Wednesday, October 3, 2018

BEAUTY SHOP: SEQUEL TO THE SEQUEL



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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