The barbershop has been a gathering place for neighborhood news, political debates and getting a good haircut since Calvin’s father opened it over 40 years ago. But not much has changed in the shop in a long time, which paints a bleak picture for its future. Calvin (Ice Cube) is struggling to keep his Chicago South Side barbershop open in spite of the fact that Nappy Cuts, a national chain, is set to open right across the street. Not only is it state of the art, but it’s an entertainment complex as well. Calvin is concerned that he may be run out of business by the competition and may not be able to support his family. He wants to send his young son to college when the time comes. As he develops and implements a strategy of improved customer service, it appears Calvin may be able to survive his new competition.

One "bright" spot is developer Quentin Leroux (Lennix), who along with the local alderman provides Calvin with a financial incentive of $200,000 to give a good word at the zoning hearing on a proposed neighborhood development project. Politicians and developers are given the two-dimensional perspectives of helping the community while never forgetting to look out for themselves. The project will bring competition to established merchants for sure, the barbershop included, but as Calvin argues it will also mean cleaner streets and better schools. However, he doesn’t want to see the plan dislocate poor, long time residents of the community who can’t afford the proposed new gentrified housing.

The cast from "Barbershop" is back for the sequel. Wise cracking sage Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) is as sharp as ever and this time we gain some valuable insight into his true character. Despite the criticism of some comments in "Barbershop" (or perhaps because of them) Cedric demonstrates how to walk the line between comedy that is biting yet funny, and what is distasteful. Taking a jab at Michael Jackson and R Kelley is OK but Luther Vandross is off limits. Tough-talking Terri (Eve) tries to get in touch with some inner peace this time, with surprisingly romantic (and funny) results. Queen Latifah (in a strong cameo performance) is Gina, from the beauty shop next door. She squares off perfectly with Eddie as the two go toe to toe, literally, in a shout down where they both are selling "woof tickets" (more bark than bite).

The script here is timely, well written and funny, and the subplot is much stronger than in the first film. Some significant points of historical interest are made as well. Schools teach history, but in our opinion do an overall pathetic job of it. The intermixing of documentary footage about the rioting after MLK Jr’s assassination, and seeing tapes of Robert Kennedy’s comments is insightful for those who remember the events as well as for those born after they occurred, which is most of the audience seeing the film. To see the dramatization of the rioting from the perspective of a black business owner rather than a helicopter is more newsworthy than much of the actual live footage.

"Barbershop 2" is better than the original ¾ and we liked the first film. The movie is sophisticated without too slick a Hollywood veneer. Beneath the humor are some serious topics, such as redevelopment in the inner city. That more than anything will help with the high unemployment rate. Harlem is a good example of what needs to happen in other locations across the nation.

"Barbershop 2" may be fiction, but it’s based upon a lot of fact. The fun never stops and the music (much of it from the 60s) is great.