Barbershop 2: Back in Business Parent Guide

After mulling over a career change in the first Barbershop, owner Calvin Palmer (Ice Cube) and his fellow clippers are open for business once again in Barbershop 2. Back with his usual loud banter and political jibes, Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) still has a dearth of customers and plenty to say about governmental affairs. After some serious practicing with the clippers, Issac (Troy Garity) has won over an established clientele that’s willing to wait in line for his services. Even Ricky (Michael Ealy) and Terri (rap star Eve) keep their customers neatly trimmed while Dinka, the Nigerian immigrant (Leonard Earl Howze), sweeps up the shavings.

But their future in the neighborhood comes under the razor when an upscale hair cutting chain prepares to open a trendy salon across the street. Owned by a local land developer, Nappy Cutz is the first of many chic shops, cafes and video stores planned for the south side Chicago district in an inner city reclamation effort. Heading the project is Alderman Brown (Robert Wisdom), who uses these announced improvements as an opportunity to garner votes before the upcoming election.

While some business owners see a sellout as a good way to make a wad of cash and head for warmer climates, not all of the community constituents are excited about the changes. Realizing that rising rents and soaring costs will drive many out, they are doubtful the changes will really benefit the current residents.

In the meantime, Calvin decides to spruce up his shop with new paint and some modern art in an effort to make it more competitive with the scissor wielders across the street and to calm the concerns of his employees. He also imposes a growing list of conduct rules. But his attempt to class up the joint causes some friction with his eccentric staff as well as Gina (Queen Latifah) and the girls at the beauty salon next door. It triggers some worries with his customers who value the atmosphere of the shop as much as they do a good cut.

Like the film’s predecessor, Barbershop 2: Back in Business gives Ice Cube a chance to show some heart on the screen while focusing on neighborhood spirit and a chatty camaraderie between the barbers. Contrasting the interests of the local citizens against the ideas of city government, it depicts the challenges faced by numerous of communities slated for redevelopment ventures.

Watching Calvin grow to appreciate his father’s community-minded ideals, the script has lots to offer in life lessons. Unfortunately, like its forerunner, the steady buzz of explicit sexual innuendo and profanities leaves this film in need of a good trim to make it family friendly.

About author

Kerry Bennett

Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for over 15 years. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes.