Barbershop: The Next Cut is the third sequel, or maybe the fourth, to the Ice Cube’s Barbershop film series. Merging the cast of Barber and Beauty Shop, this is a continuation of the story of the smaller community barbershop on the South Side of Chicago. It’s supposed to be a comedy, but that’s not the best part.
While this movie has the comedy (which is hit ‘n miss), it’s more focused on real-world issues. Specifically gangs and the shockingly high murder rate in Chicago. Much like Spike Lee’s angrier Chi-Raq, this movie takes that cause on directly. Ice Cube and his wife are trying to keep their 13 year old boy out of the gang life while also maintaining a store in a practical war zone. While this may sound preachy, I found it the most compelling part of this shaggy movie.
There’s a lot of sub-plots, some funny, some serious and it gives its extended cast room in the spotlight, especially Common and Niki Minaj (who are really good). Not all the plots were interesting but usually the cast coming together under the roof of the barbershop is, as has always been the case, the heart and soul of the film.
So, there ya go. I don’t have much to say other than the comedy wasn’t the star, but the message about community and non-violence was. Our characters realize nobody outside their community gives a damn or can fix their problems so maybe its their responsibility to initiate change. Good message for a pretty good film.
Score: 82