Barbershop 2: Back in Business

Most of the major characters return for this impressive sequel that nearly works as well as its very good predecessor. Barbershop owner Ice Cube and his fellow cutters (out-of-place female Eve, African immigrant Leonard Earl Howze, super white boy Troy Garity, ex-con Michael Ealy and loud-mouthed veteran Cedric the Entertainer) have a new problem on their hands. Business opportunist Harry Lennix wants to open a Nappy Cutz (a fictional Super Cuts-styled rip-off) shop across the street. Immediately the group is worried about the possibility of being run out of business by the upstarts. Former barber Sean Patrick Thomas (now working for Illinois state governor Robert Wisdom) realizes the situation and does what he can to help. Naturally though Wisdom is just as crooked and suspicious as Lennix so thus another dilemma occurs. Ice Cube is also constantly bothered by one of his wife's (Jazsmin Lewis) relatives (a priceless turn by Kenan Thompson). Thompson also has the itch to become a stylist and hangs around the shop in spite of the fact that no one trusts him with their hair. Also along for the ride is beauty shop owner Queen Latifah who doubles as Cube's old love interest and Cedric's acid-tongued equal. A little history into Cedric's background is hilarious, heart-breaking and thought-provoking all at the same time. He thinks about a lost love (Garcelle Beauvais) and also remembers Cube's kind and decent father (Javon Jackson). Flashbacks to a Civil Rights-torn landscape of 1960s Chicago becomes a strangely poignant part of a franchise that people do not think of as serious. All in all "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is a noble work. Once again the screenplay and direction are adequate, but the amazing characters are still the series' primary calling card. Lennix and Wisdom are really not quite as good as antagonist Keith David was in the original. I also missed neighborhood trouble-makers Anthony Anderson and Lahmard Tate, but their absences do not shatter the overall effectiveness of the sequel. 4 stars out of 5.

I wasn't as 'up' for watching Barbershop 2 as I was with the original. Just the idea of a sequel existing didn't really excite me....although anyone with sense had to know the makers were going to cash in on another movie, seeing how much of a sleeper hit the original was. Seeing the trailer for this months ago, it just didn't seem to have the same spark the original had. After watching this last night, that feeling hasn't really changed. I enjoyed Barbershop 2, but it's miles behind the original, especially in the comedy area. The original was a 'cute' movie, it tapped into everyone's childhood neighborhood memories of the local barbershop that was a mainstay in the community....all while having a nice story behind it (Ice Cube not seeing the importance of the shop and threatening to sell it). The sequel just seems to go with the motions; you can tell that its trying its best not to rock the boat, particularly with the jokes. The story in BS2 is arguably more relevant than the one in the original: a bigger, more attractive, industrialized barbershop chain comes into the neighborhood, threatening the 'mom & pop' stores on the block who have to fight to survive. As far as comedy, the movie on a whole isn't as funny as the original, as it takes a more serious tone. Its obvious that the makers tried their very best not to step on anyone's toes or, if they did, not step on them too hard. The success and exposure of the original, in this case, worked against them, as I felt the makers held back a little too much as far as the comedy goes. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Barbershop 2, but I just hope the franchise doesn't get too bland, with the seemingly inevitable spin-off coming (Beauty Shop).

*** out of **** stars.

"Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is a logical and somewhat more expansive continuation of the original "Barbershop" film. However, it suffers from sqeuelness; a lack of appreciation because it can't be as fresh at the first. "Barbershop 2" also spends more time outside the shop with some backstory history, competition from a Nappy Cutz franchise across the street, Queen Latifah's salon for a heartbeat, etc. and less time with what made the original film special and charming; the good natured repartee between barbers, Eddie's (Cedric) racial worldview philosophy, barber/customer interaction, zingers, etc. Bottom line is simple. Watch "Barbershop" first. If you like it, give this film a try. If not, not. (C+)

I thoroughly enjoyed the original Barber Shop but the sequel left me wondering why I had spent the time watching it. Cederic the Entertainer was brilliant in the original but this time it seemed like someone was holding him back. The lines just weren't funny and there was not any plot urgency to keep the action moving. The music in the original was terrific, this time I couldn't tell you the title of anything that was used. There was practically no character development and the viewer was left thinking why?? The brief scenes with Queen Latifah were some of the best in the movie and I kept wondering why she wasn't featured more. The most telling comment I can make is that I slept through the first hour and still knew everything that happened.

I went to a few Super Bowl functions over the weekend and Cedric was the guest at a small club in Jacksonville. The promoters were pleased (I'm sure) that one of the many names on the venue actually appeared and entertained! Cedric is a real LADIES man. He is always smiling and the attention is received with positive feedback. He was the life of the not so organized event. He could have walked but, he knew there was much disappointment in the air with all the no-show names on the venue at Kartuche night club in Jacksonville. Some like me paid $175.00 for VIP passes that were entry to An upstairs room filled with herbal essence in the air! An area Cedric and Pimpen Ken did not enter! Cedric saved the show by taking over and handled it like the PRO Entertainer that he is. Despite the no show names of various artists and players scheduled to appear. The man has it going on. It's no wonder he is so loved. The life he leads is that of a respectful man who cares about all of his fans! He is a top notch fun guy to KICK-IT with. I had my digital camcorder and got a lot of good footage of the camera friendly ENTERTAINER- My kids are really excited about all the great stuff I got on camera. We will cherish the recorded footage of a real down to earth CEDRIC "THE LADIES MAN" ENTERTAINER! All his movies are GREAT and will be watched for many years to come by his adoring fans! Barber Shop is my favorite I think- THANKS CEDDIE! Jodi Chambers-Wilson Jax Bch., Florida