Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer are reunited in BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT, directed by Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” films, “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins”).
It’s been more than 10 years since our last appointment at Calvin’s Barbershop. Calvin (Ice Cube) and his longtime crew, including Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, our once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed. The ladies bring their own flavor, drama and gossip to the shop challenging the fellas at every turn. Despite the good times and camaraderie within the shop, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and our crew to come together to not only save the shop, but their neighborhood.
Check out the new trailer below.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT also stars Regina Hall (“Think Like a Man”), Oscar winner Common (“Selma”), Sean Patrick Thomas (“Barbershop”), Eve (“Whip It”), Anthony Anderson (TV’s “Black-ish”), Jaszmine Lewis (“Barbershop”), JB Smoove (TV’s “The Millers”), and recording artist Nicki Minaj (“The Other Woman”).
Lee directed the film from a screenplay by Kenya Barris (“Black-ish”) & Tracy Oliver (“The Neighbors”), based on characters created by Mark Brown. “Barbershop: The Next Cut” reteams the producers from the first two films, Robert Teitel, George L. Tillman and Ice Cube.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT opens nationwide on April 15, 2016.
This film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for “sexual material and language.”
If you enjoyed RIDE ALONG, you’ll like RIDE ALONG 2 – it’s as simple as that. Fast-talking stand-up Kevin Hart and gruff straight man Ice Cube bicker like an old couple all the way to the bank as they play off each other’s delivery styles to lively effect, but this weak follow-up to the 2014 hit is basically a series of disposable action sequences loosely connected by the presence of its two stars. What you saw in the predecessor and see in RIDE ALONG 2’s trailers is what you get: plenty of routine action, lots of Kevin Hart sass, and not much else.
RIDE ALONG 2 is pretty much on par with the original in terms of plot. Atlanta cops James Payton (Ice Cube) and his future brother-in-law Ben barber (Hart) travel to Miami, where they team up with a computer hacker (Ken Jeong) and a sexy-but-tough detective (Olivia Munn) to take down corrupt politicians and a drug kingpin (Benjamin Bratt).
Like our two loose cannons with badges, the movie misses its target far more often than it hits it but RIDE ALONG 2 is careful not to stray too far from safe ground. Hart and Cube have an easy rapport, and luckily the filmmakers have found a decent foil for both of them in the spunky persona of Ken Jeong who gives a terrific comic performance that really gooses the proceedings, but even he can’t get Rush Hour 2 out of the sequelitis quagmire. While the usual arc of the straight man in these buddy cop comedies is to eventually lighten up, Ice Cube just seems annoyed from beginning to end. Olivia Munn is easy on the eyes and I liked that she arrives at crime scenes in her sports bra, while Benjamin Bratt displays about as much menace as a Scooby Doo villain.
I enjoyed an early scene where Hart is playing ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and gets whacked by an old white lady and later on when he envisions he’s in the game during a car chase complete with GTA interface. It’s the only ambitious gag and it’s well done. My problem with the film is that the banter between Hart and Cube lacks spirit and even the action scenes feel stale and lethargic. It’s basically a series of shootouts, nightclub bromancing, loud music, and car chases that climaxes at one of those big ship container yards with loads of gunplay and exploding barrels. Motor-mouthed Hart works hard to keep the energy levels high and there are intermittent guffaws, but no matter how many times he shouts “We’re the Brothers-in-Law!” charm is in short supply as the script focuses too much on the recycled action-movie plot instead of on verbal interplay between the two leads.
RIDE ALONG 2 isn’t very good but it’s also no chore to watch. Director Tim Story keeps things moving at too brisk a clip to be truly boring and the Miami locations provide for plenty of fine, bikini-bottomed eye candy including an eye-popping sequence set at ‘Beach Kitten Inc.’, a high-end swimsuit shop. You may not get your money’s worth with RIDE ALONG 2, but you can’t say you don’t get what you asked for.
In early 2014, Universal Pictures’ RIDE ALONG became an instant hit, grossing more than $150 million worldwide as audiences fell hard for the unlikely comic pairing of Ice-Cube and Kevin Hart. And while most sequels don’t begin preproduction until well after moviegoers experience the first, RIDE ALONG 2 was a follow up that the filmmakers knew they had to do.
Starring Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter and Sherri Shepherd, the sequel picks up about a year after our heroes’ last adventure. Plans for a quick trip to Miami go awry when their unorthodox policing gets them into a compromising situation that threatens to derail a major case…and Ben and Angela’s upcoming wedding day. (Trailer)
Ice Cube’s stern, iconic scowl, alongside Kevin Hart’s silliness, plus a funny script by Phil Hay & Matt Manfrediis is sure to be a crowd-pleaser when RIDE ALONG 2 opens in theaters on January 15. Plus there’s a terrific and unexpected cameo that makes for one great surprise.
