Back in business.
Rating: 4/10
Running Time: 105 minutes
US Certificate: PG-13 UK Certificate: 12a
Barbershop 2 isnt the worst sequel Ive ever seen, but it is one of the most pointless. The first flick, about the struggles of humble black businessman Calvin (Ice Cube) and his battle to keep his Chicago hair-snippers open in the face of financial woes, was a surprisingly enjoyable slice of light, sit-com-esque comedy. Unfortunately though, the producers couldnt just quit while they were ahead. Nope, they had to cash in with this hurriedly-released follow-up, and transform a bunch of once-likable characters into an instant turn-off in the process.
As the title suggests, Calvins place is back in business, although still in business might be more appropriate given that it was never actually closed. The threat of closure still hangs in the air though, this time thanks to the corporate giants from Nappy Cutz who plan on opening a veritable hair-dressing hall of plenty right across the street.
As far as overall premise goes, thats basically it – although, as with our last visit to Barbershop, the running time is padded out with various throw-away subplots (always with some sort of morale lesson to be learned at the end) and plenty of aimless banter from Calvins loud-mouthed members of staff.
The problem this time, though, is that the film just isnt funny. The story never gets going, the dialogue is half-hearted and, in Calvin, we have a lead character who doesnt actually DO anything. Sure, hes a likable enough guy but so is the bloke who cuts MY hair, and I dont see anyone making a movie about him. Were also force-fed more of Cedric the Entertainers mumbled and not-particularly-humorous rants than anyone should ever have to attempt to decipher. In a nutshell, the whole experience is a thankless and pretty boring task.
Hopefully this will be the last of the Barbershop movies after all, what could possibly threaten to put the shop out of business next time? Contrived Government legislation on minimum hair-length, perhaps? Or how about a price-hike in clippers? Nah, no thanks this is a franchise that was best left as it was at the end of the first one.
It's Got: Customers who clearly dont need their hair cut. Conveniently, we never get shown what exactly the barbers are doing to these people who come in already sporting shaven noggins.
It Needs: Someone to come up with an invention to prevent the hairs from falling down the back of your neck and making you spend the whole day itching. Hey, maybe THAT could be the plot of the third movie!!
Summary
This is a second hair-cut we didnt need.