Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Graphic
- propulsive
- stylish
- violent
- 1970s crime movie night
- action double feature
What critics said
Critics generally found the sequel efficient and entertaining as escapist crime action, while faulting its contrived plotting, excessive violence, and reduced personality compared with the original.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
John Shaft’s self-possession, physical skill, and independence anchor the action and distinguish the film within 1970s crime cinema.
The plot incorporates bombs, gun battles, beatings, and a helicopter sequence, giving the criminal investigation a glossy action emphasis.
Shaft is caught between rival thugs seeking control of his dead friend’s numbers territory and the missing $250,000.
Richard Roundtree’s Shaft operates as a stylish, autonomous Black action figure within a commercially oriented urban crime narrative.
Films like Shaft's Big Score!, and why
Shaft
blaxploitation crime action, charismatic Black protagonist, urban underworld intrigue, and neo-noir style
Across 110th Street
1970s urban crime action with gangland conflict, investigation, and hard-edged neo-noir atmosphere
The French Connection
stylish crime thriller built around a resourceful investigator navigating rival criminals and escalating violence
Coffy
blaxploitation action driven by a formidable Black hero, criminal power struggles, and revenge-minded momentum
Movie Details
- Director
- Gordon Parks
- Release Date
- 1972-06-21
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (86)
Cast
- Richard Roundtree
- Moses Gunn
- Drew Bundini Brown
- Joseph Mascolo
- Kathy Imrie
- Wally Taylor
- Julius Harris
- Rosalind Miles
- Joe Santos
- Angelo Gnazzo
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Shaft's Big Score! about?
- John Shaft confronts rival gangsters, violent ambushes, and a missing fortune while protecting his dead friend’s sister.
- What is Shaft's Big Score! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Shaft's Big Score! as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Shaft's Big Score! violent?
- Yes. Ember rates the violence in Shaft's Big Score! as graphic.
- What did critics think of Shaft's Big Score!?
- Critics generally found the sequel efficient and entertaining as escapist crime action, while faulting its contrived plotting, excessive violence, and reduced personality compared with the original.
- Which films are like Shaft's Big Score!?
- Films with a similar feel include Shaft, Across 110th Street, The French Connection, and Coffy.
- How long is Shaft's Big Score!?
- Shaft's Big Score! runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Shaft's Big Score!?
- In United States, Shaft's Big Score! is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
