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A few things keep this film from being family-friendly. There's quite a bit of casual swearing and sex talk. One subplot concerns the hairdressers' speculation about whether or not James is gay.

The overall message is that everyone benefits from honesty with one another, with themselves and with finding a supportive community. And while that may or may not be worth skipping your hair appointment for, it's a good enough reason to see the film—maybe with a couple of girls from the beauty shop.

Talk About It

1. What gives Gina and her daughter the strength to start over and pursue new dreams?
   
   
2. Why do you think it's so hard for Lynn to fit in at the beauty shop? Why did the other hairdressers treat her the way they did? When it comes to fitting in with a different group of people, how much should you change yourself? How should you reach out to people who are trying to fit in?
   
   
3. What does it mean to be a "phenomenal woman"? A "phenomenal man"? How does Darnelle learn this?
   
   
4. Joe tells Vanessa to "follow your heart" when it comes to music. In life, is this good advice? Why or why not?

The Family Corner

This PG-13 film has a lot of casual swearing and sexual humor. There are a few uses of the n-word.

Photos © Copyright MGM

Queen Latifah steals the show, as usual, in the new comedy Beauty Shop, which unapologetically mimics the ensemble-comedy dynamics of the recent box office hit Barbershop. She plays Gina, a hairdresser who works at a hip Atlanta salon while her daughter attends music school. When Jorge (Kevin Bacon), her boss, disrespects her one time too many, she bails on the business and opens her own shop with the help of a co-worker (Alicia Silverstone).

Her business is apparently more successful than the comedy.

LaTonya Taylor (Christianity Today Movies) finds "a few big laughs here, but mostly just scattered chuckles." She's more impressed with the "thought-provoking treatment of race and class issues. The overall message is that everyone benefits from honesty with one another, with themselves and with finding a supportive community."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) was disappointed. "Beauty Shop should have been a slam dunk success. It isn't. The problem is that none of these characters make much of an impression and watching their stories play out is as interesting as watching hair dry. The problem seems to be in the script which, although it copies the general framework of Barbershop, is totally missing the energy and edgy humor that made that film successful."

Marcus Yoars (Plugged In) says, "If the plot for Beauty Shop seems a little thin, that's because it is. And if it feels a little familiar, that's because it's a virtual duplicate of the first two Barbershop movies (minus the political potshots). I'll give the movie's creators … every benefit of the doubt for having good intentions. But positive messages found in this slice of inner-city life are often lost amidst misguided attempts at 'keepin' it real.'"

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) had a good time, calling it "a perfect showcase for the likable Latifah, who also served as one of the producers. The eclectic ensemble cast … not all of them generally known for comedy, makes for interesting watching. Despite some salty language—even from a streetwise youngster—and salon sex chatter, overall Beauty Shop imparts solid messages about loyalty, friendship and parenting."

But Lori Souder (Christian Spotlight) writes, "If you can look past all the taking of the Lord's name in vain, all the references to sex and drugs, the endless comparing of body parts and disrespect to women, you might be able to get a laugh or two out of this movie. Its heart is in the right place, and the story line with Gina is great, but apparently it was thought that the audience would require constant sexual references and trashy language or they would fall asleep."

Mainstream critics says this shop needed to offer more plot and something better than less sitcom-style amusement.

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