“Barbershop” (MGM)
“Barbershop” is the number one movie in the country right now and rightly so. It is a laugh filled, warm-hearted movie that sends its audiences out of theaters with smiles on their faces. Ice Cube leads a talented ensemble cast that interacts well together with each member getting his/her day in the sun.
The film basically takes place over a twenty-four hour period. Ice Cube plays Calvin Palmer, a young man who has inherited a barbershop from his father. The setting is Chicago and the time is the present. Calvin employs a variety of persons to work as barbers, and some others to clean up or to shine shoes.
Calvin has dreams that include plans for a business other than owning a barbershop. He thinks the “shop” has outlived its day and usefulness. So he arranges to sell it to a local hood named Lester (Keith David). But after he has agreed to the sale, he changes his mind. Now he has to find some way to get the shop back.
Cedric the Entertainer is outstanding in his role of Eddie. He is the oldest member of the barber crew and the most outspoken. When he gets going nobody is safe and nothing is sacred. Eve plays Terri, the only female member of the staff. She stands her ground against all the males in the shop and never is bested by them.
Sean Patrick Thomas is Jimmy James, a college graduate and proud of it. He is also overbearing as he spouts various facts to the other barbers. Michael Ealy plays Ricky, the barber with a criminal record. He is trying to go straight but it is difficult.
Then there is Isaac Rosenberg who is played by Troy Garrity, Jane Fonda’s son. He is the only white member of the staff. He has a black girlfriend and a black way of speaking but he is not accepted by anyone other than Calvin.
All of these characters are outstanding and all of them make their impression. You won’t easily forget any one of them.
The movie is rated PG-13 for profanity.
Just as “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” appeals to all audiences, so does “Barbershop.” It crosses over racial boundaries and appeals to the humanity in us all.
I scored “Barbershop” a closely shaved 7 out of 10.
©2003 Jackie K. Cooper
