Barbershop 2: Back in Business Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ice Cube’s barbershop is threatened by a fancy chain, so everyone yells about gentrification and somehow it all works out… maybe?

🍿 Barbershop 2: Back in Business: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Facing New Competition

Calvin Palmer Jr. is settled into running his family’s barbershop in Chicago. However, a new threat emerges in the form of ‘Nappy Cutz,’ a flashy chain barbershop opening across the street. This corporate competitor, owned by Quentin Leroux, promises high-end services and a modern atmosphere, threatening Calvin’s traditional business.

Internal Struggles and Shifting Loyalties

The barbershop staff also faces internal challenges. Isaac, the only white barber, gains popularity and seeks special treatment, causing friction. Terri deals with her attraction to Ricky, while Jimmy leaves to work for a local alderman, only to become disillusioned by political corruption. Newcomer Kenard struggles with his barbering skills, leading to humorous mishaps.

Gentrification and a Moral Dilemma

The community faces the threat of gentrification as Leroux aims to buy up local businesses. Calvin is offered a bribe to support legislation that favors development. He must decide whether to sell out his community for personal gain or stand his ground and fight for its soul and the legacy of his barbershop.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Calvin (Ice Cube): The owner of Calvin’s Barbershop who struggles to keep his father’s legacy alive amidst pressures of gentrification.
• Eddie (Cedric The Entertainer): A veteran barber at Calvin’s shop who offers unfiltered opinions and remembers the shop’s history.
• Terri (Eve): A barber at Calvin’s shop working through anger management while navigating a relationship with Ricky.
• Gina (Queen Latifah): The owner of the beauty shop next door, a former love interest of Calvin, and Eddie’s intellectual sparring partner.
• Ricky (Michael Ealy): A barber at Calvin’s, striving for a better future and involved in a romantic relationship with Terri.
• Isaac (Troy Garity): The white barber at Calvin’s shop who briefly leaves for the rival barbershop before returning.
• Quentin Leroux (Harry Lennix): The land developer and owner of ‘Nappy Cutz’, posing a threat to Calvin’s barbershop.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eddie: “A man ain’t supposed to have to leave his neighborhood to be successful.” – Eddie reflects on the importance of community and the negative impact of gentrification.
• Calvin: “What good is progress if you lose your soul?” – Calvin questions the value of urban development if it means losing the community’s identity.
• Eddie: “You can’t replace history. You gotta build on it.” – Eddie emphasizes the significance of preserving the past while moving forward.
• Terri: “I’m not your mama, and this ain’t Burger King. You can’t always have it your way.” – Terri confronts a customer about his demanding attitude, showing her assertiveness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $65,111,277
• Worldwide Gross: $65,991,448

💥 Barbershop 2: Back in Business Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I wasn’t blown away like I was with the first Barbershop, but I still enjoyed it. Seeing the same characters back together felt like catching up with old friends. The storyline about gentrification was actually pretty relevant, and it made me think. I really loved the flashback scenes with Cedric the Entertainer! It was cool to see his character’s backstory and how the barbershop became such a fixture in the community. Overall, a fun and thought-provoking movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original Barbershop movie”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of community and gentrification”
  • “Those who enjoy ensemble comedies with social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some mature themes related to race and social issues”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “Barbershop 2 brings back the same charm and witty banter, with a sharper focus on community issues. While not as groundbreaking as the original, it’s a solid and entertaining sequel, with Cedric the Entertainer stealing every scene he’s in.
• New York Times: “While the film tackles relevant themes of gentrification, it often gets bogged down in predictable plotlines. However, the cast’s chemistry and the film’s heart make it a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of the first movie.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Barbershop 2 delivers more of what fans loved: the lively discussions and colorful characters. But the story feels less original this time around, relying on familiar tropes. Queen Latifah’s addition is a welcome bonus.

Audience Reactions

Cedric the Entertainer’s performance was hilarious and stole the show.: The comedic timing and social commentary made the movie relatable and enjoyable.

The film’s focus on community and preserving local businesses resonated with viewers.: It was a feel-good movie with a positive message about staying true to your roots.

Overall Consensus: Barbershop 2 is a decent sequel that delivers familiar laughs and heartwarming moments, though it lacks the originality and impact of the first film. It’s a fun watch for fans of the original and those interested in a lighthearted take on community issues.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Though the film is set on the South Side of Chicago, much of the filming took place on a soundstage to control the environment and ensure consistency.”
• “Queen Latifah’s character, Gina, was so popular that it led to a spin-off film, ‘Beauty Shop,’ released in 2005.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with actual barbers and community members to ensure the authenticity of the barbershop setting and the conversations that take place within it.”

🖥️ How to Watch Barbershop 2: Back in Business?

Barbershop 2: Back in Business is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability. You can also find it for sale on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Barbershop 2: Back in Business, you might like these similar films:

• Barbershop (2002): The original film that introduced the characters and setting, continuing the same themes and humor.
• Beauty Shop (2005): A spin-off featuring Queen Latifah’s character, exploring similar themes of community and entrepreneurship in a beauty salon setting.
• Do the Right Thing (1989): Explores themes of community, race relations, and gentrification in a vibrant urban neighborhood.
• Coming to America (1988): Celebrates Black culture and tradition, featuring comedic scenes set within the close-knit community of a barbershop.

🛒 Barbershop 2: Back in Business Related Products

• Barbershop & Beauty Shop Double Feature [DVD]: Get both Barbershop and Beauty Shop in one package! Enjoy hours of comedy and heartwarming stories with your favorite characters. This double feature is perfect for a movie night with friends and family.
• Ice Cube – Greatest Hits [CD]: Relive the classics with Ice Cube’s greatest hits! This album features iconic tracks from his solo career, showcasing his lyrical talent and West Coast hip-hop influence. A must-have for any Ice Cube fan.
• Barbershop Movie Poster Print: Show your love for Barbershop with this high-quality movie poster print. Perfect for decorating your home theater, office, or barbershop. A great conversation starter for movie enthusiasts.
• Barbershop: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]: Experience the entire Barbershop saga in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray collection. Includes all films in the series, offering hours of entertainment and behind-the-scenes content. A great gift for any fan of the franchise.

🎧 Soundtrack

Barbershop 2: Back in Business features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Let’s Get It Started” – performed by The Black Eyed Peas
• “Respect” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “I Can’t Wait” – performed by Sleepy Brown featuring OutKast
• “Not Today” – performed by Mary J. Blige featuring Eve

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

KeKe Palmer On Failing Ice Cube’s Are We There Yet Audition After Being in Barbershop 2

Ever wonder what it’s like to audition for Ice Cube? Keke Palmer spills the tea on her ‘Are We There Yet’ audition after being in Barbershop 2 – you won’t believe what happened! I think it is interesting to hear the perspective of her failing the audition.

Barbershop 2 Cedric singing

Remember that hilarious scene where Cedric the Entertainer belts out a tune in Barbershop 2? This clip will have you laughing all over again! He has such an amazing voice.

Crips vs blood barber shop 2

Want a quick look at one of the most talked-about scenes in Barbershop 2? Check out this clip where Crips and Bloods interact – it’s funny but has a deeper message! I wish that more films included these types of scenes.

✨ Rate