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'Barbershop The Next Cut' Rings True In Chicago, Even If Filmed In Atlanta

 “Barbershop The Next Cut” hits theaters Friday.
“Barbershop The Next Cut” hits theaters Friday.
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Barbershop The Next Cut

ENGLEWOOD — “Barbershop The Next Cut” hits theaters Friday, and although the third film in the hugely popular series was filmed in Atlanta, barbers and fans in Chicago are ready to check it out.

The film is set again on Chicago's South Side, and has an all-star cast, including Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Regina Hall, Anthony Anderson and Chicago's own Grammy and Oscar winner, Common.

In Englewood, Longevity Barber Lounge’s Kenneth Clayton, or “KC,” relates to Ice Cube's character, Calvin, who believes the barbershop is still relevant and needed in the community.

“The barbershop was the pillar of the community,” said Clayton, a fan of the first two movies. “A lot of young men learned morals and beliefs from the barbershop, how to respect your elders.”

Andrea Watson talks about the barbershop's role in the community.

The barbershop is also a place to relax and unwind, said Clayton, whose shop is at 68th and Ashland Avenue.

And while Clayton said he wished this movie was filmed in Chicago instead of Atlanta, he still supports it.

Columbia College alums Bob Teitel and George Tillman Jr. helped produce the movies. 

Ishmael Coye of Hyde Park Hair Salon said that the barbershop still fills a need in the black community today.

“From the civil rights era, and everything else, it was a place of information,” Coye said. “It keeps the community informed and brings people together who normally wouldn’t come together.”

Coye saw an early screening of the film and said it carries a strong message.

“Unity brings change,” Coye said. “As long as we collectively work together, we could change whatever the situation is.”

Ice Cube and other cast members were at Coye's shop last month.

Kenya Renee organized a meet-and-greet for the community at the barbershop at 5234 S. Blackstone Ave.

“It was truly all about Ice Cube,” she said. “People were just so happy and gracious to meet him. He was very pleasant and very open.”

“We are a pillar in a community and it was only fitting to host an event that brought the cast,” Renee said.

She also saw an advance screening of the film and said it’s a must-see.

“It has a great message of stopping the violence, and that’s why I’m excited that they chose Chicago to kick off the barbershop tour, because of all the things that have been happening here,” she said.

The movie also addresses a change in barbershop culture. The business once dominated by men has opened its doors to female barbers over the years. Clayton’s shop employs men and women and welcomes the entire family.

Barbershop customer Jay Whitehorn said the barbershop fills multiple roles. Besides getting a haircut or shave, clients get to give and receive advice, as well as relieve stress.

“In the black community, I can see it’s a place where men can communicate freely,” he said. “Problems and solutions can be discussed.”

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