Warner Bros. Pictures
When Shaft was released in theaters in June of 2019, it marked the fifth film in the Shaft film series. The franchise started back in 1971 with John Shaft (Richard Roundtree), a classy African American detective who solves local crime. Richard Roundtree had three films that focused on his character: Shaft, Shaft’s Big Score, and Shaft in Africa. Samuel L. Jackson ended up playing John Shaft II, the nephew of John Shaft in the 2000 film, Shaft. Warner Brothers sent me the Blu-rays for Shaft’s Big Score, Shaft in Africa, and the newest film, Shaft. I’m going to provide a review of all five films as well as give a Blu-ray review for each film I received. So, lets journey through the Shaft film series.
Shaft (1971) Film Review
I watched Shaft for the first time over the summer. I wanted to prepare myself for the new film, since I didn’t know much about the series. Shaft is considered to be an important film that started the genre ‘blaxploitation’ in which a strong black man was in a heroic role. The film focused on John Shaft fighting a crime mobster named Bumpy but eventually the two put aside their differences to help find Bumpy’s daughter. The thing I found most entertaining about Shaft is Richard Roundtree’s performance as John Shaft. He is a cool guy who knows his way about New York City and has a way with the ladies. Not only is Shaft a character that you can root for, you can feel the importance of his mission. It was fun to watch Shaft navigate through New York City and watching his confidence spew on screen but having him help Bumpy to find his daughter felt urgent. That urgency gave the viewers a thrilling ending mixed with a cool vibe that Roundtree provided. It started off the Shaft franchise in a great way.
Shaft’s Big Score (1972) Film Review
Released less than a year after Shaft, Shaft’s Big Score had a much bigger budget to work with which led to the sequel feeling much more action-packed than the first film. Shaft’s Big Score took a different route for the character, despite Richard Roundtree, director Gordon Parks, and original author Ernest Tidyman all returning. This film feels more like a spy-thriller than the first film. The story feels a bit convoluted even though it ups the action. Most sequels feel like this. They tend to try and be bigger than the first one but lack a stronger story. Shaft’s Big Score is a perfect example of a bigger movie, but the story makes the movie fall short of the first one.
Shaft’s Big Score Blu-ray Review
The Blu-ray release for Shaft’s Big Score from Warner Archive Collection looks great for a film released in 1972. The transfer from this film looks stunning with a 2K scan. The daytime scenes pop and are brightly lit but unfortunately some of the darker scenes that take place at night aren’t as detailed as the daytime scenes and it makes it harder to see at times. I’ve always been impressed with how Warner Archive Collection handles their releases, but I was highly impressed with this release since it was the first time I saw this film. The audio is great as well with the dialogue heard fine and music throughout sounds clear. Unfortunately, the only special features included on this release is the theatrical trailer.
Shaft in Africa (1973) Film Review
Shaft in Africa is by far my least favorite film out of all five films. The idea to take Shaft out of his element into a new location didn’t work for me. What made the previous two films work is the environment Shaft was in. He felt comfortable in New York, he knew his surroundings, and he was able to use his connections to his advantage. At times, this doesn’t even feel like a Shaft film. Shaft in Africa brought on a new director and a new cast. I understand that this movie was trying to stand out from the other films by offering something new, but I didn’t find much entertainment in the movie. Much like the second film, the movie tried to do too much with its storyline, despite it being a simple idea. Richard Roundtree is good once again as the title character but taking him out of his environment made his performance less memorable than the previous entries.
Shaft in Africa Blu-ray Review
Much like Shaft’s Big Score, Shaft in Africa looks great on Blu-ray. There are many outdoor scenes in Ethiopia that look stunning. Many details throughout the film, including indoors and outdoors, are treated nicely. As much I didn’t care for the story for Shaft in Africa, the film is pleasant to look at. The new locations are filmed nicely and offer something different to look at. The audio is also good, just like the previous release. The dialogue is clear and the audio from the outdoors gives the film a more open sound. Just like Shaft’s Big Score, the only special features is a theatrical trailer. I would have liked to see a little more.
Shaft (2000) Film Review
This was the first Shaft film I saw, and it is the first one to star Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson is the perfect actor to continue the Shaft storyline. Jackson is just as smooth and resourceful as Richard Roundtree was for three films. This filmed managed to balance a good crime storyline as well as some comedic moments. Samuel L. Jackson is known for quick wit and he sets himself apart from Richard Roundtree but still showcases similar characteristics. Much like the previous Shaft films, Jackson is very determined to solve a case that involves a son of a real estate tycoon who committed a crime and wasn’t brought to justice. Walter Wade Jr. is played by Christian Bale and Bale gives a slimy performance that you can’t help but enjoy. Shaft offered a different tone from the previous three films but managed to remember what made those films work.
Shaft (2019) Film Review
We finally get to the most recent Shaft film, simply titled Shaft for the third time. This film offers three generations of Shafts. Richard Roundtree returns as John Shaft, Samuel L. Jackson continues his role as John Shaft from the 2000 film, and Jessie T. Usher plays John Shaft Jr. This family isn’t the best at naming! Tim Story directs this continuation of the Shaft franchise. I like his previous directed film likes Ride Along and Taxi. Story is great at creating relationships amongst the actors in his movies and creating a fun atmosphere. Shaft is a fun film. Samuel L. Jackson’s performance feels like his 2000 role, which a great part of the movie. Roundtree appears in the third act of the film for an action-packed finale. Jessie T. Usher is fine as John Shaft Jr. He is much different than his dad and uncle, who are out in the streets solving crimes and Shaft Jr. who serves as a cyber security expert. Shaft has enough action and humor to make this film feel new and familiar.
Shaft Blu-ray Review
The video quality for the Shaft release is clear and is presented with nice colors. This looks better than the other releases because of the equipment available today. There are many locations that feel like Shaft (1971) and Shaft (2000) that are filmed nicely. There are plenty city shots of New York that are always pleasant to watch. The vibrant outfits that all three Shaft family members wear are well colored as well. The audio quality is great as well with plenty of action scenes loud enough to enjoy. The music choice for Shaft amps up the action sequences throughout. Everything from the dialogue to the smooth music sounds crisp.
Shaft is packed with special features for fans of the first three films and new fans to enjoy as well.
- Can You Dig It? The Making of Shaft (10:36) – This is a behind the scenes feature that has director Tim Story, all three Shafts, writer Kenya Barris, and Regina Hall talk about making the film and what it was like working together.
- A Complicated Man: The Shaft Legacy (44:12) – This is the special feature for fans of all Shaft films. Richard Roundtree provides memories of his time working on the first three Shaft films. There is a lot of footage of the first three films throughout this three-part documentary. There are also several interviews throughout that focus on the character of Shaft, his impact on cinema, and so much more.
- Deleted Scenes (2:54) – There are about five deleted scenes that offer new scenes with them mostly focusing on John Shaft Jr. They are entertaining enough but lack the value of scenes from the movie.
- Gag Reel (4:53) – Simply put, gag reels are always funny!
Shaft is a fun series that has had its ups and downs. The franchise has spanned almost 50 years and has produced five films and a short-lived TV show. The first Shaft film played a huge significance in the Blaxploitation genre. One thing that remains throughout all five films is the smooth talking from the Shaft family members.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment & Warner Archive generously provided Hotchka with a Blu-ray versions of the films for reviewing purposes.
Share this post
