The Next Cut is a comedy with dramatic heft or a drama with solid comedy, depending on how you look at it. Either way, it more than justifies returning to the barbershop.

| Oct 11, 2017

I did not laugh much, but it is effective on an emotional level, as a portrait of a people trying to cope with gang violence that is spinning out of control in their community.

| Original Score: B | Feb 8, 2017

A more mature installment that seeks to challenge audiences as often as it cracks them up, Next Cut marks a charming and enjoyable evolution of the series.

| Original Score: 8.5/10 | Jan 20, 2017

No one is going to be talking about this film when awards season rolls around next time. But chances are good that you'll leave the theater with a smile on your face. Considering the real-life subject matter, maybe that's worthy of a prize.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 12, 2016

For the most part, Lee and company still manage to coax solid laughs and to give the grim facts the gravity they deserve.

| Original Score: 85/100 | Nov 14, 2016

This one, thankfully, boasts some welcome new cast members (including the rapper Common and Nicki Minaj), a new director in Malcolm D Lee (the cousin of Spike), and a fearless approach to difficult subjects.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 10, 2016

It's like a PG-13, dad version of Chi-Raq. The message, if a little preachy and a little schmaltzy, is also worthy and well-meant.

| Sep 21, 2016

The barbs are scissor-sharp, making this a threequel that delivers what you want while throwing in some surprises.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 15, 2016

Barbershop: The Next Cut brings topical social issues into the narrative but only starts meaningful conversations without genuinely pushing them forward.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 2, 2016

The best of the Barbershop quartet (following 2002's Barbershop, 2004's Barbershop: Back in Business, and 2005's Beauty Shop), Barbershop: The Next Cut offers more laughs and more meaningful commentary than previous installments in the series.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 30, 2016

The first one to really get a semblance of the first movie's charm back. It's easily the best of the sequels.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 26, 2016

Like its predecessors, the third in the "Barbershop" series is rough around the edges, by turns funny, jubilant and sentimental, sometimes forced, but rarely phony.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 1, 2016

For all the jibes, silly feuds, romances and dancing, it is their decision to take a stand against the violence that impresses most, and their disillusionment with a President they hoped would bring change that stays with you.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 19, 2016

What really makes this latest trip to the Barbershop a cut above most comedies is that it manages to be both powerful and timely, without being preachy.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 17, 2016

The film does have a certain heart, but I can't be the only one hoping not to see a Barbershop 4, whatever the obvious temptation to complete a quartet.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 16, 2016

It's harmless stuff although the swerve into gritty social justice may not win it many fans among a fanbase more concerned with blow-dries than drive-bys.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 16, 2016

In short, it may have been a long time (12 years) coming, but Barbershop 3 is much better than expected.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 16, 2016

An inspiring film about a black South Side community that decides to take a stand against gang violence.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 4, 2016

A daring and admirable comedy that never loses its sense of humor even when it tackles tough subjects that other films wouldn't dare to address.

| Original Score: 3.0/4 | Apr 28, 2016

A durably funny comedy that balances a likable cast and has something to say about its subject, even if it's not something especially groundbreaking. (Splice Today)

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 26, 2016