Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) Online

Barbershop 2: Back in Business is a decent sequel with some enjoyable moments. Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and the rest of the guys at the downtown Chicago barbershop return for another round, but the usual sense of community and their outrageous discussions is threatened by urban developers who hope to replace the small barbershops with big national chains. Like its predecessor, Barbershop 2 is pretty much plot less as the characters are what people want to see. I thought the first one was decent but nothing special and that's exactly what I think of this one. Ice Cube, Eve, Sean Patrick Thomas, Troy Garity and Michael Ealy are all back and they are enjoyable this time around as well. The one person I couldn't stand was Cedric the Entertainer, he had some funny lines but most of the time he was really annoying also those flashback scenes he was in were really stupid. There's a couple of new additions including Queen Latifah. I thought she was very funny and I might check out Beauty Shop sometime in the future. The other addition is Kenan Thompson, he isn't very interesting in the film but also doesn't have a lot of scenes so that's nice. Kevin Rodney Sullivan directs this time around and he does a good job replacing Tim Story, who was apparently busy with Taxi and The Fantastic Four. Absent from the sequel is Anthony Anderson who isn't missed, in fact you probably won't notice. The film talks about a lot of different things like R Kelly, The Washington Sniper and others, you may not agree with what their saying all the time though. The sequel is a bit more warm hearted this time around but the dialog is still sharp and funny. Rating 6/10, In the end, if you liked the first one then you will probably like this one but if you didn't then its best if you avoid the sequel.

I wasn't as 'up' for watching Barbershop 2 as I was with the original. Just the idea of a sequel existing didn't really excite me....although anyone with sense had to know the makers were going to cash in on another movie, seeing how much of a sleeper hit the original was. Seeing the trailer for this months ago, it just didn't seem to have the same spark the original had. After watching this last night, that feeling hasn't really changed. I enjoyed Barbershop 2, but it's miles behind the original, especially in the comedy area. The original was a 'cute' movie, it tapped into everyone's childhood neighborhood memories of the local barbershop that was a mainstay in the community....all while having a nice story behind it (Ice Cube not seeing the importance of the shop and threatening to sell it). The sequel just seems to go with the motions; you can tell that its trying its best not to rock the boat, particularly with the jokes. The story in BS2 is arguably more relevant than the one in the original: a bigger, more attractive, industrialized barbershop chain comes into the neighborhood, threatening the 'mom & pop' stores on the block who have to fight to survive. As far as comedy, the movie on a whole isn't as funny as the original, as it takes a more serious tone. Its obvious that the makers tried their very best not to step on anyone's toes or, if they did, not step on them too hard. The success and exposure of the original, in this case, worked against them, as I felt the makers held back a little too much as far as the comedy goes. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Barbershop 2, but I just hope the franchise doesn't get too bland, with the seemingly inevitable spin-off coming (Beauty Shop).

*** out of **** stars.

"Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is a logical and somewhat more expansive continuation of the original "Barbershop" film. However, it suffers from sqeuelness; a lack of appreciation because it can't be as fresh at the first. "Barbershop 2" also spends more time outside the shop with some backstory history, competition from a Nappy Cutz franchise across the street, Queen Latifah's salon for a heartbeat, etc. and less time with what made the original film special and charming; the good natured repartee between barbers, Eddie's (Cedric) racial worldview philosophy, barber/customer interaction, zingers, etc. Bottom line is simple. Watch "Barbershop" first. If you like it, give this film a try. If not, not. (C+)

Most of the major characters return for this impressive sequel that nearly works as well as its very good predecessor. Barbershop owner Ice Cube and his fellow cutters (out-of-place female Eve, African immigrant Leonard Earl Howze, super white boy Troy Garity, ex-con Michael Ealy and loud-mouthed veteran Cedric the Entertainer) have a new problem on their hands. Business opportunist Harry Lennix wants to open a Nappy Cutz (a fictional Super Cuts-styled rip-off) shop across the street. Immediately the group is worried about the possibility of being run out of business by the upstarts. Former barber Sean Patrick Thomas (now working for Illinois state governor Robert Wisdom) realizes the situation and does what he can to help. Naturally though Wisdom is just as crooked and suspicious as Lennix so thus another dilemma occurs. Ice Cube is also constantly bothered by one of his wife's (Jazsmin Lewis) relatives (a priceless turn by Kenan Thompson). Thompson also has the itch to become a stylist and hangs around the shop in spite of the fact that no one trusts him with their hair. Also along for the ride is beauty shop owner Queen Latifah who doubles as Cube's old love interest and Cedric's acid-tongued equal. A little history into Cedric's background is hilarious, heart-breaking and thought-provoking all at the same time. He thinks about a lost love (Garcelle Beauvais) and also remembers Cube's kind and decent father (Javon Jackson). Flashbacks to a Civil Rights-torn landscape of 1960s Chicago becomes a strangely poignant part of a franchise that people do not think of as serious. All in all "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is a noble work. Once again the screenplay and direction are adequate, but the amazing characters are still the series' primary calling card. Lennix and Wisdom are really not quite as good as antagonist Keith David was in the original. I also missed neighborhood trouble-makers Anthony Anderson and Lahmard Tate, but their absences do not shatter the overall effectiveness of the sequel. 4 stars out of 5.

