Shaft (2000)

The American action crime thriller film, Shaft (2000), was both co-written and co-produced by John Singleton. In the initial investigation of Trey Howard’s brutal attack outside a restaurant in 1998, NYPD Detective John Shaft apprehends Walter Wade Jr., the son of a wealthy real estate mogul, after noticing blood on his person. Claiming self-defense, Wade is taken into custody by Shaft. While surveying the scene, Shaft notices an injured waitress named Diane Palmieri who appears to be eyeing Wade. Attempting to gather crucial information from her, Shaft is unsuccessful in coaxing a statement. A friend of Trey’s informs Shaft that upon entering the restaurant with Trey, Wade subjected him to racial harassment. After humiliated Wade retaliates and pursues Trey out of the establishment, he later succumbs to a seizure and dies.

Mocking Trey’s passing prompts Shaft to punch Wade in the nose before being threatened with reassignment to another precinct and punching him once more. At the trial, Wade is granted bail of $200k by the judge. He later expresses gratitude to Shaft for breaking his nose and reveals that he has fled to Switzerland. Two years pass and Wade returns to the U.S., only to be greeted and arrested by Shaft with help from cab driver Rassan posing as a limo driver. A celebratory party is thrown for Shaft by his friends, where the familiar character ‘Uncle’ John Shaft from the 1971 movie makes an appearance. However, he warns Shaft that Wade’s wealth may increase his chances of acquittal. Meanwhile, at police headquarters, Dominican drug lord Peoples Hernandez, who was previously arrested by Shaft, forms a friendship with Wade during his temporary detention.