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-

A Return Engagement... "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2"

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Elena Kampouris, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan,

Directed by Kirk Jones

The Story:

The Portokalos Family is back! Toula and Ian (Vardalos & Corbett) are dealing with their daughter (Kampouris) getting ready to graduate and head to college while feeling like their own marriage is losing its spark. Compound that with the news that her parents (Constantine & Kazan) were never officially married, and you know the family is not going to stand for that.

Shocked and a little surprised that a sequel to My Big Fat Greek Wedding came out, and that shock is mostly due to the fact that it took almost 15 years after the original for it to be made.

It was the little movie that could back in 2002, and it charmed audiences and wowed at the box office.

There were always rumors of a sequel, but apparently it took Vardalos some time to come up with just the right script, but the family returns.

And since it's been awhile since the orignal, I'm pretty sure most of the entire cast has returned, so it's a lot like slipping into some old clothes, a very familiar, comfortable affair.

They bring out the standard sitcom device of the wedding that never was, and it forces the couple to reevaluate their love and devotion to one another.

But this is a movie, not a sitcom, so we need to fill 90 minutes.

So you take 2 other well worn sitcom scenarios: the child leaving the nest and a sparkless marriage, and now you have 3 separate, but equal plot devices to hang the film on.

And they all work, because again, we already know and love the characters.

The biggest, and best addition is their daughter, Paris. She both rebels against and embraces the Greek heritage that is her birthright, while providing the only real drama of the film with the "where will she go to college" cliffhanger.

Because you know all the marriages are going to be just fine by the end of the film.

Will this turn into a trilogy? Hard to say, but don't wait another 14 years if it's going to happen, the audience, like much of the cast, isn't getting any younger!

:)

Final Grade: C+ / B- Range