Calvin Palmer, Jr. (Ice Cube) is still in his barbershop. The south side of Chicago is overwhelmed with shootings. Tough times have forced Calvin to cohabit with the beauty shop. Rashad (Common) has married Terri (Eve) but their marriage is facing problems. Calvin is losing his son Jalen to a gang and he blames Rashad's son Kenny. Jimmy (Sean Patrick Thomas) tells the gang that city hall has a proposal to reduce the violence by isolating the neighborhood. Calvin attempts to stop the shootings with a weekend truce and free haircuts. Meanwhile Draya (Nicki Minaj) is trying to take Rashad for herself.
I like this attempt at the subject matter a little better than Spike Lee. It's great to have some of the gang return but it's a mistake to go co-ed. The earlier movies have an interesting male voice which would be intriguing for the gun issue. Bringing in the beauty shop changes the chemistry and the point of view. Lamorne Morris is a fun addition to the crew and a great punching bag for their jokes. Nicki Minaj is a little distracting because she's Nicki Minaj. Anthony Anderson reprises his role from the original but the serious subject matter doesn't seem to fit with his silly antics. Overall, this is a compelling subject done with heart and humor.
I like this attempt at the subject matter a little better than Spike Lee. It's great to have some of the gang return but it's a mistake to go co-ed. The earlier movies have an interesting male voice which would be intriguing for the gun issue. Bringing in the beauty shop changes the chemistry and the point of view. Lamorne Morris is a fun addition to the crew and a great punching bag for their jokes. Nicki Minaj is a little distracting because she's Nicki Minaj. Anthony Anderson reprises his role from the original but the serious subject matter doesn't seem to fit with his silly antics. Overall, this is a compelling subject done with heart and humor.