"Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is an interesting comedy about tyrannical large businesses attempting to force out firmly entrenched local businesses and radically change the landscape of a tight-knit community on the south side of Chicago.
The humor in "Barbershop" is accessible. The verbal jibes and jokes actually contain character development, instead of racially charged time fillers. In particular, Cedric the Entertainer carries comedic moments and scenes with a style that is all his own. Many in the cast have widely differing backgrounds --some are comedians, some are musicians and some are relatively unknown --but they form an ensemble that is likeable and extremely cohesive. One notable flaw is the exceedingly small role given to Queen Latifah, who could have carried a much larger role and enhanced the film. Her near absence is unfortunate.
"Barbershop 2: Back in business" is a refreshing tale about keeping true to one's roots, rather than pandering to the soullessness of large, aggressive corporations and sleazy politicians. A film about friendship and tradition is a welcome change from typical films that simply try to bring explosions and gun fights to the screen. The viewer does not only care for the characters but for the institutions, businesses and community.
The writing in "Barbershop 2" is shockingly good, always entertaining and always perfectly matched for the talents of all involved. This is worth mentioning again, as sequels rarely come up and enchant like this film. The viewer is entertained by the performances rather than forced to endure them until the next funny moment.
The message in subtext throughout the film is that being yourself and happy is better than living in fake roles to impress in the hollow, shallow way so many people fall into. "Barbershop 2" champions favor for their family's neighborhood as developers attempt to come in with flash and trend and displace the current residents. Eventually we see selfless acts of actual faith. The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen in one's fellow man are trusted. Community is always assumed, but ties rarely bind us as tightly as is depicted here. Though there are inter-personality conflicts, the bonds of their neighborhood seem to run deeper, more like extended family.
That is not to say that the film is not woven with other complex themes. "Barbershop 2" is simple and fun for a wide audience. This film simply is not finely nuanced or overloaded with action. It stands as a comedy that deserves attention because it delivers where so many blockbusters fizzle and disappoint. "Barbershop 2" is amusing, with extra care evident in each scene.
"Barbershop 2" is fun and even near inspirational -- a rarity in our movie choices that deserves to be watched and is worth the price of admission.
Read More
The best albums of 2014
By Noah Zeidman | December 4, 2014Across genres, it has been a pretty great year in music.
Top 10 movies of 2014
December 4, 2014This has been an excellent year for film, offering everything from gripping blockbusters to innovative personal films.
Iggy Azalea is “Reclassified”
December 4, 2014It has become common practice among music artists to repackage their albums in an effort to simultaneously boost single sales and dish out new content by slightly renaming the album or slapping “Deluxe” onto the title.
