Hey folks, Harry here... The first BARBERSHOP was pretty damn funny. Technically, I'm one of those people that love comedy sequels when they ain't technically sequels. For me, taking the same cast and the same style of comedy, but transfering it to a completely different type of profession... Well, it would just keep things that much less stale. No apparently, this is a very entertaining film from the below review, and I'm sure it is. The trailer is pretty good and all the characters seem to be quite comfortable inhabiting themselves. So... I know you're dying to hear about the film, here ya go...
Hey Harry,
First time I’ve ever written to your site. I just got back from the DGA screening of “Barbershop 2: Back in Business”. Thought I’d chime in and give a quick review.
First off, this one was suppose to be subtitled “Back in Bidness” or something like that, but I guess MGM got cold feet at the last minute over having an ebonic-y title. I wish they had the same balls they were sporting back in ’88 with “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”. Or was that UA?
Anyway, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah and Cedric the Entertainer are in thissucka’, and I have to say that I was entertained. I didn’t get a chance to see the first one, but I’m making sure I will soon after seeing this one – which, by the way, stands on its own. I was never confused, and there were no in-jokes I did not get (save for the very last scene).
As a matter or fact, I thought the plot (about a competing, high falootin’ barbershop opening up across the street and how the staff at Calvin, Jr.’s deal with it) was the plot for the original film. As simple as it sounds, the film actually has some depth concerning the history of the barbershop; Calvin’s dad dealing with the political climate in Chicago during ’68; how Cedric’s character got his job there; and also a few vignettes of a relationship Cedric had with smokin’ hot Garcelle Beauvais. I know, I know, this scenario could only exist in that alternate, “King of Queens” Leah Remini/Kevin James hot chicks digging fat dudes with weird hair universe, but luckily the scenes are quick and Cedric is Cedric in them. The guy could make Martha Plimpton interesting.
Cube has a few comedic moments but it’s a straight man gig for the most part in this one. Latifah on the other hand brings some much needed sass into the mix – co-star Eve is on a “be kind to others” trip throughout most of the film and her lovin’ another barber-oh we shouldn’t get it on anymore should we sub-plot - was kind of by the numbers.
The director and producers held a Q & A afterwards and admitted to modeling this film on the greatest sequel ever – “Godfather II” (!). This flick ain’t no Godfather II – it is however WAY better than Godfather III, although which film is funnier overall could be debatable.
BTW, is Sofia Coppola really dating Venkman? Score…
Sign me,
Raw Deal