Barbershop 2: Back in Business

Starring: Ice Cube, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy, Sean Patrick Thomas and Queen Latifah

Genre: Comedy

Rated: PG-13

We continue the adventures with the barbers and Calvin Palmer (Ice Cube) on the South Side of Chicago. In this sequel to the 2002 hit Barbershop, Calvin's shop is threatened again but this time by a greedy developer who is opening a mega-franchise barbershop right across the street from Calvin's shop. The whole gang from the first movie is back including Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), Terri (Eve), Jimmy (Sean Patrick Thomas), Ricky (Michael Ealy) and Isacc (Troy Garity). Also in this movie we have a new character named Gina (Queen Latifah) who is a stylist at a beauty shop next door. As Calvin does what he can to counter this threat, life goes on in the barbershop, with more of the same tart dialog and life complications in various hilarious ways as in the original. I missed Anthony Anderson and Lahmard Tate in this sequel because I thought they were hilarious in the first one but this sequel was still funny and besides at this time when this movie was filming, Anthony Anderson was busy doing Agent Cody Banks 2, Scary Movie 3, Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and his TV-series, All About the Andersons. Just another day on the South Side of Chicago.

"Barbershop 2: Back in Business" is a better-made, if not necessarily better film than the original. I loved the first "Barbershop" movie that came out in 2002. The sequel is a lot more in depth with its characters and we learn a little more about each one and how they have improved since the first film. If "Back in Business" has any flaws, it's that there is not enough action inside the barbershop, where most of the action took place in the first film. There is a little more drama with "Back in Business" that never slows the film down; a little drama never hurt anyone, did it? Either way, I did thoroughly enjoy myself watching "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and I rated it a 9/10.

The same crew is back in a sequel to the hilarious comedy about a group of barbers who cut hair and discuss life inside their little barbershop community. Calvin (Ice Cube) is the owner of the barbershop with Cedric The Entertainer as his oldest barber. Queen Latifah has been added to the cast with a beauty shop next door. The south side of Chicago is changing with developers buying up everything and moving everybody out of the old neighborhood. Calvin is about to have new competition from a chain barbershop opening across the street. To fight the new barbershop, Calvin tries to upscale his barbershop with paintings and glass sculptures. Calvin also orders his barbers to be quiet and just cut hair, and stop the tradition of being able to say anything you want inside the barbershop. If you liked the first movie, you will like this one. Some of the discussions are outrageous, especially, the ones with Cedric. I laughed through the entire movie. (MGM, Run Time 1:38, Rated PG-13) (7/10)

The plot involves a new, hipper franchise barbershop that is moving across the street from Calvin's barbershop. So, he feels like he has to change and improve his shop by getting newer stuff and such. Sounds real exciting huh. As for the rest of the film, a lot of it involves the same material from the first film. The people that work at Calvin's stand around, talk loud, and mouth off to each other and the customers. Once again Cedric the Entertainer was mildly funny, but it is more like he's doing a stand-up routine than anything to do with the movie. And Calvin is faced with another moral issue involving taking a large sum of money. He's already shown that he will do the right thing in the end.

FINAL VERDICT: Nothing new. I don't recommend it unless you thought the first Barbershop was the best thing since sliced bread.

Lukewarm but watchable and laid-back follow-up to Barbershop. Shop owner Cube and his rambunctious co-workers are enjoying the success of their thriving business, until a new, technologically advanced shop prepares to open across the street. The shop is run by a smarmy political suit who not only threatens to put them out of business, but has also convinced the majority of the neighborhood inhabitants to sell out as well. First film was likable enough but didn't exactly cry out for a sequel, though there are some occasional laughs. Uninspired script doesn't have much of a story to tell, but it's still well-performed and made worthwhile by an enthusiastic cast, especially Cedric the Entertainer who seems to be having the most fun of all. **

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.

Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004): Dir: Kevin Rodney Sullivan / Cast: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas, Queen Latifah, Eve: Here is a comedy that not just continues the story of the hit film but it also addresses being yourself and making others comfortable with your world. It opens with a 1967 flashback centering upon Cedric the Entertainer escaping the law and finding refuge in a barbershop that he would remain at for the next forty years. Business is going well until a bigger corporation begins buying up businesses on the block and establish a rival barbershop. Structured in sitcom fashion with a clever conclusion. Director Kevin Rodney Sullivan gives a realistic view of the barber scene. Ice Cube is excellent as the second generation manager who struggles against the decline in business in the area as well as competition. Cedric the Entertainer is given a back story involving romance on a subway. Fine supporting work by Sean Patrick Thomas who left the barbershop and took up politics, which come into conflict with his old friends. Queen Latifah plays Cube's ex-girlfriend who remains friends and opened a beauty salon next door. She and Cedric do not get along. Eve also makes an appearance from the music industry. While much of this is predictable it is still a worthwhile and entertaining sequel deserving of business. Score: 8 / 10

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".

Although I thought this movie was really funny the first was still better. It was wrapped around more controversy. Also this movie was made for Cedric. He is the central point of the movie. Not that I mind b/c he is a great comedian. Queen Latifah was very underused but it seems that she has her own barber/beauty movie coming out so that will make up for it. I also like the fact that the Barbershop movies talk about real problems with the way society thinks about things. This movie is good and needs to be watched. I own the first and will own the second.

Cedric and the gang are back for a second go around in this sequel to Barbershop. I saw and review the original a while back and was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed it for the most part. The sequel give or take is more of the same. Ice Cube's Calven is still a hair breath away from losing the shop again. Cedric's Eddie is still the best part of the movie, again. Both films ran out of steam whenever Cedric wasn't on it. This film added Eve and Kenan Thompson into the mix. The former being VERY nice to look at, the latter this being the ONLY film he's likely to ever do that I actually watch. But he IS good in this film. I know Queen Latifa's spin-off film "Beauty Shop" is opening pretty soon.. THAT'S one that I'll take a miss on. Nothing against her Quennness, but all her movies suck hardcore, well except for "House Party 2". But I digress, If you liked the first one, you'll like this.

My Grade: C+

Good wholesome movie with an engaging story. Wish they would have make more movies like this.

Creating a sequel to a movie is a tough task. If it's too much like the original film people will complain it's nothing more than a rehash. If it's too different they'll complain that the movie has no link to the original. It's a fine wire to tread and fortunately the people behind BARBERSHOP 2: BACK IN BUSINESS have done and amazing job.

After the success of the first film the odds of a follow up were pretty good. Star Ice Cube had already done this with his successful FRIDAY films. Here he takes the neighborhood barbershop in a similar direction while adding a new threat to the store.

Calvin Palmer (Cube) has kept the barbershop up and running and successful. Next door a new ladies beauty shop has even opened owned by his one-time girlfriend Gina (Queen Latifah). No threat here though as he remains in love with his wife and the apple of his eye his newborn son. Hoping to one day pass along the shop to his son this is threatened when a new business is about to open across the street.

A chain haircut salon called Nappy Cutz is set to open. Developer Quentin Leroux (Harry Lennix) has is trying to buy out all the local businesses and upgrade the neighborhood. But in doing so his potential gentrification of the neighborhood will rob it of not just the flavor that it possesses but will force those who live here to move, unable to afford living where they currently do.

Once again Calvin is faced with the offer of someone to buy out his business. This time around though it's not just some loan shark threatening him. In addition to Leroux he's facing opposition from a crooked politician alderman Brown (Robert Wisdom) who's taking payoffs from Leroux. Faced with what appears to be an unbeatable pair alongside a new business filled with flash and pizzazz Calvin tries to compete by sprucing up his place and hosting a cookout for the neighborhood complete with free cuts for the kids.

The odds are stacked against him though. At a vote before the local board determining whether or not to allow construction in the neighborhood to go forward Calvin steps up to speak. Leroux has made him an offer of more money than he's ever seen before. Will he choose to take the money and advise the other business's around him to do the same? Or will he stand up for what's right?

