Christian Bale Movie:

Editorial Review:
Samuel L. Jackson makes a gleefully updated John Shaft in John Singleton's homage to (not remake of) the early '70s action classic, picking up where Richard Roundtree's legendary Shaft left off. The Manhattan-set film is highlighted by excellent performances, dynamic action scenes, and witty one-liners (Jackson's Shaft: "It's my duty to please the booty"--although the line's deceptive: there's a surprising lack of sex in the film). Unfortunately, it's offset by a surprisingly uninspired, predictable, one-dimensional story, penned by Singleton, Richard Price, and Shane Salerno. The story, in which Shaft investigates the murder of a young African American, is without suspense, since from the start the audience knows that rich white boy Walter Wade (Christian Bale) did the deed, and that Shaft is going to kick his ass, big time. That said, charismatic performances--from Jackson (who, in keeping with the times, is more volatile and fiery than his predecessor), Toni Collette (as a frightened witness), the villainous Bale, and the utterly amazing Jeffrey Wright (Basquiat)--make the film enticing and watchable. Look for a cameo by the original Shaft's director, the legendary Gordon Parks, and fans of the original should note that a still stunningly handsome Roundtree briefly appears as Jackson's uncle. --N.F. Mendoza

Shaft [Region 2] Reviews:
Action action action
2009-10-31 - It is hard to follow all the piff-puffs on a way of Afro-American policeman bringing to punishment a white play-boy rich murderer but a final short victim's mother did taking a justice in her hands.

A speedy, sexy, leader-clad, money-thirsty and action-packed story occurs Only in America-in the Big Apple of which some glimpses add an aesthetic pleasure to viewing this above-law tale.


Awesome Movie
2009-10-15 - Samuel l Jackson kicks ass in this action pack movie. Shaft is a awesome movie. it's a must see

Great flick
2009-07-15 - Shaft

Great Movie...my husband loves it and I bought it for him for Father's Day. He was so excited. I love Samuel Jackson in this film...he such a tough guy.

COLORFUL PERFORMANCES MAKE THIS OVER THE TOP FILM FUN!
2009-07-08 - I didn't know what to expect from this remake of the 70's film of the same name, but fun performances by Jackson, Bale and Wright make this film very entertaining!

I haven't seen the original film is a very long time, so it's hard for me to compare the two films. The remake is a slick, fast paced "cops and robbers" action film that is sure to please fans of the genre. Sure some situations are contrived to say the least, but that doesn't keep Shaft from delivering the goods!


Samuel L stars as a remodeled "Shaft"
2009-05-16 - I know some people have complained that this newly revised version of "Shaft" has taken the soul or sexuality of the original and replaced it with other ingredients. Regardless, John Singleton, perhaps one of the better Black directors does deliver here as he did in "Four Brothers", an urban western thanks to a fine screenplay by Richard Price (The Warriors, The Color of Money). Jackson is right on target as the nephew of the famous P.I. and he's ably supported by a cast which includes Christian Bale (fresh from American Psycho), the lovely Vanessa Williams and an excellent Jeffrey Wright as a vicious Latino kingpin. The plot is secondary to the tart dialogue and violent action but this "Shaft" is for new millenium not the '70s like the original was.