A small engaging cast portrays amicable characters accompanied by friendship and loyalty in the reunion of “Barbershop 2: Back in Business.”

The comical sequel, much like the first film, surrounds the lives of a group of barbers in Chicago and the connection they share – the neighborhood barbershop. The exceptional transition between films made it seem as if the cameras never stopped recording.

This film, unlike the first, deeply examines familiar characters and introduces a few new ones. At the start of the film, a series of 1960s black-and-white flashbacks skillfully disclose Eddie’s history. The viewer soon understands why Eddie – played by Cedric the Entertainer – started working at the barbershop years ago and what the barbershop means to him and the community.

Calvin Palmer, played by Ice Cube, is the owner of the South Side barbershop. He established himself as a man of integrity in the previous film when he was able to earnestly carry on the family business. This time around he is faced with a new set of issues. Now he must address his pride, future competition and a community threatened by urban developers.

Their proposal to decorate Chicago’s streets with well-known store chains will inevitably replace small businesses like Calvin’s barbershop. Calvin is saddened by the new changes, but he is enraged when he finds out that “Nappy Cutz,” a popular barbershop chain, will be added to the new additions on his block.

Calvin and the barbers must adapt to change and find a way to survive among the competition. With the new barbershop opening in a few days, they must act quickly.

Through it all, Calvin realizes that his father’s barbershop means more to the neighborhood than ever before. The barbershop is not just a place to get a haircut, it is a social atmosphere. It is a place where customers feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. But even with loyal customers, how can a neighborhood barbershop compete with a franchise?

Nearly the entire cast is the same, with one fiery addition. Gina, played by Queen Latifah, is Calvin’s ex-girlfriend, who owns a beauty shop next door. Her role is relatively small but serves the purpose of a shameless plug for her up-and-coming film titled “Beauty Shop.”

The controversial response to jokes in the first film about Jesse Jackson appeared to have no barring on this script. The conversation in the barbershop was uninhibited just as before, and the cast was comical. Its vivid characters are personable and realistic. The cast performed well and portrayed a realistic atmosphere of a neighborhood barbershop.

The plot is predictable in many ways but also full of emotion, spirit and charm. Its vivid characters are personable and realistic.

Despite its predictable story arc, the film was entertaining and humorous. “Barbershop 2” is woven together with strong moral fibers. It is appropriately rated PG-13 and moves at a steady pace, lasting just short of two hours. For viewers who enjoyed the first film, they will find this film equally as enjoyable.