While all of this sounds serious, and it is, the movie is fueled by the humor that is wrapped around this story. All of the characters from the previous film are back on board and their lives have changed in different but positive ways. In particular this time we get to know more about Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), his back story and a romance we never knew about. It is through Eddie that we also learn more about the history of the barbershop itself as well as Calvin's father.

Once again I was pleasantly surprised at how fun this movie was. I know I liked it the first time I saw it but I think I enjoyed it more this time around. It's one of those movies to keep on hand and pop in from time to time, a nice double feature with the first film that would result in plenty of laughs and touching moments to make a nice evening at home.

MVD Marquee Collection again offers the film in a great new blu-ray version along with the extras offered in the past. Those include a commentary track with actors Cedric, Sean Patrick Thomas, Troy Garity and Jazsmin Lewis, an audio commentary track with director Kevin Sullivan and producers Bob Teitel and George Tillman Jr., 6 deleted scenes, outtakes, an extended music video "Not Today" by Mary J. Blige featuring Eve, a music video "I Can't Wait" by Sleepy Brown featuring OutKast, a behind the scenes photo gallery, the original theatrical trailer and the trailers for BARBERSHOP and BEAUTY SHOP. All in all a great package and one to pick up for your shelf.

i think this movie is the best movie for ice cub be cause it make you fell good and make you like you in the hood live that great life so as a fan for this movie i can say its the best movie i have see in my life i love this movie a lot and i tell to any one did not watch it yet to get up and watch it he is really great movie

2002's Barbershop didn't necessarily reinvent the wheel of comedy, but it's something quite unique. Hearkening back to Ice Cube's 1995 hit, Friday, the film tries to make use of the non- story. Instead, thriving on its characters and slow plot exposition.

In Barbershop 2, they try to duplicate the first one, but doesn't quite work as well--albeit almost. Whereas the writers, in the first Barbershop, seem to be on their own level, making their own rules, Barbershop 2 seems to channel a little too much Tyler Perry. It's a slightly more predictable and silly and transparent, and tries to please the audience too much.

An exception is the return of Cedric the Entertainer as the old man barber, Eddie, who never cuts hair, but will tell you every last thing that's on his mind. He's still got the edgy dialogue that would make today's PC crowd shiver in their organic Uggs.

In Barbershop 2, Calvin (Ice Cube) learns of a Supercuts-esque barbershop opening up across the street. The word around town is buzzing because this place is supposed to be like the country club of barbershops. Eventually, he finds out that the whole community is getting a facelift, which forces out all of the businesses who have worked hard establishing themselves as mainstays for the neighborhood.

The pacing is about the same, but feels much slower--mostly due to the reduction of sub- stories and B-plots. There are so many different characters, but each one's significance is lessened in order to better focus on the premise.

Both films are about integrity and doing the right thing, but this one just says it a bit differently.

It's funny, because as the film tries so hard to be deeper, the characters become less so. They're all just as likable, but the dynamics just aren't as strong.

As a stand alone film, Barbershop 2 isn't bad at all. In fact, it's quite enjoyable. The jokes won't really leave you rolling in the aisles, but there is plenty of smile-worthy dialogue. The content means well and provides us with the similar warmth that the first one gives us. A little less cool, Barbershop 2 can pride itself on at least giving us another taste of what made the first one so special without tarnishing anything.

Twizard Rating: 74

This opens with Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer)'s origins in 1967 when he runs into the barbershop to hide from the cops for stealing a steak. Calvin Palmer, Jr. (Ice Cube) is more comfortable as the owner of the family barbershop with many of the old crew. Jimmy is now working for alderman Lalowe Brown. Eve is still angry. Gina (Queen Latifah) runs the local beauty shop. Land developer Quentin Leroux is buying up local businesses. Franchise barbershop "Nappy Cutz" opens across the street.

The gang is back and the chemistry is still there. This time they're taking on the issue of gentrification which is less edgy than the original. The tension isn't as high. In a way, Barbershop itself has been gentrified. It's still a place where one likes to revisit because of the cast of characters.

I've enjoyed both installments of the "Barbershop" brand, although I would give slightly higher credit to this second film. A little bit more heart, a little bit more of a serious side to the story, but still plenty of laughs. Several of the characters here are more filled out.

