Beauty Shop

Beauty Shop is not the worst movie I have seen, but it is in no way the best. The movie, though pleasant, is plagued by improper pacing. The first 25 minutes are slow and laborious. The actors seem to be trying too hard to elicit laughter from the audience, but due to the mediocrity of the script, they fail miserably. Then suddenly, as if infused with new life, the writing improves, and the pace picks up noticeably. This movie may have been improved with a few trims here and there. Although it is only 1 hr 45 mins., it needs tightening.

Bille Woodruff, more noted for his direction of music videos, and MTV style programs, seems to be at a loss as to how to sustain interest longer than 15 minutes at a clip. This would explain the feeling I got, as if each scene was pieced together, rather than flowing one into another and building to a climax. It’s a mere patchwork of a dozen skits stitched together with lackluster camera work. Each scene opens dark to light then fades to black with no definitive directing style, no artistic flair, which makes it boring to watch.

The screenplay, written by Kate Lanier, who is responsible for such diverse vehicles as the inspired, What’s Love Got To Do with It, and Set It Off, more closely resembles her other well known creation, 2001’s megabomb, Glitter, starring Mariah Carey.

There was so much talent to work with. Never mind those you see in the trailers - There are other well knowns not given top billing who do their 30 second to five minute walk-ons, but like the leads, aren’t given much to work with to justify their presence. What a waste! Let’s see, there’s Kimora Lee, Lisa Raye, Della Reese, Wilmer Valerrama (That 70’s Show), and comedienne (Laura Hayes) Ms. Laura, and Bryan Baby Williams of Big Tymers.

The Plot:

Widow, Gina Norris (Queen Latifa), moves from Chicago to Atlanta, along with her mother in-law (Laura Hayes), and sister in-law, (Keisha Knight Pulliam), in order for her talented daughter, Vanessa ( Paige Hurd) to attend a prestigious music school. Gina is a hairstylist, who has become well-renowned in her field, working at a chi-chi hair salon in one of the better neighborhoods in Atlanta. Trouble is, her boss, Jorge, played with effeminate aplomb by Kevin Bacon, is a talent less insufferable a**hole, who is unnecessarily hard on Gina. Soon after we meet her, she quits Jorge’s, after the last of many confrontations, to open her own salon. In a rather unbelievable bank sequence, she is at first denied a loan, but then granted it by the female loan officer she impeccably coifs in the ladies room.

Gina opens her dream beauty shop in the heart of the ghetto. A work space plagued with electrical problems, and in serious disrepair. With a little paint, and a few new fixtures she’s ready for business, utilizing most of the employees who rented booths from the previous owner.

In the move, she takes with her, Lynn, (Alicia Silverstone)a southern white girl, who was never allowed to climb above shampoo girl in Jorges salon. Of course, as in Barber Shop, the one token white stylist is at first rejected, then embraced by the otherwise all black staff. Boy I didn’t see that one coming!

Gina’s clients at Jorge’s find her new location, and slowly but surely, those clients, who largely supported Jorge’s salon, make the trek downtown to Gina’s. Needless to say, Jorge begins to lose business, so he embarks on a campaign of revenge, designed to run Gina out of business. He bribes the state board inspector, who begins to issue fines that escalate with each visit he makes. The plot, similar to Barbershop, the movie which inspired this spinoff, is about people coming together, despite their differences, and learning to lean on each other - To become a family of sorts.

This is no more evident than in the transformation of Keisha Knight Pulliams character, from a selfish, self-absorbed wanna be hoochie mama, to a dependable sister-girl who wants more than she pretended out of life, and by movie’s end is willing to work toward it. Yes, little Rudy (Cosby Show) has grown up, and quite nicely I might add.

Queen Latifah’s performance seems a little strained, yet wooden. I found her character less believable than those who surrounded her. There is no chemistry between her and Djimon Hounsou as Joe, her love interest in the movie. Their scenes together seem awkward and forced. Alicia Silverstone as the only white stylist, Andie MacDowell as Gina’s faithful client, and Golden Brooks as one of the salon workers, keep you interested when they are on screen. While Alfre Woodard’s portrayal of Miss Josephine seems a little strange and off center - I guess I expect so much more from her, but then like the rest of us, she too needs a paycheck.

I won’t divulge any more plot details, as there are a few humorous moments that caused me to laugh out loud, which I think may amuse you also. However, most of those moments occur in the middle. It’s the beginning and the end that I found difficult to suffer through.

The premise of this movie I must admit, though simplistic, was a good one. It is in the execution that the film seemed to fall flat. So much talent, so much potential, but ultimately such a disappointment.

Cast

Gina Norris - Queen Latifah

Darnelle - Keisha Knight Pulliam