) was a low budget semi-independent production. Freed, from the constraints of conformity that mainstream productions are burdened with, the original Barbershop was edgy, in your face social commentary combined with superb wit. Barbershop 2: Back In Business is so soft and fuzzy that it not only misses the mark by a mile its barely good enough to keep you planted in your chair.
Its too bad Hollywood doesn't make the horrible sequel first thus saving us all, on a regular basis, from repeated bitter disappointments. Barbershop 2: Back In Business is such a shameful sequel partly because the original was so fresh and entertaining. That's not the only reason, however, that this sequel doesn't make the cut. In the rush to cash in, on the success of the original, the producers served up a story line that is barely distinguishable from the original plot. What they didn't copy was the energy or rapid-fire banter of the first film.
The sequel disproves the theory that character development is a good thing. The characters, like the movie, have become boring as they strive to be role models. Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) has been turned into Mr. Huxtable and Ricky (Michael Ealy) has morphed into a streetwise Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In the process they have lost the gritty realism that made them memorable characters in the first place.
Adding insult to injury the producers use Barbershop 2 to expand and promote the franchise by giving Queen Latifah her own Salon. You'll have the opportunity to experience this "original concept" in the upcoming movie Beauty Shop.
Barbershop 2: Back In Business is the cinematic equivalent of a bad perm.
Running time - 118 minutes.
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Barbershop 2 Official Web Site
Comments by Halo Scan:
11:05:46 PM 
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