Review of Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) by Maverick C — 17 Apr 2016

Upon learning about this new instalment of the Barbershop series I was not very excited. It felt unpromising and futile. However as the trailer and promo began I quickly abandoned the "pessimistic ship". This was primarily following ascertaining the angle and purpose the film was choosing to convey. I was excited for the relevancy and current affairs dialog the cast promised during promos. I was very much underwhelmed and quite disappointed not far into the movie.

The biggest issue with the film, which will fly over most people's heads is the sheer reductive theme that plagues the whole essence of the script. Every social issue brought to our attention was conveyed in an unoriginal and redundant angle. The most controversial dialogue where Raja expresses his qualms about the black community having equal opportunity was extremely safe and short lived, failing to spark any fresh thought provoking ideas. The risk factor was stunted and it seemed as if the creators went for quantity over quality regarding touching on social issues.

If it wasn't the simplicity (and not in a good way) that crippled the film then it was most definitely the laughable moments, or lack thereof. I don't recall more than a handful of moments that made me laugh and if there were it was surely me laughing AT the film's countless corny moments. The gang life portrayal, which was supposed to be the most earnest addition to the film was the most laughable element. Firstly, do not even get me started on the casting of Tyga as what was supposed to be the representation of an apathetic, ruthless Chicago gangster. I think it is safe to say that there was no justice given to Chi-raq whatsoever.

Our most exciting and watchable character was most certainly Draya, played by Nicki Minaj. Although I must admit Nicki has an enthralling manner to her that leaves a stamp in everyone's mind, it felt as if the stamp Draya left was no different than one Nicki would be sure to. It's not so much the story of the two individuals that are interchangeable, because they are not, but more so their mannerisms and charm. The outfits Draya particularly chose were so Nicki reminiscent that it in many ways felt like Minaj had a part time gig at the Barbershop.