Mr. Movie: ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’ a good film that could use a trim
The third Barbershop could use a trim. Plot-wise, it’s all over the place. That’s not a complaint. It’s just reality, and it kind of fits. Conversation in a barbershop — or anywhere — tends to ramble.
The Ice Cube star vehicle brings back the original cast and adds a few new characters. Like the first two films, there is a lot of silliness and sexual innuendos. The main theme, however, is important and to the point. The subject of the danger of gangs to an inner city community and children, and what to do about them is riveting.
And I think very important.
Ice Cube — who has always been the smartest, hippest person in the room — co-produces, and says the black community ought to step up and do something. Spike Lee’s mostly ignored but very good Chi-Raq said the same thing last summer, and with the same sense of humor. While not as — dare I say — cutting edge as Lee’s film, this Barbershop will get more mainstream attention and, hopefully, its much needed message will resonate.
However, when Barbershop: The Next Cut explores the politically charged and politically correct topics scattered throughout, try not to nod off.
You Vs. Mr. Movie class planned April 23
Learn how to review movies at a You Vs. Mr. Movie class with the Herald’s movie reviewer, Gary Wolcott.
You will start by watching The Jungle Book April 23 at Carmike Cinemas, 1380 N. Louisiana St., Kennewick.
Afterward, the class will convene at Southridge High School, 3320 Southrdige Blvd., also in Kennewick. There, Mr. Movie will go through the ins and outs of how to review a movie.
It costs $23 and includes the ticket.
Register at bit.ly/MrMovieClass. When you register, Kennewick Community Education will contact you with the movie times and what time to be at the school.
Barbershop: The Next Cut
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Stars: Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Commom, Anthony Anderson, Jazmin Lewis, J.B. Smoove, Nicki Minjaj, Anthony Davis, Michael Rainey, Jr.
Mr. Movie rating: 3 1/2 stars
Rated PG-13 for mature themes, some language. It’s playing at the Carmike 12, the Fairchild Cinemas 12 and Queensgate 12, and at Walla Walla Grand Cinemas.
5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen.
4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it’s your type of movie.
3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on DVD.
2 stars to 1 star: Don’t bother.
0 stars: Speaks for itself.
This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Mr. Movie: ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’ a good film that could use a trim."