Shafted!

A few years ago a friend of mine loaned me this video. It was part of a promotion Hollywood Video had a number of years ago in which they gave first-time filmmakers the opportunity to get a release of their movies through the chain. The series was uneven (check out "The Road to Filn-Flon," the best of the bunch), but "Shafted!" is amusing, if not stellar. The idea is that the white protagonist is essentially unaware (or doesn't care) that he is not the black, system-hating character he thinks he is. This careens from gag to gag in hit-or-miss fashion, parodying the "blaxplotiation" movement of the seventies. Best moment: his session with his black doctor/love interest. It's as predictable as a sunset, but is funny in fits and starts. 6/10

Interesting, offbeat film.

The most entertaining scenes were those featuring either J.D. Cullum or Angelle Brooks. We should watch for great things to come from these two performers.

This is a goofy, ultra-low budget comedy, in which most people will fail to see the hints of comedic brilliance. A delusional white mental patient believes he is the black crime fighter Shaft. It's comedy style is very similar to the movie "Hot Rod". The premise is great, the plot, not so much. I would guess the budget for this movie was about what you might pay for a used car. The one thing that makes this movie bearable is the comic genius of Morgan Rusler. he nails this roll, the man is a riot. I'm surprised that I haven't seen him in any other rolls, cause he is so funny in some scenes, I can't believe that he himself can keep a straight face. In summary, this movie is a riot if you like to laugh at some inept bumbling moron that really believes he is a force to be reckoned with.

Where could one begin to describe the humor of this movie? The writer tackles every major movie stereotype with hilarious results. John Shat is one bad mutha. Go rent this film. Why are you still sitting here reading this? You should be in your car on the way to the video store to get "Shafted". Go. Now. The internet will still be here when you get back.

I remember my friend rented this movie one day and left it here. So I figured, "Hey, it looks funny. I'll watch it". The movie had some very funny moments, then it had some not so funny and boring moments. And the whole gay thing just didn't work. It had some funny satirical moments and some just downright lame jokes. Overall, it's sorta "eh".

One of the drawbacks is the whole gay scenarios that Shat goes through. Plus, Shat narrative. It was too loud and annoying, even though I'll admit, he said some funny stuff. It basically feels like a short film stretched out.

Overall, it's funny somewhat. Rent it if you have extra dough to toss.

*** out of *****