I just finished watching the old classic Barbershop, yes, the 2002 one, and I honestly didn’t expect it to hit me the way it did. I wanted something light and familiar, and while scrolling through some old downloads, Barbershop popped up like a forgotten friend. I figured, why not?
To make it feel like a real cozy moment, I quickly threw together some homemade fruit juice (which turned out quite refreshing, if I do say so myself) and decided to try my hand at chin chin. Let me just say, bless every Nigerian aunty who makes it look easy. Mine came out a bit too soft, the taste was hanging somewhere between “not bad” and “hmm.” But I made it for myself, so I didn’t stress. I just laughed it off, grabbed my drink, and settled into the movie.
Now let’s talk Barbershop.
Set in the South Side of Chicago, the movie brings you into the daily buzz of a small barbershop owned by Calvin (played by Ice Cube). At first, Calvin doesn’t really see the value of the shop, it feels like just another burden in his life. But as the day unfolds and things spiral a bit out of control, he realizes it’s more than just a place for cutting hair. It’s a community.
What stood out to me, especially watching it now as an adult woman who appreciates human expression, was the rawness of the conversations. The way they argued, laughed, called each other out, and still showed up for one another. There’s something deeply real about that space. Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) had me wheezing with his old-school rants. He was loud, blunt, and said some wild things, but that character held so much unfiltered truth and history.
Even the quiet moments were rich. Like when Ricky tries to prove he’s not just his past, or when Terri (Eve) is dealing with disrespect but still holding her own like the queen she is. The human emotions were layered, there was frustration, pride, love, ambition, and all of it felt so alive. It reminded me of those random heart to hearts we have in our kitchens or group chats.
The shop wasn’t just a place for grooming, it was where people came to be seen. And I think we all want that. In some way, we’re all looking for that space where we can just be, messy, real, and still loved.
Anyway, that’s how my little movie moment went today. Chin chin might’ve flopped, but Barbershop delivered. If you haven’t seen it in a while, I recommend watching it again with fresh eyes.
Good night!