Opened: June 16, 2000

Directed by: John Singleton

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa Williams, Jeffrey Wright, Christian Bale, Mekhi Phifer, Busta Rhymes, Dan Hedaya, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Josef Sommer, Lynne Thigpen, Toni Collette, Philip Bosco, Pat Hingle, Lee Tergesen, Daniel von Bargen, Francisco Taveras, Sonja Sohn, Peter McRobbie, Elizabeth Banks & Richard Roundtree

With the issue of rich white men being able to avoid jail time after committing heinous acts against minorities, the central story of Shaft continues to ring true as a societal problem today.

Trey Howard (Mekhi Phifer) is murdered by Walter Wade, Jr. (Christian Bale). The only witness – Diane Palmieri (Toni Collette) – flees after identifying Walter to Detective John Shaft (Samuel L. Jackson). When Walter goes free, Shaft makes it his mission to bring him to justice.

There are many characters in this film with storylines intersecting, so you must pay attention to what’s happening. The writing is great with fantastic action scenes and thrilling chases.

Jackson is perfect as Shaft. Not only does is he a great foul-mouthed action lead, but he has the swagger to carry the character.

Final say: Just wish this wasn’t a problem today. ★★★★☆