2002, 1 hr 40 min., Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and brief drug references. Dir: Tim Story. Cast: Ice Cube (Calvin), Cedric the Entertainer (Eddie), Eve (Terri), Michael Ealy (Ricky), Sean Patrick Thomas (Jimmy), Jazsmin Lewis (Jennifer), Troy Garity (Isaac), Leonard Howze (Dinka), Anthony Anderson (JD).

If I hung out at a neighborhood barbershop, I'd be teased by my buds every day for instances like what happened before seeing Barbershop, browsing next door in Linens & Things to pass the time. A cute, short girl asks if I can help her get a pillow up high, and naturally I oblige with my Princess Bride-special, "As you wish." She thanks me, jokes and smiles, I return, saying it looks like a pillow that my sister would purchase. She asks if that's a good thing, and I say, "Very much so, I like my sister!" She laughs, and I WALK AWAY! I should have a big sign on my forehead that says "Clueless Dummy."

I'd be the guy with "no game" when it comes to girls in the movie, the desperate single loser who finally lands the girl in the end, with a little encouragement from my friends. Of course, at this time I'm still the loser after the Linens & Things incident, walking away from potential date-hood with a cute girl in need of my 6'4" frame swooping in to save the day. *smacks head on desk *

For the movie itself, it follows a day in the life of a South Side Chicago barbershop. Ice Cube is Calvin, who inherited the barbershop from his father, but struggles to keep it financially above water. Meanwhile, he dreams of some other showcase venture to make it big, and keeps a picture of Oprah's elaborate guest house as an example of the life he wishes he could provide his family, especially with his wife Jennifer (the adorable Jazsmin Lewis) very much pregnant with their first child.

There's also a diversionary plot involving the "World's dumbest crooks," a couple of guys who steal an ATM and didn't seem to thing through how to get it anywhere or get it open. It's not really that important other than to provide a few yuks.

Around Ice Cube are all kinds of colorful characters, such as the funny guy, the black/white and white/black guys, spirited ladies, a foreign guy learning our ways and those of a shady constitution. All enjoy themselves, since ultimately this is a good-natured comedy with a big heart, and worthy of being seen by people of all races who enjoy actors with friendly rapport having a jolly good time on the screen.

Those in support include babe rapper Eve as one of the barbers, a feisty girl with a mean jealous streak but also a penchant for bad boys. Cedric the Entertainer makes a most welcome entrance as the "In my day" veteran barber who is full of opinions. Many of these involves how blacks should rely on their own devices and tell the truth, such as O.J. being guilty and Rodney King deserving a beating for driving stoned and running from the cops in a cheap car.

The conversations helped this cracker get some insight into the black mind, something I enjoy every day at work, since all of my coworkers on my overnight shift are African-American and a lot of fun to hang out with while passing the late night hours. I guess you could call the control room our own little barbershop, and that's a pleasant thought.