“Barbershop 2: Back In Business” (MGM)
A few years ago an unassuming comedy named “Barbershop” was released. It was much more successful than expected thanks to sharp writing and likeable comedic performances. Now a sequel has arrived in theaters. “Barbershop 2: Back In Business” is not quite as good as the original but it comes close.
Ice Cube returns as Calvin Palmer, owner of a barbershop. This establishment has been in his family for years and he is determined that someday his own son will operate the business. He also is very loyal to his employees and that includes Terri Jones (Eve), Isaac Rosenberg (Troy Garity), Ricky Nash (Michael Ealy), Dinka (Leonard Earl Howze), and especially Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer).
Jimmy James (Sean Patrick Thomas) has left the barbershop and now works for Alderman Brown (Robert Wisdom). Therefore he is in the know when plans are made to revitalize the area where Calvin’s barbershop is located. This includes putting up a high tech establishment called “Nappy Cuts” right across the street from Calvin’s shop.
This plot offers only a small variation from the storyline in the original. There too Calvin was considering selling the store. Just as you didn’t worry about the outcome in the first plot, you don’t spend much time worrying about the outcome in this one either.
Ice Cube is once again a strong presence in this movie. Calvin is the voice of sanity, and is the man to whom most people in the neighborhood listen. Once again Eddie is the voice of everything else. He makes sweeping comments about black superstars such as R. Kelly and Condaleeza Rice, to name a few, that are sure to offend someone. But he doesn’t care!
Queen Latifah has been added to the cast as Gina, the woman who runs the beauty shop next door. One of the highlights of the movie is when she and Edie get into it. They can trade barbs quicker than lightning flashes and they are all on target.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity, mild violence, and sexual innuendoes.
“Barbershop 2” is a very good, funny movie. It just isn’t a fresh one. The sense of dj vu permeates every screen scene and lessens the impact of its acting, humor and story.
I scored “Barbershop 2: Back In Business” a trimmed 6 out of 10.
