By Robert Yaniz Jr.

Fans of 2000’s underrated Shaft can finally rejoice.

THE HYPE

It’s not every day that a popular series gets a second shot to reboot itself. Yet, here we are with the fifth Shaft film. Nineteen years ago, director John Singleton (RIP) relaunched the series with Samuel L. Jackson as the same-named nephew of iconic blaxploitation action hero John Shaft (played by Richard Roundtree in a 1970s film trilogy and TV series), presumably with the intention of kickstarting a new franchise. Although successful, a follow-up never truly moved forward until 2015, when New Line secured the rights. But does Shaft 2019 successfully bring the titular hero into the modern era?

THE STORY

As of this writing, the film hasn’t even hit theaters, but already reviews are tearing into it for its sexism, racism, Islamophobia and homophobia. While there’s no denying that these elements are present in the film, they all revolve around Jackson’s version of Shaft, who — despite the marketing — is actually not the lead here. Instead, Jessie T. Usher takes the spotlight as John “JJ” Shaft Jr., a data analyst for the FBI who seeks out his estranged father’s help when a friend dies under mysterious circumstances. Although the film features some genuine laughs and fun action beats, it’s the story between father and son that saves it from being far more problematic, allowing this Shaft to somewhat reckon with the deep-rooted issues that lie in this franchise’s DNA.

THE CAST

Naturally, it’s no surprise that Jackson has a ball as the wholly inappropriate private detective, whose old-fashioned ways are in stark contrast to that of his son. Usher — who underwhelmed in the crushing disappointment that was Independence Day: Resurgence — is actually pretty charming here as the “wokest” of the Shafts, painting a picture of how this franchise could evolve if he stays in the forefront for subsequent films. As JJ’s mom, Regina Hall is about as perfect as ever, serving as the voice of reason in this testosterone-fueled affair. And Alexandra Shipp (who’s saddled with little to do in Dark Phoenix) demonstrates why she’s one of the most likable and versatile young stars out there. Also, those of you gearing up for more Roundtree: don’t get too excited, as he enters late in the film.

THE PRODUCTION

What’s perhaps most notable about this fifth adventure with the Shaft family is that it represents a drastic lightening in tone. Rather than playing it as a straight thriller as Singleton did, Story creates a film that feels like a blatant throwback to the action-comedies of the 1990s (which, again, explains some of the less-than-PC humor). The action scenes might not turn many heads, but the chemistry among the cast is solid enough. Moreover, Christopher Lennertz’s score pays solid homage to the series’ 1970s roots.

THE VERDICT

Coming so many years after Jackson’s initial appearance in the franchise, Shaft may appear to be a last-ditch effort to breathe new life into the franchise. Though it does feel designed to be a bonafide crowdpleaser for its intended audience (including some obvious bits of fan service), the film doesn’t necessarily make the prospect of more adventures with the Shaft family feel like a chore. If Story’s film is an effort to modernize the Shaft series for today’s moviegoers, then maybe we’ll have the chance to shut our mouths for talking about Shaft for years to come.

Shaft stars Samuel L. Jackson, Jessie T. Usher, Alexandra Shipp, Regina Hall and Richard Roundtree and is directed by Tim Story.