During their nationwide tour to promote the sequel, the two made a stopover in St. Louis. Cube and Hart held a special screening of RIDE ALONG 2, met Ozzie Smith, visited A-B and the Arch. Both found St. Louis delicacies IMO’s pizza, Toasted Raviolis and Frozen Custard to be tasty, interesting treats.
The local media roundtable discussion came on the heels of announcement (Thursday Dec 17) that N.W.A. would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They will join the 31st class of the Rock Hall on April 8 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, Eazy-E and MC Ren round out the 2016 inductees, along with Cheap Trick, Chicago, Deep Purple and Steve Miller. “I’m still trying to process everything and I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve done a lot of things in entertainment, but this has got to be one of the top things to ever happen,” said Ice-Cube. “Just to be set in stone like that and after the fight to be legitimate – in so many ways – Eazy’s fight to be legitimate going from street stuff to doing music to the group – it was an ongoing struggle. For this to happened 25 years later is just amazing. No way could I have scripted this at all.”
Beaming with fatherly pride, Cube is a big fan of his son (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.) and how he portrayed him in STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON. “He took a chance, did his homework and is a pretty good actor. He has a future in this business.”
In what’s looking to become a new and successful “buddy cop” franchise, Ice-Cube said RIDE ALONG 2 has great ingredients. “It has our characters story, but there’s also this family element. It combines well with the action and the comedy. I think people will respond well to it.”
When last we left Ben Barber (Hart) and James Payton (Cube), they were barbecuing together with the family in the backyard…after they’d brought down a multinational crime ring led by the legendary kingpin Omar (played by Laurence Fishburne). The sequel brings the dynamic duo of Cube and Hart together again, and Hart knew that their comedic connection – on and off-screen – would continue to resonate with audiences.
He explains: “The chemistry that we both have, it’s something that you can’t teach; people click or they don’t. Cube and I clicked instantly, like it wasn’t even work for us. We are now friends. It made a lot of sense to come back for RIDE ALONG 2.”
Cube agrees with his fellow star: “It starts with respect, and we respect each other’s careers and where the other is in the game today. We both play our position. Kevin doesn’t have a problem playing Boo Boo to my Yogi Bear. We maintain the right balance, chemistry and tone. He’s like my little brother, so it’s just fun.”
The film also has a terrific supporting cast. Actor Ken Jeong, well known for his comedy work in movie and television projects from The Hangover trilogy to his current ABC series, Dr. Ken, was tapped to play clandestine computer hacker AJ.
Both were pleased to have Jeong join the returning cast members, but with his trademark dry style, Cube deadpans, “We told Ken, look, we have a good thing going on here, so don’t come in and mess it up. Don’t blow this for us man.” He said, “You throw anyone in between this mix, it’s going be hard for it to miss. We’re all so professional and we take seriously what we’re doing. When you have all the actors coming in with that kind of intensity, we won’t stop until it works. We’re always refining the work, trying to make it better and keep that bar up.”
Hart adds, “It’s contagious. That kind of attitude spills over to everyone on set. From the director to the producers to the DP to the camera guys to the sound guys – everyone shows up excited to come to work the next day. Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Bruce McGill, we had a slew of great people come in and they all agreed that it was such a good time. It didn’t even feel like work.”
Cube says with a laugh, “It’s hard dealing with Kevin on one hand and Ken on the other. It’s like dealing with two toddlers – one of them acts 9 years old and the other one acts 10.”
Director Tim Story has said that the film’s humor is a result of Ice-Cube’s and Kevin Hart’s on-screen chemistry and is like nothing he’s seen. “They get what makes each other funny. Cube is one of the best straight guys I’ve seen in the history of film, and Kevin has mastered the comedic tone. I liken it to the combination of Charles Grodin and Robert De Niro in Midnight Run; the balance of what they bring just makes the humor work.”
Both agreed on their admiration for director Tim Story. Cube says, ‘He’s so laid back, no pressure. I’ve never worked with a director who can keep that kind of cool, laid-back kind of attitude throughout the movie. Tim is always cool, calm and collected. He’s worked on some big movies and always does it without raising his voice. It’s pleasure to work with him.”
Start 2016 off with one of the biggest, sexiest and funniest comedies of the year, RIDE ALONG 2.
The brothers-in-law are back and heading from Atlanta to Miami.
Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup for director Tim Story’s RIDE ALONG 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us 2014’s most popular comedy duo. Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter also star. The action-comedy’s music is by Christopher Lennertz.
