Barbershop: The Next Cut Parent Guide

If there’s one thing you can say for this third iteration of the Barbershop franchise, it’s consistent. Like the two movies prior, Calvin’s (Ice Cube) Chicago barbershop sits within the tense urban scope of the city’s South Side. And, like those previous movies, the establishment is full of hair grooming professionals, including some new additions. The wall between the barbershop and the beauty salon has been pulled down, allowing both genders to banter back and forth over interpersonal relationships, sexual matters, politics and—the top trending issue in this script—neighborhood crime.

Shootings on the South Side have reached epidemic proportions. Now the city is threatening to block off streets to control the movement of gang members, but that will also hinder businesses who are already struggling to survive. Amidst the barbershop discussions, the cutting characters (who include stars like Common, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas and Eve) hatch a plan to try and negotiate a ceasefire between two gang rivals—each of whom are patrons of the shop. The tense confrontation manages to score an agreement for a gunshot free weekend. With the hope of promoting the plan to the rest of Chicago, these creative stylists determine to offer free haircuts for the entire 48-hour period.

This movie deserves high marks for having a message that encourages other viewers to try to do something similar. And don’t think the crime portrayed in this script is an exaggeration. In the time it has taken me to screen and write this review (approximately 24 hours), at least 10 people—including two kids—have been shot in the city.

But as much as these real world issues are promoted in this film, there is still a priority on comedy—and that creates an awkward combination. Nearly non-stop sexual dialogue covers subjects ranging from President Obama having a floosy on the side (a more derogatory word than that is used to describe the female) to a poll on whether a woman’s first priority in finding a man should be the size of his genitals. A side-story involves a hairdresser making a play for a married coworker, even though his wife also works at the shop. While the husband keeps his temptations under wraps, a closing comment declares his interest in trying to sexually please both parties at the same time.

Profanities are plentiful as well, including the expected single use of the sexual expletive, along with frequent scatological slangs, crude anatomical terms and mild profanities. Ironically violence, while frequently discussed and viewed as a negative issue, is seldom portrayed and hence one of the least concerns for parents.

This is a movie that’s full of good intentions for engaging citizens in bettering their community. Although the dramatic moments come off a little forced and sentimental, they offer a positive discussion seed that families could use to help grow their own ideas. However, the desire to integrate crass comedy within this scope will likely cut these viewers from Calvin’s customer’s list.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.