I enjoyed this film, and it holds up fairly well with repeated viewings.
But more importantly, this film has historical importance.
First of all, this film is drawing very heavily on Hong Kong action thrillers at a time when these were just getting attention in the US.
Secondly, compare this film very carefully with the Samuel Jackson "remake" of "Shaft", released - with enormous hype - in 2000.
I don't know why Wayans didn't sue for plagiarism. Samuel Jackson's Shaft is Shame without humor.
Unfortunately, the humor is absolutely essential to this story. For one thing, it creates a "black" identity that is capable of rising above any Hollywood appropriation of it. Shame's secretary - and real romantic interest - is a strong black woman - a character type that Hollywood has finally admitted actually exists only very recently, since about 2001.
So Samuel Jackson's Shaft gets a x-million dollars promo, and still can't come up with an interesting story (although it was nice to see Richard roundtree on the screen again).
Meanwhile, let's talk about entertainment - alright, there are some bits that don't work; but enough do to keep the film moving. I had good time; what the heck.
But more importantly, this film has historical importance.
First of all, this film is drawing very heavily on Hong Kong action thrillers at a time when these were just getting attention in the US.
Secondly, compare this film very carefully with the Samuel Jackson "remake" of "Shaft", released - with enormous hype - in 2000.
I don't know why Wayans didn't sue for plagiarism. Samuel Jackson's Shaft is Shame without humor.
Unfortunately, the humor is absolutely essential to this story. For one thing, it creates a "black" identity that is capable of rising above any Hollywood appropriation of it. Shame's secretary - and real romantic interest - is a strong black woman - a character type that Hollywood has finally admitted actually exists only very recently, since about 2001.
So Samuel Jackson's Shaft gets a x-million dollars promo, and still can't come up with an interesting story (although it was nice to see Richard roundtree on the screen again).
Meanwhile, let's talk about entertainment - alright, there are some bits that don't work; but enough do to keep the film moving. I had good time; what the heck.