The idea of an honest, dedicated workforce with community spirit came forth in Barbershop. Now, its sequel, takes it subtitle seriously with plenty of humorous banter amid a more charged racial and political atmosphere. Having executive producer Ice Cube again play straight man to Cedric The Entertainer's garrulous semi-retired barber Eddie again proves these films are a cut above most studio comedies.

Kevin Rodney Sullivan takes over the directing of Barbershop 2, which may be even more outspoken this go-around with the addition of Queen Latifah, whose movie career has caught on fire since Chicago.

The first reel, after a sharp opening montage of influential blacks (culminating with Michael Jackson) conveys how the south side of Chicago rings true to people like Eddie and Calvin with a look at the elevated trains and trouble from a suspect finding refuge in a Barbershop.

Cedric, late of Intolerable Cruelty, provides plenty of zingers in his deadpan style and timing to create a looseness which seems to press after awhile. The colorful approach works into Don D. Scott's script.

Calvin has to deal with an urbane, land developer (Harry Lennix of The Human stain) who's putting a Nappy Cutz right across the street. Calvin is told that it's not competition, but he'll be concerned with what is showcased inside this swank, spacious version of Super Cuts.

Sullivan, who helped Tayne Diggs' career with How Stella Got Her Groove Back, finds a warmth amid insults and flashbacks which has Eddie reflect on his days with Calvin's dad and an old flame named Loretta whom he spots while riding on the elevated train.