Barbershop 2: Back in Business

Lukewarm but watchable and laid-back follow-up has shop owner Cube and his rambunctious co-workers enjoying the success of their thriving business, until a new, technologically advanced shop prepares to open across the street. It's run by a smarmy political suit who not only threatens to put them out of business, but has also convinced the majority of the neighborhood inhabitants to sell out as well. First film was likable enough but didn't exactly cry out for a sequel, though there are some occasional laughs. Uninspired script doesn't have much of a story to tell, but it's still well-performed and made worthwhile by an enthusiastic cast, especially Cedric the Entertainer who seems to be having the most fun of all. **

The same crew is back in a sequel to the hilarious comedy about a group of barbers who cut hair and discuss life inside their little barbershop community. Calvin (Ice Cube) is the owner of the barbershop with Cedric The Entertainer as his oldest barber. Queen Latifah has been added to the cast with a beauty shop next door. The south side of Chicago is changing with developers buying up everything and moving everybody out of the old neighborhood. Calvin is about to have new competition from a chain barbershop opening across the street. To fight the new barbershop, Calvin tries to upscale his barbershop with paintings and glass sculptures. Calvin also orders his barbers to be quiet and just cut hair, and stop the tradition of being able to say anything you want inside the barbershop. If you liked the first movie, you will like this one. Some of the discussions are outrageous, especially, the ones with Cedric. I laughed through the entire movie. (MGM, Run Time 1:38, Rated PG-13) (7/10)

The plot involves a new, hipper franchise barbershop that is moving across the street from Calvin's barbershop. So, he feels like he has to change and improve his shop by getting newer stuff and such. Sounds real exciting huh. As for the rest of the film, a lot of it involves the same material from the first film. The people that work at Calvin's stand around, talk loud, and mouth off to each other and the customers. Once again Cedric the Entertainer was mildly funny, but it is more like he's doing a stand-up routine than anything to do with the movie. And Calvin is faced with another moral issue involving taking a large sum of money. He's already shown that he will do the right thing in the end.

FINAL VERDICT: Nothing new. I don't recommend it unless you thought the first Barbershop was the best thing since sliced bread.

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

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.