"I was one of those looking forward to part two," admits critic J. Robert Parks (Phantom Tollbooth) in his review of
The sequel chronicles the continuing conversational capers of Calvin (Ice Cube), who inherited a barbershop in the first film and discovered its important role in the community as a place of civilized debate over all sorts of volatile issues. In fact, the debates of the first film were more than just funny—they were provocative and controversial, setting off a highly publicized debate about humor and propriety. (You can revisit critics' impressions of the first
While this episode steers clear of controversy, Parks argues that it has its virtues. "One of the things I like about the
David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) is also somewhat impressed. "While some might find the raw repartee off-putting, it is refreshing to see a depiction of an ethnically diverse group not only co-existing peacefully but thoroughly enjoying each other's company."
Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "The filmmakers … focus on what made the first film so successful—the camaraderie that existed within the shop itself." He also cautions parents about "profanity and plenty of sexual references."
Steven Isaac (
Phil Boatwright (Movie Reporter) agrees that it contains "very little that could be considered biting satire. Forced and often silly, the subjects and characterizations have all the subtlety of a barber's joke."
Tom Snyder (
Mainstream critics, while generally impressed by the movie, still find this to be the lesser of the two 'shops.
from Film Forum, 02/26/04After seeing