Ice Cube is not Laurence Olivier, but he's pleasant enough on screen; I hope he continues to play in a mix of roles so as not to become stereotyped. Cedric the Entertainer is, indeed, pretty entertaining here. Sean Patrick Thomas is an underrated actor, although this role was far from his best. Michael Ealy is almost certainly the best actor in the bunch. Kenan Thompson...well...he's okay. And, Queen Latifah is very appealing on the big screen.

Don't worry, you're not going to have to wade in too deep here, but there is a decent story about "character". And surrounding the serious story are lots of belly laughs...and not just Cedric's belly. Well worth a watch, even though it probably won't end up on your DVD shelf.

CUBE Does It Again

Barbershop 2: Back in Business is a great sequel, one which delivers fresh, subversive laughs. Sure the plot is just about the same as the first, but the movie still entertains and the cast is even better since we have a few new characters, such as Queen Latifah who plays Gina, the owner of another barbershop near Calvin's. Ice Cube returns as Calvin Palmer, the owner of a very popular barbershop on the Chicago Southside. The entire cast does return, and offers something a little new to the film, surely Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) for in this film he rambles about the Kobe Bryant trial, R. Kelly and Michael Jackson as well as a few others. Eve returns as Teri, Sean Patrick Thomas, Michael Ealy, Troy Garity and more. I should also point out that this installment is directed by a different director, Kevin Rodney Sullivan who made his debut with this film and he keeps the franchise going more than well. Barbershop 2: Back In Business is rated PG-13 for Language, Sexual Material and Brief Drug References. The language is a bit bawdy and rough, there's also sexual innuendo nothing explicit though. The film has already been a hit and surely deserves to be one, I'm not too sure if it's better than the first but it sure is as good. Head down to the theatre and check out Barbershop 2.

i own the first Barbershop on DVD. twenty minutes into this movie, i had to cut it off, and go watch the first Barbarshop again. usually when you watch a sequel, it's not really necessary to watch the first movie to understand. but unless you have an impeccable memory, you may lose a few of the story lines that are continued in the sequel. do not get me wrong, this movie was still very funny. and the plot was surprisingly good. the only reason why i did not give this movie a higher rating, is because of all the story lines! every character (which all of them have returned) is getting developed this time. we learn more about all of them in Barbershop 2. but on a personal note, i cared about some of the story lines more than others (like watching Michael Ealy's storyline, simply because he is fine!).

if you did not see the first Barbershop, or forgot, this movie may have be a bit hard to follow. the relationship between Jimmy and Isaac; the lust Dinka had for Terry; how Eddie spoke about a woman named Loretta; how Terry was hurt by her man; Ricky's lifestyle that brought him to the shop; how Isaac was the new lame, white boy and no one wanted to sit in his chair...all of these are story lines in Barbershop 1 that get developed in Barbarshop 2 (and even more story lines are added on!) but either way, it's obvious that the producers ran out of time, and simply had to cut out some things that would have developed some of the story lines better.

all in all, the movie is still hilarious. the acting is still above average. Cedric still makes you roll with his off the wall comments. and the storyline is up to par with what is going on in a lot of urban communities nowadays- how "big business" development is having an impact on traditional and/or historical "mom & pop" shops. in fact, all of the scenes surrounding that issue, are QUITE accurate.

Babershop 2: Back in Business was a movie I enjoyed watching. Every now and then it throws in hilarious gags, but at some points becomes very tedious. Most of the acting is done well, although Eve sometimes draws a blank along with Queen Latifah.

The plot of the movie is very simple, competing businesses and family values are sometimes easy to predict.

As with a lot of of sequels, them movie is lacking just a little bit of laughter and depth rather than outdoing its predecessor. Some "extra" characters in the original made me laugh, but with lack of them in the second I was a little let down.

I really enjoyed Barbershop 2, it combines some smart lines with great acting (with some exceptions) and was pretty fun to watch.

I don't highly recommend this movie, but if you have seen the first installment than I guess that it is a must see.

This movie is once again another good movie. It equally if not surpasses the first one. This one takes a similar but great plot and makes another good movie. This movie has added more comedy. Cedric is hilarious once again. Ice Cube portrays Calvin with another great role. The conversations push away from music and TV and deal with Politics. Some characters are annoying but overall its good to have the same cast back. The Barbecue with Queen Latifa in it was great not to mention foreshadowing (Beauty Shop). The love triangle from the previous movie is brought back with double the laughs. The politics and the barbershop being put on TV were all hilarious. I'm glad this movie was able to keep things fresh in Chicago. If you loved the first one then check this one out.

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.