Barbershop Movie Review:


Barbershop is an indulging little film that is labeled as a comedy, even though the film has tender dramatic themes attached to it. The film's main theme is about the little things that make camaraderie, which include laughter, music, story telling, arguing, gossip and loyalty.

The story takes place mostly all in one day at a predominately black barbershop on the southside of Chicago. The owner is the young and anxious Calvin (Ice Cube), who inherited the shop two years ago from his late father, who was also a barber. Calvin's shop contains five other employees, who are lead by Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer); a veteran barber who is always in the conversation but never has a customer. Then there is Jimmy (Thomas), who is a college kid that tries to show off his knowledge to everyone. Jimmy mostly argues with Isaac (Garity), who is the only white employee that believes he is black. Ricky (Ealy) is an ex-con that is walking a tight rope with the law, but seems a lot smarter than everyone thinks. Dinka (Howze) is a citizen from West Africa that wants to know the secrets to a woman's heart. Finally, there is Terri (Eve), who is the only female voice at the shop that complains about the others drinking her apple juice.

Looking for bigger and brighter things in life, Calvin sells his barbershop to a street-wise loan shark that wants to turn the shop into a gentleman's club. Over the course of the day, Calvin realizes how important the shop is to its customers, community and most all its employees. He decides to try and get his shop back from the loan shark, but soon he finds out it will be a lot harder than giving the money back and saying "please".

This is a lovable film about the culture of black neighborhood barbershops. However, I like to refer the culture to barbershops in general. Like what Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002) tried to do and what My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) did so well at, Barbershop shows a likeable culture and the values of its characters. Though all the characters have different opinions about everything, they all love the barbershop and its impact. Writers Mark Brown, Don D. Scott, and Marshall Todd give each character traits and situations for them to overcome and adjust with. The overall script is a lot better than the first act promises. The problem I had with the script is the on going subplot of two idiots (Anderson and Tate) trying to get into a stolen ATM machine. Their existence does come into play with the plot, but I would have rather seen more time given to the supporting characters around Calvin. Most of jokes with the ATM get old very quick.

Director Tim Story does a good job of telling the story simply. Though there is nothing extravagant about his direction, the barbershop atmosphere is created and most of his actors are right on cue. There were a couple moments in the beginning and end of the film, were I caught the boom microphone hanging in the scene, which is a big no-no for professional filmmakers, but we they are human just like everyone else.

Ice Cube is a rapper/actor that is at his best with good material. Though I doubt that I will ever like performance by him more than his powerful portrayal of Dough Boy in John Singleton's Boyz N the Hood (1991). He is a pretty good actor and he delivers a pleasant performance as Calvin. Most of the supporting cast stay on in their form and deliver good performances including Sean Patrick Thomas and a breakthrough for another rapper, Eve. The ultimate scene-stealer in this film is the great Cedric the Entertainer. This comedian is downright hilarious and he delivers a lovable and charming performance as the wise veteran barber Eddie. Cedric the Entertainer was the only good thing in the previous horrible summer comedy, Serving Sara (2002), but his role in Barbershop is critical to the film's overall message. I hope that the foreign press remembers him for acing in a comedy at next year's Golden Globe Awards.

Barbershop is a pleasing film about cultural values and the little things in life that make us happy. The jokes are funny and the drama is even better, and the film is a good selection for most audiences.

Report Card Grade: B

Joseph Tucker

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