Rating: 
Summary: Come Join the Conversation
Review: "Barbershop" has all the spontaneous, freeform looseness of good improvisational theater. Indeed, the Mark Brown/Don D. Scott/Marshall Todd screenplay consists of little more than a series of fast-paced and witty conversations among some barbershop employees and their customers on the Southside of Chicago - with just enough "plot" thrown in to hold it all together. This shop is more than just a place to have your hair cut - it functions as the agreed-upon location where the men of the neighborhood can come and have their say and propound their views on every possible topic, from politics to personal relationships, from race relations to the latest news from the local quarter. It's when the conversation turns to politics that the writers really let loose, allowing one character, the aged and sage Eddie, to unload a volley of epithets aimed at some of the most revered sacred cows of the African American community. Eddie, like most "colorful" characters, says exactly what he thinks and is allowed to get away with it. His age and life experience give him a certain carte blanche to verbalize sentiments that no one else would dare to utter. As such, he is a total refreshment in this age of super-sensitivity and political correctness. The film really has two storylines going at the same time: one involving the theft of an ATM machine from a market across the street, and the other, the attempt by Calvin, the shop's owner, to renege on a deal to sell the place to a local loan shark who wants to turn it into a nightclub. The former provides an opportunity for some low comedy, burlesque bits that are quite funny at times. The latter gives the film its emotional depth, as Calvin comes to appreciate just what it is that makes this shop so very special a place. Yet, it is when the film gets away from its plot and concentrates on the verbal sparring among its many characters that "Barbershop" is at its most incisive. More than any film of recent memory, this one relies on what can truly be called an "ensemble" cast. Each member is given a few key scenes or moments to sketch in his or her character before another one comes forth to usurp the spotlight. Only Calvin, played endearingly by Ice Cube, and Eddie, brilliantly realized by Cedric the Entertainer, are allowed to attain more than their share of prominence. However, despite being given less screen time, the rest of the cast is equally skilled in bringing their finely etched characters to life. Director Tim Story does an effective job keeping this essentially one-set work from becoming ponderous and static, and he knows how to zoom in on just the right character at each given moment. "Barbershop," though it may seem iconoclastic and even anti-establishment at times, ultimately comes out foursquare in favor of good, old-fashioned values like honesty, hard work and commitment to a dream. The film may peter out a bit in its final scenes, winding up with a halfhearted resolution that shows, indeed, that the "plot" is the least important element to the filmmakers involved here. These men obviously just love the characters they've assembled - and all that affection spilling off the screen is what makes "Barbershop" so much fun for us in the audience as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Fresh, different, with a side order of straight talk...
Review: In short, this is a film you should see. It's smart, it's funny, and it's good. All this despite the recent comments in the press from civil rights leaders and their relatives, who are angry about some of the lines in the film that are not as flattering as they'd like. Most of the "outrageous" and controversial dialogue comes from Cedric the Entertainer, who plays the old and wise mentor of the barbershop. There really isn't all that much in the way of controversial talk, because the story is clearly focused on Calvin's crisis and how it relates to the theft of an ATM. While some of the famous civil rights leaders and their relatives that the film comments on may find it convenient to complain in the media, this can easily be disregarded as an attempt to become relevant in the 21st Century. Obviously, from their recent comments, you can tell that these people and their handlers have not seen the film. If they had, they would have seen a film rich in message about family, community, love, and responsibility; all virtues that they purport to espouse. The straight talk about OJ, slave reparations, white "homies", Rosa Parks, and other topics affecting the black community past and present, is dead on. If only the leadership in the black community could be as frank! Would that more films and filmmakers would dare to be this open and honest on the topic of race. Far from being a preach-fest, we have instead a warm, human comedy, with an excellent premise about community and responsibility to community. The analogy of barbershop AS community is never far out of view here. Cedrick's character makes this clear several times, as does the process of Calvin's conversion and his changing perspective about the shop his father left him. The shop is not just a shop, but a cauldron of community, ever bubbling and cooking away, purifying and refreshing. All aspects of community are featured, both the welcome and the unwelcome. Even the bizzare phenomenon of the "homie", the white, black guy wannabe that litters all walks of life in our society, is discussed in an open, frank, and humorous manner (one character decribes such a "homie" co-worker as a "minstrel show, knocked on it's ear", while he replies the guy is just jealous, and wishes he had such a "fly girlfriend and pimped-out ride."). The straight talk is welcome, and measured carefully to avoid heavy-handedness in favor of common sense speak; just what you'd expect to get in the local barbershop. Best of all, the movie is funny. Not always knee-slapping funny, but funny in a warm and knowing way about people... ALL people. Don't listen to the carping of the media hogs, politicos, or other "talking heads" on TV. See this film. You won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Good but too many stereotypes
