Shaft
JJ, aka John Shaft Jr., may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, he needs an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly.
Critics Sentiment
Shaft introduces JJ to grandfather John Shaft Sr
Maya divorces Shaft and raises JJ alone upstate
The film's biggest jump occurs when Richard Roundtree appears as Grandfather Shaft, elevating the score from 6.8 to 8.5 as critics universally celebrated his charismatic presence.
Shaft received mixed to positive reception, with critics consistently praising Samuel L. Jackson's performance and especially Richard Roundtree's scene-stealing return, while criticizing the thin plot and Jessie Usher's weak lead performance. The film succeeds primarily as politically incorrect generational comedy rather than as action thriller, with most reviewers finding the shootouts routine but the banter entertaining. Despite its flaws, the nostalgic appeal of seeing three generations of Shafts together provided enough charm to keep the film above average.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 48
Samuel L. Jackson
John Shaft
Jessie T. Usher
JJ Shaft
Regina Hall
Maya Babanikos
Alexandra Shipp
Sasha Arias
Richard Roundtree
John Shaft, Sr.
Jordan Preston Carter
Young JJ
Nyah Marie Johnson
Young Sasha
Matt Lauria
Major Gary Cutworth
Titus Welliver
Special Agent Vietti
Method Man
Freddie P.
Isaach de Bankolé
Pierro 'Gordito' Carrera
Avan Jogia
Karim Hassan
Joey Mekyten
Young Karim
Luna Lauren Vélez
Bennie Rodriguez
Robbie Jones
Sergeant Keith Williams
Aaron Dominguez
Staff Sergeant Eddie Dominguez
Leland L. Jones
Ron
Chivonne Michelle
Baby
Tashiana Washington
Sugar
Adrienne C. Moore
Ms. Pepper
Crew
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