Luke Cage Is Looking For Work... "Barbershop: The Next Cut"

Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Anthony Anderson, J.B. Smoove, Common, Nicki Minaj,

Directed by Malcolm D. Lee

The Story:

Calvin (Cube) and the rest of the regulars are back, but things have gotten darker in neighborhood since we last visited the shop. The place is now co-ed, with the ladies taking half the space, and at least half the conversation. And the neighborhood is getting more dangerous, and Calvin's thinking that a move might be what's best for his business, and his family.

Well, couple this with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 as  two sequels I was not expecting in 2016. Considering the originals came out clear back in 2002, it's rare to get one sequel that far removed, let alone two different movies from that same year.

But, much like that one, this was also a nice trip down memory lane with most of the cast returning and you ease right into the storylines because you're already familiar with who they are and what they will be doing or saying.

Lee steps in to helm the franchise, and does right by everyone involved. It's funny, but has heart. There's a message, but it's not going to be bashed over your head. It doesn't approach the manic fun of his best film, Undercover Brother, but again, it's a worthy addition to the franchise and not just a cheap cash grab on name recognition.

The chemistry amongst the cast is still excellent, and the new cast members integrate seamlessly into the storyline. Pretty much everyone who has been in the series is back, either for a really brief moment or to propel the storyline to the finish.

As usual, Cedric the Entertainer gets most of the great lines, but not all of them.

If you've ever enjoyed any of the previous installments, you'll enjoy this return trip to the shop.

Final Grade: B-

Does This Movie Make The "Top Five" List For Anybody ?

Top Five

Rated R

Written, Directed and Starring Chris Rock.

Also Starring Rosario Dawson, Gabrielle Union, J.B. Smoove, Cedric the Entertainer

The Story:

Andre Allen (Rock) used to be a comedian. He was funny. Then he starred in a series of action films that blew up the box office.  Now he wants to be considered something more than that, so he has filmed a new movie about a slave uprising that massacred a lot of white people. He gets interviewed by Chelsea Brown (Dawson) and she begins the interview with a simple, yet loaded question: why did you stop being funny?

And away we go...

If it sounds like the biography of Eddie Murphy, well, I thought that a lot too. Former comic turned box office star turned box office poison who is afraid to go back to his roots.

But I'm sure that's just one heck of a coincidence.

Chris Rock plays himself, which is fine, because that's what he does.

I might argue that perhaps he should have picked either one or two of the three hats that he decides to wear in this movie.

Because there are funny moments sprinkled throughout the film.  But sometimes the story is too dramatic, other times too over the top...

Cedric the Entertainer, I'm looking at your segment there!

:)

For a "day in the life" story that takes more than a day, the narrative tries to encapsulate the whole experience.

Perhaps there is too much story attempted to be shoehorned in, such as his impending marriage to a reality star (Union) being broadcast on her show.

Plus the title is just awkward, as they really only touch on it briefly, so in the context of the title of the movie, it doesn't really work at all.

Again, not a bad film, just not a great one.

However, if you always wanted to see Jerry Seinfeld "make it rain", look no further!

Final Grade: C

Sunday's Screamer...I Mean Streamer..."A Haunted House"

Some weird things are going on in this house!

And there's a ghost, too!

The Story:

Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) has his girlfriend Kisha (Essence Atkins) move into his house with him.  Malcolm didn't ask for the demon to come along with her.

Ah yes, a parody of the "found footage" horror movies that are box office hits.

And, they do some of the same stunts, which actually generate some suspense and chills, but they are buried deep and wide amongst the throw it at the wall and see if it sticks comedy.

Now, for those that have seen the Scary Movie franchise, you probably know exactly what kind of comedy you're going to get.

When Marlon Wayans is your most grounded character in the film, you know there's going to be issues. :)

You've got Nick Swardson playing Chip the gay psychic who is infatuated with Malcolm, and is more concerned with getting with Malcolm than getting rid of the demon.

Then you have Cedric the Entertainer at the end of the film as the exorcist.  Small part, but he has a good time with it.

Whether or not they are successful ridding the house of the demon...

Well, I just saw that a sequel is in the works, so that should give you a clue.

Available to stream instantly as of this writing on Netflix.

Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Nope, I'm good on this one.  There were some amusing gags in the film, but not enough to warrant subsequent viewings.  Yes, I will likely watch the sequel though.  :)

If You Need Protection, This is the "Man of the House" That You Need!

Set the pizza on the porch, take two steps back, put your hands behind your head!

The Story:

Six college cheerleaders witness a murder.  Lucky for them, Texas Ranger Roland Sharp (Tommy Lee Jones) takes them into protective custody for their own good.  He has to make sure that the murderer doesn't target the little ladies...

If he doesn't kill them first!

Tommy Lee Jones.

Perhaps the most criminally underrated comedic actor of all time.  The man does deadpan unlike anyone else.

Unlike Leslie Nielsen who spun it into a rejuvenating career boost, Jones just slips under the radar with his comedic timing, Men in Black being really his only other foray into comedy.

His timing is impeccable, and his delivery is pitch perfect.  He delivers a joke, matter-of-factly, and that makes it all the funnier.  He has a few scenes opposite Cedric the Entertainer, and he gets to play the perfect straight man foil to the comedic counterpart.

Otherwise, the storyline is nothing you probably haven't seen cobbled together before.

The Ranger will teach the cheerleaders a few things.  The girls will likewise teach the Ranger a life lesson or two about women, including how to better deal with his teenaged daughter.

Everyone goes home happy, including the audience.

And that's why this is just a fun movie to watch.

Currently available to stream instantly on Netflix as of this writing.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Already own it, and it's one that if I'm channel surfing and it's on, I normally put the remote down.

Five Years Gone Already? "I Ain't Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac"

Gone too soon...

The Story:

Bernie Mac was a great comedian who passed away just as his star was shining brightest.  This documentary/remembrance of the late comedian is a touching tribute to the man.

Interspersed with audio/video from Bernie himself, it offers a quick chronicle of his life up to his passing.  From his humble beginnings as a dirt-poor kid in Chicago until he was the toast of Hollywood, this offers a nice career retrospective on a comic genius gone too soon.

His daughter appears to be the one who is asking questions and hearing anecdotes from Bernie's friends, family and co-stars.

On hand to share stories are Cedric the Entertainer, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Basset, Steven Soderbergh, Chris Rock and many, many more.

It's funny, touching, and bittersweet.  At just over an hour, like the man himself, it's over too soon.

Recommended for fans of his comedy or acting work.



Available to stream instantly on Netflix until May 1st, so act quick if you want to watch it.

Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Probably a perfect bookend for big Bernie Mac fans.  Otherwise, one viewing was enough to remind you of how great of a comedian he was.