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.
74 Reviews
Satisfactory sequel
=G=1 July 2004
"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+)
Enjoyable, but not as much as the original....
lotus_chief17 February 2004
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.
*** out of **** stars.
Get your haircut at this barbershop
the-movie-guy4 February 2004
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)
First was Better
iwatcheverything6 February 2004
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.
Not surprisingly, it's a bit of a letdown...but it's still well worth seeing.
planktonrules19 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
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".
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".
very stereo typical, very stale plot
MLDinTN8 February 2005
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.
FINAL VERDICT: Nothing new. I don't recommend it unless you thought the first Barbershop was the best thing since sliced bread.
Kenan in a good movie??!!?? must be a fluke
movieman_kev28 March 2005
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+
My Grade: C+
Disappointing, boring, NOT funny and fresh
navybayers7 February 2004
The first movie of this series was well written and original. This show drags on, poorly written gags, boring flashbacks, not the comedy that I expected. Even the young folks found it boring. There are certainly bright moments, historical elements and some good acting, but overall I can only recommend this for DVD/tape at home.
An Entertaining Sequel
green_winger4 April 2006
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.
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.
Looses the original's charm, soul & spark
Urbanmetropolis7 February 2004
Barbershop 2: Back in Business wasn't as good as it's original but was just as funny. The movie itself lacked little things which the original held which made it much more enjoyable. Back in Business seemed to be just another worthless sequel made to bring in money with a very thin plot. Cedric the Entertainer's terrible excuses for flashbacks ruined the movie and seemed to be a bad way to try and get the audience to adapt more with the character. Overall Barbershop 2: Back in Business was a sequel not needed, without the originals charm, soul & spark.
Back Again for some more laughs on the South Side of Chicago!
SonicStuart8 August 2004
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.
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.
Twizard Rating: 74
goolizap6 June 2016
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
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
Trying to be 8 Mile
bergchamp6 June 2019
After the 1st entertaining movie, this followed up as having little in it but diss sessions like the rap battles in 8 Mile but without the cleverness.
Most of the jokes were lame, and it quickly lost all of the charm that should have held together a very very thin story.
Most of the jokes were lame, and it quickly lost all of the charm that should have held together a very very thin story.
Cutting Past the Dead Hair.
tfrizzell16 March 2004
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.
It's Good but it lacks the heart and humor of the first movie.
airordare18 February 2004
Barbershop was a great film about community and family that really stuck a chore for me, but the sequel did not live up to those values. Ceric The Entertainer is good, as well as Queen Latifah but the story lacks the heart and humor of the first movie, and falls to gutter talk other than honest views about people and society that the first one did so well. It's a funny movie but nothing more than a quick laugh for a quick buck.
Maybe it's about time to close up the shop before it gets worse.
Maybe it's about time to close up the shop before it gets worse.
There's some missing heart in the plot that you felt in the first film, but there's also some loose ends that are tied up that makes this a must see for fans of the original.
kevin_robbins10 March 2023
Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) is a movie that I recently rewatched for the first time in a long time on Tubi. The storyline picks up right where the first one left off with the barbershop doing well and some new competition coming in across the street. As the team prepares for a new rival we also get a glimpse of how the characters became barbers to begin with and how relationships within the barbershop evolve.
This movie is directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan (How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and stars Ice Cube (Friday), Cedric the Entertainer (Kings of Comedy), Eve (xXx), Queen Latifah (Set it Off), Michael Ealy (Think Like a Man) and Kenan Thompson (Good Burger).
Once again this movie has an amazing soundtrack that will make you smile. The cast is outstanding and the comedic content is a bit more hit and miss than the first one, but there's still some tremendous jokes sprinkled throughout the movie. Seeing the backstory on Cedric's character was clever and well done but the competing barbershop was a bit corny. There's some missing heart in the plot that you felt in the first film, but there's also some loose ends that are tied up that makes this a must see for fans of the original.
Overall, this is a fun sequel that is a worthwhile addition to the comedy genre. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.
This movie is directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan (How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and stars Ice Cube (Friday), Cedric the Entertainer (Kings of Comedy), Eve (xXx), Queen Latifah (Set it Off), Michael Ealy (Think Like a Man) and Kenan Thompson (Good Burger).
Once again this movie has an amazing soundtrack that will make you smile. The cast is outstanding and the comedic content is a bit more hit and miss than the first one, but there's still some tremendous jokes sprinkled throughout the movie. Seeing the backstory on Cedric's character was clever and well done but the competing barbershop was a bit corny. There's some missing heart in the plot that you felt in the first film, but there's also some loose ends that are tied up that makes this a must see for fans of the original.
Overall, this is a fun sequel that is a worthwhile addition to the comedy genre. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend seeing it once.
Pretty funny
swipht17 February 2004
OK
mikeiskorn26 February 2021
Great Movie
Put_Up_Or_Shut_Up14 February 2004
I like the plot of the movie. It had a good story line to follow and it was funny at the same time. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5. To me, the first movie was still better, but the second one had a few surprises that you would not have expected.
It's funny, but not for everyone
aj102322 March 2004
I guess you could say that Barbershop 2 was a good movie. It had quite a few laughs and a good message. The plot is simple- a barbershop on the south side of Chicago that has been there for years might get put out if business when a new, snazzy, modern barbershop opens right across the street. However, people who aren't black may have a hard time understanding what the characters are saying, because they speak in heavy dialect. Being white, I had to listen more carefully than I usually do at movies. Cedric the Entertainer and Queen Latifah both do great performances. The movie over all wasn't too special, but I still recommend it. 5/10 stars
"Back in Business!"
dee.reid7 February 2004
"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.
A lot of fun
bluzman8 February 2004
This is the kind of movie that can offend the easily offended. It is full of jokes, and jokes can be taken either the way they are intended or the wrong way. Hidden inside this movie is a basic look at a lot of reality. It may not be pretty or the way we think it is or should be, but it is reality.I have personally seen city and county government working pretty much the way this one did. One thing I have noticed about many of the roles Ice Cube plays is that they are honest people fighting against the system and even though temptation always seems to rear its ugly head, his character eventually does what needs to be done. Still, at the root it is a very funny movie with a lot of joking that can provide a recommended minimum daily allowance of laughing.
A bit long and forgettable.
mikayakatnt17 November 2020
An attempt to capture the magic of the original that brings little new to the table. Imagine the second episode of a sitcom.
Barbershop 2's plot is almost the exact same as the original. Minus the extra comedic relief characters.
The original cast is here and is the most enjoyable part of the film. Yet, it's nothing groundbreaking. Kenan Thompson's character adds nothing to the film and felt a bit shooed in. Not to mention the subplots which add little to the film and the overarching story.
Wouldn't recommend unless you LOVED the first one and insistent on seeing another.
2.5/5.
Barbershop 2's plot is almost the exact same as the original. Minus the extra comedic relief characters.
The original cast is here and is the most enjoyable part of the film. Yet, it's nothing groundbreaking. Kenan Thompson's character adds nothing to the film and felt a bit shooed in. Not to mention the subplots which add little to the film and the overarching story.
Wouldn't recommend unless you LOVED the first one and insistent on seeing another.
2.5/5.
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