Susan Granger’s review of “Beauty Shop” (MGM)
Think of it as the third installment in the popular “Barbershop” films: a female spin-off. Leaving the Chicago guys behind, good-hearted Gina Norris (Queen Latifah), a scissors whiz and single mother, moves to Atlanta so that her gifted daughter (Paige Hurd) can study piano at a prestigious arts school. But when her sleazy, egotistical boss Jorge (Kevin Bacon) pushes her around once too often, she opens a shop of her own – a place where gossip, cappuccino and fried catfish reign over the gels and mousses. The sassy stylists include Gina’s rebellious niece (Keshia Knight Pulliam), a wannabe soul sister (Alicia Silverstone), an Afro-centric sage (Alfre Woodard), outspoken assistant (Sheryl Underwood) and the token male (Bryce Wilson). Plus there’s Gina’s love interest (Djimon Hounsou), the hunky piano-playing electrician who lives upstairs. And the chirpy customers range from locals (Della Reese, Kimora Lee Simmons) to wealthy white women (Andie MacDowell, Mena Suvari) who appreciate Gina’s savvy style. It’s charismatic, indefatigable, zaftig Queen Latifah’s show, yet Kevin Bacon’s impeccable timing makes him a hilariously haughty, flamboyant villain, complete with Euro-trash accent and suspiciously Schwarzenegger inflections. Even Oprah makes a fleeting, inspirational appearance. While Bille Woodruff’s predictable direction and the shamelessly stereotypical script by Kate Lanier and Norman Vance Jr. frizzes in places, often substituting poufy caricature for character, the infectious high spirits and amusing, opinionated banter make it an amiable romantic comedy. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Beauty Shop” is a raucous, funny 7, giving bawdy texture to the humor and a feel-good lift to the heart.
