Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004)

I was a bit hesitant to watch "Barbership 2". That's because I really liked the first film--and so often sequels never come close to the quality of the originals. Well, clearly "Barbership 2" is not up to the standards of the first, though fortunately there still is a lot to like. So, it's a disappointment....but a minor one.At the end of "Barbershop", the shop's owner (Ice Cube) is able to keep the shop from being bought out and its future seems secure. Well, now only a short time later, the future of this independent shop is once again in doubt, as a haircut chain store is moving right across the street. The new shop has everything--glitz, a basketball court inside the store, an aquarium and style. So it looks like the quaint old place is about ready to go belly up as soon as the new place opens for business. In addition to this plot, the old characters are back and have changed in a variety of ways--mostly for the better.One big difference between this and the first film is the presence of many flashback scenes featuring Cederic the Entertainer's character back in the late 1960s. While these flashbacks are all very interesting since the times were so explosive, I really wish they'd put this in a separate movie, as they seemed more like filler and distracted from the rest of the film. So, either remove these segments OR stretch them into a film in their own right. As it was, it felt awkward.Overall, while the film wasn't quite the original in quality and originality, it was entertaining. Plus, as I liked the old film so much, it was like visiting with old friends here in "Barbershop 2".

I do not mean to imply that I was surprised at how well this sequel came off. Generally sequels pale in comparison to the original and just as generally, the public expects less.Hats off to the sequel to Barbershop which I found to be quite pleasing and enjoyable. The sequel is not ambitious and plot-wise is rather formulaic. What makes this work however, is the history, both of the characters as well as of African-Americans, that is seamlessly woven into the story to flesh out the characters and give the viewer a chance to understand the motivations behind their actions.A very interesting example is the way Isaac, the only white barber, is treated in the sequel. I submit that Ice-Cube is trying to give the audience a glimpse of what it must be like to be the minority in a given work situation. Instead of not balancing the opinion by only showing the effects this would have on a minority, he made a white man the minority and showed how exasperating and ultimately demeaning this kind of behavior can have on the oppressor as well as the one being oppressed.There were good jokes all around but somehow I found myself less interested in the laughs and more interested in the presentation of the message. Some may feel it descended into schmaltz, i.e., let's live together in peace, love and respect for the differences of your fellow man, etc. Conceding that these messages tend to be sentimental, when we look at what is happening today, this is infinitely more important a message than reinforcing the same old stereotypes.It is also wonderful to see the incomparable (and fine!) Harry J. Lennix. Even though he played the protagonist, he nonetheless elevated the production with his sterling portrayal of the businessman whose main concern is making money at the expense of the rich historic tradition of the neighborhood.Worthy outing indeed!

What is the name of the Tu Pac song that was playing in the scene when Ice Cube walks in the shop? That song was hot, however, I can't find that CD any where. I need to know so that I can buy it. It is not on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack. What is the name of the Tu Pac song that was playing in the scene when Ice Cube walks in the shop? That song was hot, however, I can't find that CD any where. I need to know so that I can buy it. It is not on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack. What is the name of the Tu Pac song that was playing in the scene when Ice Cube walks in the shop? That song was hot, however, I can't find that CD any where. I need to know so that I can buy it. It is not on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack.

Spoilers herein.I'm pretty sensitive to the social implications of black films. Some of us worked pretty hard to provide means for black voices to speak to their own (and other) issues and audiences. Gone are the days where a white establishment could exploit bug-eyed, stupid, violent stereotypes of blacks. Now blacks do it to themselves, which - forgive me - I see as slight progress.That's why I was surprised by this project. Sure, about 3/4's of it is the same pandering we see everywhere, especially with the women. And most of that is rooted in one of the three overarching film formulas we continue to swallow in films of all sorts: small guy, big guy, small guy's purity wins.And we have the smarmy but slick moralizing: the gangster is really getting his GED; the 'white' guy is accepted back into the fold; various relationships turn out to be 'normal.' The owner at the last minute doesn't sell out, even gains converts.But under it all is a sensitivity to community and history that I found to actually be as pure as the values referenced. It doesn't occupy much screen time, but because it anchors the relationship of the film to the real world, it transmutes everything we see. Its the reaction of a few men, men we already know by then, to the King riots of years before. In that instant, we see humans not puppets. And we see the whole deal in economical, cinematic terms. Spike Lee, take note... there's a dignity in this that you've never achieved. Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.