncover a drug smuggling ring using a veterans’ rehabilitation program as a front. As they dig deeper, they encounter resistance and assassination attempts, further confirming JJ’s suspicions about his friend’s murder.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson): The legendary and street-smart private investigator who helps his son solve a complex case.
• JJ Shaft (Jessie T. Usher): A cyber security expert and FBI agent who seeks his father’s help to investigate his best friend’s death.
• John Shaft, Sr. (Richard Roundtree): The original Shaft, who joins his son and grandson to take down the criminals.
• Maya Babanikos (Regina Hall): JJ’s mother and John Shaft’s ex-wife, concerned about the dangers of Shaft’s lifestyle.
• Sasha Arias (Alexandra Shipp): JJ’s childhood friend and crush, who aids in the investigation.
• Pierro ‘Gordito’ Carrera (Isaach De Bankolé): A drug lord and the primary antagonist, connected to the heroin-smuggling operation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Shaft II: “You can’t beat up a woman!” – Shaft retorts to his son’s assertion that he can’t beat up a woman because it’s misogynistic.
• John Shaft II: “You’re the one being misogynistic, I never even mentioned her gender! I’m an equal-opportunity ass-whooper!” – Shaft defends his actions by claiming he doesn’t discriminate when it comes to dispensing justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,360,215
• Worldwide Gross: $21,360,215

💥 Shaft Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a fun, action-packed ride, and while there were moments that made me laugh, I left feeling a bit underwhelmed. Samuel L. Jackson is always great, but the humor felt forced at times, and the storyline was pretty predictable. I loved seeing Richard Roundtree back, though! Overall, it’s an okay movie for a rainy day, but not one I’d rush to watch again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-comedy movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy buddy-cop films with a generational twist”
  • “Fans of Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree”
  • “Those looking for a politically incorrect, edgy comedy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language and profanity”
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Drug use and references”
  • “Suggestive humor and sexual content”
  • “Mature themes and adult situations”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “While some may have enjoyed ‘Shaft’, critics often found the humor crass and the plot predictable. The film struggles to balance its comedic and action elements, resulting in a viewing experience that doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of the Shaft name. Ultimately, it’s a forgettable addition to the franchise.
• BankofMarquis: “Shaft 2019 misses the mark, with a weak script and uninspired direction. While Samuel L. Jackson’s charisma shines through, even he can’t save this film from its repetitive dialogue and bland plot. It’s a disappointing sequel that fails to capture the essence of the original.

Audience Reactions

Samuel L. Jackson’s performance and comedic timing were a highlight for many viewers.: The humor, though sometimes crude, provided plenty of laughs, and the action sequences were entertaining.

Overall Consensus: Mixed reviews. Many appreciate Samuel L. Jackson’s performance and the film’s humor, but others criticize the weak script and predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “There is only a six-year age difference between Richard Roundtree (Shaft I) and Samuel L. Jackson (Shaft II). This is humorously acknowledged in the film.”
• “The copyright notice that appears when the main title comes on is MCMLXXI, which is 1971, the year the original was released. The proper 2019 notice appears in the end credits.”

🖥️ How to Watch Shaft?

Shaft (2019) is currently available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray for physical purchase. Subscription availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Shaft, you might like these similar films:

• Shaft (2000): A direct sequel featuring Samuel L. Jackson as John Shaft, continuing the crime-fighting legacy.
• Black Dynamite (2009): A blaxploitation parody with over-the-top action, humor, and a strong, charismatic black lead.
• Training Day (2001): A gritty crime drama where a young officer is partnered with a corrupt veteran, showcasing the clash of ideologies.
• Ride Along (2014): Features an action-comedy dynamic between a rookie and a seasoned cop, similar to the father-son dynamic in Shaft.

🛒 Shaft Related Products

• Shaft [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of cinematic history with the Shaft Blu-ray. Relive the action and humor in high definition, perfect for collectors and fans of the franchise.
• Shaft: Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the sounds of Shaft with the official soundtrack. Featuring classic tunes and modern beats, this album will transport you back to the streets of Harlem.
• Samuel L. Jackson Movie Poster Collection: Show your love for Samuel L. Jackson with this poster collection. Featuring iconic roles, this is the perfect piece of movie memorabilia for any fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Shaft features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme from Shaft” – performed by Isaac Hayes
• “Harlem Shuffle” – performed by James & Simms

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

He Believes in Equality🤝… – Shaft #shorts

Remember that hilarious moment from the new Shaft when he talks about equality? This short clip is a great reminder of why that movie was so funny; gotta love Samuel L. Jackson’s delivery!

Everything Wrong With Shaft (2000) In 13 Minutes Or Less

Think the 2000 Shaft was perfect? CinemaSins might change your mind! It’s a pretty funny breakdown of all the movie’s flaws (and maybe some strengths too, haha).

✨ Rate