The first thing I have to mention is that one day, I don't know when, but one day Michael Ealy, who plays Ricky, is going to be a major talent. He has an incredible relationship with the camera. He has charisma that you cannot learn in all the drama workshops in creation. He has authentic charm. He does not overplay his character and believe me, it would have been easy to go that route. I've recognized some talent before they became stars, and this guy has it. I could not take my eyes off him for a second. I think a star is born.
Eve is also very good and has a future in movies if she wants one. If she could just keep track of her damn apple juice.
Cedric makes the movie. He's the heart of the movie, the center, and hilarious to boot. I watched this movie three times to make sure I didn't miss any of his dialogue. I've seen MUCH worse performances receive Oscar nominations, and its a real injustice that he was ignored. He's just great.
For an old timer like me, it was also nice to hear The Staple Singers over the closing credits, too.
On the other hand...Ice Cube does not register more than one emotion, the sub-plot w/Anthony Anderson and the cash machine is unworthy of the rest of the movie, and Keith David, who I normally love, is terrible.
This review is not as mixed as it may appear to be. I rated it an '8' mostly cause of Ealy and Cedric. I may not be seeing "Barbershop 2" anytime soon, obviously not because I didn't enjoy the first one, but because I don't support or have interest in sequels. They're not worth the time and all the producers are really saying is that they had an idea, did well with it, now want to exploit every good feeling you had about the first one. Almost no movies require a sequel anyway.
