Given the current fascination with all things seventies, it's hardly surprising that one of the greatest heroes from the Blaxploitation era should return, revived and refreshed for a new millennium.

See what I mean

Not that Samuel L. Jackson is playing the real Shaft. This one is a nephew of the original Richard Rowntree character, who has followed his uncle into the crime fighting game.

Times have certainly changed. Twenty five years ago Rowntree's John Shaft was street wise, wore dapper clothes (for the time) and was very much a ladies man. The new generation is cool and more brutal.

See, he's at it again

There is one constant. The Isaac Hayes theme carries the film along as Jackson tries to catch Walter Wade (Bale), a rich white kid who killed a black guy just for kicks.

Jackson's Shaft dominates the screen from start to finish. For the modern day cinema goer, his will soon be the name you associate with the character and not Richard Rowntree.

and again

But Rowntree's not going out without a fight. Uncle John does appear in the movie and still proves to be a success with the women, leaving a club with two in tow.

Whether he's back for the undoubted sequel is another matter.