Rating: 
Summary: A Fun , if Violent, Movie
Review: Lightweight storywise--but no more so than a modern James Bond movie--"Shaft" is nonetheless stylish and entertaining, even with some scenes of terrible violence. Samuel L. Jackson makes a worthy successor to the family legacy of being supercool, playing the same sort of urban 007 Richard Roundtree brought to life in the Shaft films of the 1970s. This time, the nephew of the original clashes with a brutal racist and a showoff drug kingpin who have joined forces to stalk the only witness to a savage murder. Director John Singleton keeps the energy constant, helped in part by Isaac Hayes' terrific theme and David Arnold's incidental music, though the occasional quick zoom gets annoying after a while. Taken as entertainment with a little social commentary, "Shaft" offers little to dislike, except, perhaps, the brief appearance by Roundtree, who also seems more mellow and unhip this time around.
Rating: 
Summary: Oops.
Review: Sure, Samuel L. Jackson was a light in a dark place, but it was too dark a place! Shaft was a lousy remake that could have been great. Samuel L. Jackson was the saving grace of the movie, but it still isn't worth watching. I was very disappointed in how poorly it was made. Christian Bale delivered a cheesy and stupid performance, Toni Collete had a flat character, Vanessa Williams had kindof a pointless role, Dan Hedaya has had much better roles (Ransom, The Hurricane), and the only thing that seemed to come out of Busta Rhymes mouth every time that he spoke was the F word. Sam Jackson had a few cool lines, and he did the best that he could have with what they gave him, but it still didn't really work. This was a cheesy action movie. Although your kids would probably feel cool saying that they watched it, it is not something that they should see. The R rating is due to strong violence, pervasive strong language, and a brief sexual encounter. It isn't worth your time. For a good Samuel L. Jackson action alternative, watch Die Hard with a Vengeance.
Rating: 
Summary: This movie is horrible
Review: Not even the acting of Christian Bale and Sam Jackson could save this horrible, poorly written, bad directed movie. The original is far superior in the fact that it was campy 70's at its best. This movie tries to be campy and serious drama at the same time. Mr. Jackson bashed this movie upon release, and should tell you something. Training day, which explorers similar racial tones is a far superior movie.
Rating: 
Summary: No way compares to the original
Review: I realize that eventhough the original Shaft was made in the 70's and was poorly produced, it's still a classic. This newer and "fresher" release was supposed to uphold that and it really didn't. I admit the action was good and the soundtrack was good buy beyond that, I really didn't think anything else of it. This movie was just way too predictable. I'd rent this one on a Saturday night before I bought it. If you're really looking for a Blaxploitation action movie, either get "Original Gangstas" or the original "Superfly" or even the original "Shaft" series.
Rating:
Summary: oh...yeah!
Review: This movie was completely off the hook! Samuel L. Jackson was as usual, smooth. He's just been getting better since his 'Gator' role in "Jungle Fever". He didn't once break out in a sweat while handing out countless 'l's [eventhough he was wearing a leather trench coat]. Busta Rhymes did a banging job portraying 'Shaft's' sidekick 'Rasaan', though I am not surprised, as many of the rap/hip-hop artists have turned out to be decent actors. It goes without saying that Richard Roundtree was a completely suave as 'Uncle John'. Vanessa also turned out a great performance as 'Carmen'. Actually, the entire cast was off the hook, however, 'Peoples' (Jeffery Wright) stole the show. I would say that he has to go down as one of my all-time fav 'bad-..., even surpassing 'Nino Brown' from "New Jack City", but not quite as good as 'Tony Montana' from "Scarface".
Rating: 
Summary: solid action flick
Review: Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa Williams, Christian Bale, Jeffery Wright, Busta Rhymes, Dan Hedaya, Toni Colleti, and Richard Roundtree star in SHAFT, an action packed remake of the the 1971 hit film. I won't give away the plot, but the movie has a lot of action towards the last 25 minutes of the movie. The acting is pretty good, as is the direction by John Singleton. Samuel L. Jackson makes it seem like he was born to play the role. The only thing that I didn't like about this movie was that it took a while to hit its stride. Instead of a much needed big shootout to open the movie, we get a very brief sex scene which better hold you off because there isn't any more action more another 75 minutes. All in all, pretty solid action flick, but it took me a while to get involved with the movie. 2000; 99 minutes; Rated R for strong violence, almost endless obscenity, brief nudity, and sexual innuendo.
Rating:
Summary: So-so action film...
Review: I've never watched the original Shaft, so I have nothing to base this remake on. It's not a very serious action film. Jeffrey Wright and Busta Rhymes providing most of the comic relief. It is interesting to note that Richard Rountree (the original shaft) and Gordon Parks (the original director) played parts in this film. After watching this film, I can say I don't mind it. I've seen a lot worse, and I've seen better. Atleast with this film, you have Samuel Jackson playing another cool, suave character. It's too bad Venessa William didn't play a more integral part to the story. I would've liked to see a better dynamism between the two. But then again Shaft has always been a lone-ranger of sorts. This is not a plot-heavy story. It's about a rich kid that murders an African American, but this crime is witnessed by a waitress who goes into hiding after being threatened. Shaft is disheartened by the inadequacy of the system and decides to investigate on his own. Like I said, not plot-heavy. LEAP rating (each out of 5):
============================
L (Language) - 3 (nothing special, except for Jeff Wright's almost incomprehensible speech)
E (Erotica) - 1 (opening sequence and a good kiss scene)
A (Action) - 3.5 (unapologetic killings)
P (Plot) - 2 (simple plot)
Rating:
Summary: Sam The Man
Review: I love this film, it may not be nothing like the orginal but it sure is action packed with alot of attitude. Sam Jackson sure is a volatile Muther (hey shut your mouth). The attitude of the charachters is what truly makes this film. Some folks may be very dissapointed if they are looking for the orginal Shaft. But for those who are open to a new story will enjoy this. One Love
Rating:
Summary: You can dig it
Review: I thought this film was a good remake but it was just a little bit of a lesser degree than the original Richard Roundtree version. Which is good and bad. Samuel L. Jackson fits Roundtree's original like a glove (Richard also appears as Sam's uncle John which clues the audience into the next generation factor rather than remake). Plot is interesting and this involves a man who killed an innocent (Christian Bale is the killer) and Shaft wants to take him doen, but he won't do it without help from a witness (Toni Collette). At times a great ride, yet like re-toolings-cum-sequels, doesn't capture the authenticity of the original. This is one of the better films of 2000 anyway.
Rating:
Summary: RICHARD ROUNDTREE IS SHAFT...
Review: BUT SAMUEL L JACKSON DOES A PASSABLE JOB IN THE TITLE ROLE. THIS IS JUST A VERY POOR ATTEMPT AT CAPITALIZING ON A GREAT BUNCH OF 70'S FILMS. I'D DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TO DIE-HARD SHAFT FANS, BUT TO THE UNINITIATED I WOULD RECOMMEND THE ORIGINALS.
|
