Over a decade since its last installment, the "Barbershop" franchise was long overdue for a touch-up. Director Malcolm D. Lee picks up the scissors with "Barbershop: The Next Cut".
Due to hard times, Calvin (Ice Cube), Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), and the rest of the crew at Calvin's Barbershop have merged with Angie (Regina Hall) and her beauty salon, which gives this comedy plenty of drama.
In addition to the war of the sexes inside the shop, there's a war outside on the streets, threatening Chicago's South Side community. Gang violence is introduced from the opening scenes, and remains a continuous presence in the background, becoming personal as well as political when it involves Calvin's teenage son Jalen (Michael Rainey Jr.).
As the assorted social dynamics between fathers, sons, husbands, wives, friends, and customers play out, everyone ultimately comes together as one big family. A bit of homophobia is a rare wrong note in an otherwise harmonious message.
"The Next Cut" moves between humor and politics, jokes and arguments, and somehow doesn't compromise either it's comic or dramatic integrity. This is no doubt due to an extended cast which includes Common (Jabari), Nicki Minaj (Draya), Eve (Terri), JB Smoove (One-Stop), and Anthony Anderson (J.D.).
Compared to much of what is released in theatres, the willingness of "The Next Cut" to seriously address current social issues makes this comedy a cut above.
| Movie title | Barbershop: The Next Cut |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2016 |
| MPAA Rating | PG-13 |
| Our rating | |
| Summary | Over a decade since its last installment, this franchise was long overdue for a touch-up. |
