Originally this was going to be titled “3 reasons why Shaft (2019) Sucks” like I did for a previous Samuel L. Jackson movie “The Hitman’s bodyguard” (and other films like “All Eyez on me") but the problem is, the new shaft film doesn’t suck. It’s just not “Shaft”. So instead of saying the film sucks, let’s point out why this film isn’t considered a Shaft film (to me at least). This film is the fifth film in the Shaft film series and a sequel to the 2000 film with the same title, although way more comedic in tone. Unlike its previous film, which was distributed by Paramount Pictures, this film is produced by New Line Cinema & Netflix (who already have it streaming overseas) and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, who own the first three features and the TV series due to its acquisition of the pre-1986 MGM library when it absorbed Turner Entertainment through the Time Warner formation in 1996.
On February 18, 2015, it was announced that New Line Cinema had acquired the rights to Shaft, based on the famous detective character, John Shaft, and would develop a new film within the series along with producer John Davis of Davis Entertainment. On July 28, 2015, it was reported that Kenya Barris and Alex Barnow would be writing the script for the new film, which would also be produced by Ira Napoliello. On January 20, 2017, the studio hired Tim Story to direct the film. On August 18, 2017, Jessie Usher was cast to play the lead role as the son of Samuel L. Jackson's John Shaft II from the 2000 film, while Richard Roundtree and Jackson would reprise their roles from the previous films and in October 2017, Netflix signed a deal with New Line Cinema to cover more than half of the film's $30 million budget in exchange for the rights, which allowed Netflix to release the film on its platform outside of the United States two weeks after the theatrical release in the U.S. Filming began in February 2018. It was reported that the film already wrapped up production in the early part of the year but the cast went back to re-shoot some scenes in Atlanta (which is why Harlem doesn’t look like Harlem in this film) in August 2018. They should of reshot this whole movie because it’s soo inconsistent with the rest of the franchise (films, tv show, comics, the shaft theme song), that this film feels more like a reboot than a sequel to the classic film and it’s modern sequel in 2001. Here are a few reasons why I feel like that.
1)Shaft was not a fuck fest!
Rewatch 2001’s Shaft. How many times did Samuel L. Jackson said the word “motherfucker”? 13 times. In total. In the new film, within the first 5 minutes, not only did they surpass the number.. everyone is screaming “fuck”, “motherfucker”, etc. The franchise always been rated R and it’s basically have become Samuel’s thing to say fuck a lot in his films but I feel like this film took it a bit too far! When Samuel used to say motherfucker in his films, it was like poetry. This film on the other hand is mumble rap. I don’t mind cursing in film but shaft isn’t Samuel L Jackson. Samuel may play Shaft but shaft isn’t Samuel. I felt like I was watching a Wayan’s brother parody of Shaft. Like a “low down dirty shame part 2”. Speaking of comedy, that brings me to my next point.
2)Shaft ISN'T a comedy!
The original films are neo-noir action crime movies with the 2001 version kinda going the thriller route. This new film however is a generic action comedy (think of films like “Ride along”). Shaft and the rest of the cast are cracking jokes every 5 minutes. Everyone is a comedian! You can have funny moments without making the whole film a comedy. Look back at the last shaft. Scenes like Busta Rhymes talking to the press when he’s supposed to be driving off in the limo or the fat guy eating donuts who’s wants to become a cop, the last film had a perfect balance of drama, suspense and comedy. This new film only kept the comedy.
3)Romantic subplot
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By October 2016, discussions had begun for a sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming, with a release date given to the film before the end of the year. Holland was confirmed to return in July 2017, with Watts and the writers also confirmed to return by the end of that year. In 2018, Jackson and Gyllenhaal joined the cast as Fury and Mysterio, respectively. Holland revealed the sequel's title ahead of filming, which began in July 2018 and took place in England, the Czech Republic, Italy, and the New York metropolitan area. Production wrapped in October 2018. The film's marketing campaign attempted to avoid revealing spoilers for Avengers: Endgame prior to its April 2019 release. Spider-Man: Far From Home premiered in Hollywood on June 26, 2019, and was theatrically released in the United States on July 2, 2019, in 3D and IMAX. The film was positively reviewed, with critics calling it a "fun and satisfying sequel" and praised the performances of the cast, particularly Holland and Gyllenhaal. It has grossed $110 million worldwide. The movie has only been out in New York for 2 hours and it’s already making millions. This is actually the first time I ever seen a movie released on a Monday. It’s a work night! I got to be at work in 9 hours but I had to see the latest spider man adventure before going to bed.
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I really enjoyed this film. I could go ahead with the cliche “the actors did a great job”, “the visual effects were amazing”, bla bla bla.. but what really amazed me is how emotionally invested I was in the film knowing who the villain was before Peter Parker/Spider-Man did. Any fan of the comics or TV shows know who the villain of this film is, even though the trailer tries to misdirect you but even though you know who the villain is, you’re at the edge of the seat screaming at Peter to stop what he’s doing (but of course he can’t hear you). I literally punched a wall watching Peter doing something really stupid in the second act (I don’t want to spoil it for you). Now my only complaint is that this film villain storyline feels a bit copied from “The incredibles” but they do make it work, connecting the film to Avengers: Infinity War/End Game and goes back all the way to Iron man 1 and 3 (and even “Captain Marvel” if you stay for the end credits). This film is a perfect epilogue to the long ass book that was the MCU.
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Defiantly a must see for any marvel or Spiderman fan. If you haven’t seen any Spiderman films, you can enjoy it but this film is really fan service. Fan service for the ones who love the Mysterio character, those who want to see Peter tell MJ how he really feels, how soon does she find out that he’s Spiderman (Look at the old films with Tobey McGuire and see how long it took MJ to find out before and you’ll get your answer), does he every accepts the responsibility that comes with his great power? Funny enough its the same stuff over and over again if you read the comics and watch the show, just told in a different medium but hey, I love it. 10 out of 10.
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