Proving that a successful formula can work for both genders
the folks behind BARBERSHOP and BARBERSHOP 2 took the character of Gina from
that second film, transported her to Atlanta and a new movie in the series came
out. The result was a fun movie for all to enjoy and a worthy successor to the
previous films.
Gina (Queen Latifah) from BABERSHOP 2 is now widowed with a
young daughter. She’s now living in Atlanta with her daughter, sister-in-law
and mother-in-law so that her daughter can attend a private music school. Gina
now works in the high profile fashion beauty shop run by Jorge (Kevin Bacon).
The pretentious Jorge speaks with a foreign accent, does little to no styling
and relies on the superiority of his employees to build his reputation, in
particular Gina.
When a confrontation over who Gina allowed to wash someone’s
hair erupts Jorge embarrasses her in front of everyone and Gina quits. Going to
the bank and with a little help she gets a loan and opens her own beauty shop
where one once was. Sorting through those who worked there before she keeps
some, allows others to leave and brings on her friend Lynn (Alicia
Silverstone), a young white girl who hopelessly tries to fit in.
With some hard work, a little paint and some help from all
involved the shop looks good for business once again and opens. But it isn’t
long before the health inspector comes along and begins levying fines against
her. Fortunately the upstairs neighbor Joe (Djimon Hounsou) knows enough about
electrical work to help out as well as provide a potential love interest for
Gina.
There is also the problem of the old customers unsure of her
abilities and set in their ways along with her workers who tend to speak first
and think later. As Gina begins to win over her customers and rein in her
workers a number of her old customers begin to stop in as well. The loss of
business, as well as the loss of top star Gina, begins to affect Jorge and it
isn’t long before he begins looking for ways to sabotage her.
Like the BARBERSHOP movies the theme that runs beneath it
all here is community and friendship. The women in the shop gossip non-stop,
something the men in BARBERSHOP did as well. Side stories of trying to get her
sister-in-law to straighten up and act like an adult, helping her daughter to
find her voice musically and that budding relationship with Joe round out the
film and make it a pleasant distraction to enjoy. There are plenty of laughs
and a tender story to boot.
As with the BARBERSHOP films I found this one to be a huge
treat. It was a film with heart that also showed the abilities of all involved
to perfection. I found myself laughing from start to finish and several moments
forced me to pause the film I was laughing so hard. At the same time while some
might call the plotline cliché for me it had that familiar feel that means
comfort. The end result being an enjoyable movie I know I could easily watch
again and a welcome addition to my collection.
As with their other releases in their MVD Marquee Collection
this one offers extras previously available along with a great blu-ray
presentation. Extras include selected scene audio commentary by director Bille
Woodruff, BEAUTY SHOP: INSIDE TH STYLE a short featurette on the film, a gag
reel, BEAUTY SHOP: SNEAK PEEK, the original theatrical trailer, the teaser
trailer and the trailers for both BABERSHOP and BARBERSHOP 2.
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