Review: This movie was very funny at times but it was plagued with stereotypes and overused cliches. The script could have been better because I kept getting pounded over the head over and over with messages about black people improving themselves. Its OK to laugh at ourselves but the messages didn't really fit in and REALLY brought the comedy level of the movie down. There were
some good performances but some actors in this movie (not gonna name names) really need some acting lessons. Some were smirking while saying their lines (the director should have caught this). Cedric and Anthony Anderson were standouts as far as good performances
Rating: 
Summary: Very entertaining - Very Politically Incorrect
Review: It was difficult for me to believe that a day in the life of a barbershop could be as enjoyable a movie as this turned out to be. The main action involves the barbershop that Calvin (Ice Cube) inherited from his father and how it seems incompatible with his dreams of success. The secondary plot involves several comedic scenes about a stolen ATM machine; this part of the story is cleverly interwoven into the resolution of Calvin's problems at the conclusion.
The story turns political correctness regarding race on its ear in only the way a black cast could. This includes a great illustration of reverse discrimination since the young white barber cannot convince any of the blacks that he can cut their hair. It also takes on such icons as Jesse Jackson and even Rosa Parks through humor rather than diatribe. Of course, the barbershop has been the neighborhood black social club for generations, and now it's existence is threatened. There are many twists and turns to the story and great character development of several of the minor parts. However, Cedric the Entertainer as the sage of the previous generation and bridge to the present staels the show in my opinion.
Definitely worth seeing if you want to both laugh and think while watching a movie where goodness and right eventually triumph and the value of friendship is reaffirmed.
I did not rate it five stars because while the lack of violence was very refreshing the language was unneccessarily offensive at times. Also, while I tremendously enjoyed the movie it was not so good that I would want to see it several times or purchase it on DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the stupidest movies of the year.
Review: This movie is a complete waste of time.There are absolutely no good moments on here.It is horrible.Do not see this movie.Save your money.
Rating:
Summary: It Was Just Ok!
Review: Barbershop.Everybody said that this movie was great.Even all of the critics thought that it was warm,funny,and full of heart.I just didn't see what they meant by that.Yes,the movie did have it's funny moments and was heartwarming and made me feel good but the movie had no reason to be made.It could have been made into a television show and I would have liked it better.It didn't have that zing that you get with a movie.It floated around a little bit to get to that area of heavy emotions untill the end.the end of the movie was strange because when I walked out of the theatre I relized that I wanted to know more of what happens to those characters and thinking that they had to make a sequal just to find out what happens to the characters later in there life.That is the kind of feeling I got when I watched this movie. The cast was very funny..but that is what i expected while watching this.I have never seen anything with Ice Cube in it but if he acts like he does in this movie I think he is a good actor.The rest of the cast I have never heard of but they were mostly good but in the end of the casting review I would have to say that Cedric the Entertainer steals the show.His speech in the middle of the movie has to be one of the funniest things that I have ever seen.He has always been a good actor but I think that his true acting talents were portrayed in this movie more then any other movie. Ice Cube plays Calvin Palmer who owns his fathers old barbershop that is in debt and he is always trying to get rich quick.He lives with his pregnant wife Jennifer.For the past two years Calvin has owned the barbershop and is not happy with it.He decides to sell the barbershop to a loan shark named Lester Wallace without telling his wife or emplyees.His employees are also a fun part of the movie.There's Eddie who is a vertern barber,Jimmy James who is a college student who dislikes the white barber Issac who is a black wannabee,Terri who is upset about her boyfriend Kevin who cheated on her,Ricky who is under the careful watch of the police because he was an ex crimial type,and last Dinka who has a crush on Terri.Calvin watches throughout the day how much people love the barbershop and the misake he made and he tries to get it back.He thought Lester was going to keep it as a barbershop which is why he agreed to sell it but then he learns the Lester wanted to make it into a gentlemans club.Also a funny little slapstick subplot involving an ATM machine and two thieves who are looking for a big payday..but little did they know that the machine is new and hasn't been filled yet. Barbershop is a movie that I would probally get for my DVD collection but I wish that I rented it before I payed the money in the theatres. ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: A complete surprise!
