"That Shaft is one bad mother... "  This movie is a classic - the first blaxploitation movie features a straight-shootin', woman-pleasing, hard-hitting Richard Roundtree as John Shaft, the private dick who gets all the chicks.  Shaft is hired by Bumpy, a black crimelord, to rescue his daughter who has been kidnapped.  His investigation puts Shaft in the middle of a brewing battle between the black criminals and the Italian mafia.  And all the while, he has to keep the police off his tail.

The movie is slow at times, but there is some good action.  The dialogue and fashion are what drive this film.  Shaft's reactions to bumbling cops, mobster wise guys, beautiful women, and guys on the street, are all interesting.  Not to mention the vintage 70's soundtrack, provided by Isaac Hayes.  If you have only seen the recent version of Shaft with Samuel L. Jackson, then you haven't seen Shaft at all!  Check out this film.
 
 

Quality: 5.0  Visuals: 6.0  Intensity: 5.0 Laughability: 6.5
OVERALL RATING: 5.6
 

White Zombie note:  Two clips from "Shaft" are used in Electric Head, Pt 2.  They are 1) Shaft - "I just said up yours, baby.", and 2) Shaft - "Watch your mouth man.", Ben Buford - "I'll say any damn thing I want."