THE SHAFT
PLOT-The express elevator in one of New York City's largest skyscrapers begins killing people.
VIOLENCE-Graphic decapitation, hanging, and one person gets split in half (also of note, anyone who doesn't like seeing dogs or children get killed should be aware that the elevator doesn't discriminate).
SEX/NUDITY-A man watches 2 topless strippers through a window. Very brief scene.
WHY I WATCHED IT-Most people cruising the video aisle won't know that this is a remake of a 1983 cult gem called THE LIFT. I happen to be a fan of that film, and was shocked to know it was getting a big-budget overhaul 20 years later. Even more surprising was that THE SHAFT is directed by the man responsible for THE LIFT, Dick Mass. How cool is that?
THE DOPE-Fans of THE LIFT will be happy to know that this updated version is 10 times bigger and badder, while still retaining the same wicked sense of humor and cheesy-ness that the original had. Plus, THE SHAFT has the star power of Naomi "Jet Girl" Watts as the reporter, and features character actor favorites Dan Hedaya, Ron Perlman, and Michael Ironside. But most of all, the elevator kicks complete and total ass! Don't be fooled by the fact that the cover art looks like a rip-off of THE RING (featuring, coincidentally enough, the same actress), or that its title sounds more like a porno, or that you half expect Richard Roundtree to play the lead role. Shut yo mouth! Everything about this movie is expensive Hollywood quality, production-wise. The effects are spectacular and the kills are gory as hell. Remember in RESIDENT EVIL where the elevator kills the woman at the beginning, but we don't actually see her head get chopped off? Okay, I've said enough. Go rent this baby. It's relentless, funny, and huge. I loved it. Nothing cheap or shitty or stupid to be found here!
MEMORABLE SCENES-The reporter's boss demands that she go bring him back a story on the killer elevator, "and make it juicy!" he shouts. She turns away and murmurs under her breath, "I'll pee on it".
DVD NOTES-Sadly, Artisan didn't see fit to include anything but a trailer. Dick Maas deserved a commentary track, at the very least. Anyway, check out the box art & poster for the original film below. Note the excellent tag line: "TAKE THE STAIRS! TAKE THE STAIRS! FOR GOD'S SAKE, TAKE THE STAIRS!"
(May 2003)