Review: As I walked into a theater last night my my friend and his parents, we fouund ourself the only people in the theater, and it's a lovely theater, with stadium seating and surround sound. Anyway, a few more people walkes in, but there were no more than a dozen people there. What I found funny is almost everybody there had different ethnic backrounds, but the one think that we did have in common: We loved Barbershop. Everyone was laughing. This is a perfct example of how the language of comedy is universal. I was laughing. For the first 10 minutes, I was setting up a plot that seemed too simple for anything. But then it had a good plot, where they didn't set up anything. It was still easy though. The plot itself was funny, including hilarious scenes with a stolen ATM machine. Ice Cube delivered, and Cedric the Entertainer talked about different civil rights leaders hilariously. Sure there were bad scenes, but there was 10 times that in good scenes. The first half, except for the first ten minutes were good. The second half was good, but not as good as the first. This was very original in a good way, in a way I'd like to see more of. I personally didn't really want to see this film, but I found it a rare gem. The movie is as funny as anyone has seen, but they haven't seen it in this original way. I my review makes you want to see it, but the ads make you hesitany, ask somebody who saw it. Feel free to five me a helpful/not helpful rating. Thank you and God Bless America!
Rating:
Summary: "Who lined you up"....It really lines you up w/ laughs.
Review: This was a really great movie. Once again Ice Cube shown his acting/comedy skill. Check out "Friday" people if you need a refresher. The cast is really a great mix of unknowns and super funny and entertaining celebs (i.e Cedric the Entertainer). The setting was realistic, I don't think they could have did it any better, all of the barbershops I've ever been to remind you of just this type of setting. The new rap queen Eve really shows just how versitial she can be. She does show just how it can be at times dealing with lifes obstacles. And if you want to get a look at a real cutie keep your eyes of Michael Ealy "Ricky" I tell you can someone say TOTAL HOTTIE!! Overall the film was great, a good date flick, not one that I would let children under 14 see so parents be careful. There is no nudity, just the occassional displays of strong language. This will not be waste of time or money, so go see it and enjoy. Hope that Michael Ealy makes more movies. He's on his way!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Comedic, and Thought Provoking
Review: A large group of friends and I went to see this movie tonight, and I was pleasantly surprised. One thing that detracts from this movie is the fact that it wasn't really as funny as I thought it would be. However, the spotlight of this movie is the heated discussions within the barbershop, between Cedric the Entertainer, Seann Patrick Thomas, Checker Freddy, and the White Barber. We all know the plot by now, so I'll just say that while the subplot of the stolen ATM machine is pretty hysterical (and it does, in fact, serve a purpose) what I remember most is the different characters. This movie gives depth and dimension to a whole host of characters in a short amount of time, and I find that very impressive. There's the hothead unlucky-in-love Eve who is always going back to her nogoodnik lyin' cheatin' no-good scoundrel of a boyfriend, Checker Freddy, who's in cahoots with the infamous Eddie, played by Cedric the Entertainer. Ricky (I'm not sure of the actor's name but he is FINE, ladies, SO HOT) is a very interesting character, with a shady past, but a heart of gold. Seann Patrick Thomas plays a collegiate with a superiority complex. However, the character that steals my heart is the White Rapper. He's such a good character deep down that you'd love him if he was in FuBu and a dorag or a pinstripe suit with fedora. The final showdown between him and SPT (hee hee hee) is very gratifying. It makes me happy to see a movie that portrays black people as a mature, well-informed and intelligent group of people. Characters are not looked down on, and they bring up very important issues in this movie. In the end, I felt very happy I'd gone to see this movie. All in all, I would recommend this film to anyone. This movie is a joy to watch!
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: This movie was great - from Cedic to the newcomers - it was hilarious! In fact I'm going to see it again because I know I missed a few parts. In regards to the commentaries on Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jessie Jackson, etc. this is a movie based on the day to day happenings at a Barbershop - So I did not take it in any other form - JUST COMEDY & damn good! Will be purchasing the video when it is released.
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