RIDE ALONG 2 opens in theaters January 15, 2016.
WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of RIDE ALONG 2 on Tuesday, January 12 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.
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Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer are reunited in BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT, directed by Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” films, “Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins”).
It’s been more than 10 years since our last appointment at Calvin’s Barbershop. Calvin (Ice Cube) and his longtime crew, including Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer), are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, our once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed. The ladies bring their own flavor, drama and gossip to the shop challenging the fellas at every turn. Despite the good times and camaraderie within the shop, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and our crew to come together to not only save the shop, but their neighborhood.
Check out the brand new trailer now.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT also stars Regina Hall (“Think Like a Man”), Oscar winner Common (“Selma”), Sean Patrick Thomas (“Barbershop”), Eve (“Whip It”), Anthony Anderson (TV’s “Black-ish”), Jaszmine Lewis (“Barbershop”), JB Smoove (TV’s “The Millers”), and recording artist Nicki Minaj (“The Other Woman”).
Lee directed the film from a screenplay by Kenya Barris (“Black-ish”) & Tracy Oliver (“The Neighbors”), based on characters created by Mark Brown. “Barbershop: The Next Cut” reteams the producers from the first two films, Robert Teitel, George L. Tillman and Ice Cube. Malcolm D. Lee, Becki Cross Trujillo, Ronald G. Muhammed and Jeff Kwatinetz are serving as executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Greg Gardiner, production designer Ina Mayhew, editor Paul Millspaugh and costume designer Danielle Hollowell.
BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT opens in theaters nationwide on April 15, 2016.
Production is now underway on location in Atlanta, Georgia, on New Line Cinema’s comedy FIST FIGHT, starring Ice Cube and Charlie Day as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way. The film is being directed by Richie Keen (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).
On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line. But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throwdown after school. News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school, and Campbell, needed.
FIST FIGHT also stars Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”), Christina Hendricks (“Mad Men”), Dennis Haysbert (“The Unit”), and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“The Astronaut Wives Club”).
The screenplay is written by Evan Susser & Van Robichaux (Funny or Die’s “What’s Going On? With Mike Mitchell”). FIST FIGHT is produced by Shawn Levy, Max Greenfield, and John Rickard. Serving as executive producers are Charlie Day, Ice Cube, Dan Cohen, Billy Rosenberg, and Marty Ewing.
Keen’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Eric Edwards (“Knocked Up”), production designer Chris Cornwell (“Ride Along,” “The Wedding Ringer”), editor Matthew Freund (Comedy Central’s “The Meltdown with Jonah and Kumail”) and costume designer Denise Wingate (“Wedding Crashers”).
Principal photography will be take place primarily in and around Atlanta. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Moments ago, RIDE ALONG 2 fans were treated to a :60 TV Spot during the EMPIRE Season 2 Premiere. Check it out below.
Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup of RIDE ALONG 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year’s most popular comedy duo. (Trailer)
Joining Hart and Cube for the next chapter of the series are director Tim Story, as well as Cube’s fellow producers—Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner—who will produce alongside Cube.
The film also features Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Sherri Shepherd. Composer Christopher Lennertz provides the score.
Here’s a first look at the new poster for RIDE ALONG 2.
Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup of RIDE ALONG 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year’s most popular comedy duo.
Joining Hart and Cube for the next chapter of the series are director Tim Story, as well as Cube’s fellow producers—Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner—who will produce alongside Cube.
Universal Pictures will release the first trailer on Thursday. The film also features Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt, Olivia Munn, Bruce McGill, Tika Sumpter, and Sherri Shepherd.
(Clockwise from top left) DJ YELLA, ICE CUBE, MC Ren, DR. DRE, COREY HAWKINS as Dr. Dre, ALDIS HODGE as MC Ren, JASON MITCHELL as Eazy-E, O’SHEA JACKSON, JR. as Ice Cube and NEIL BROWN, JR. as DJ Yella on the set of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.
Universal Pictures has released a new featurette, clip and photos for F. Gary Gray’s STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.
Taking us back to where it all began, the film tells the true story of how these cultural rebels – armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent – stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A.
Come back later this week for my look at Sunday’s Hollywood press conference and hear what O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Ice Cube and F. Gary Gray had to say about the film.
The STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON behind-the-scenes creative team is led by director of photography Matthew Libatique (Black Swan, Iron Man 2), production designer Shane Valentino (Beginners, HBO’s The Normal Heart), editor Billy Fox (Hustle & Flow, Four Brothers), and costume designer Kelli Jones (TV’s Sons of Anarchy, Homefront).
The score is from composer Joseph Trapanese (Oblivion, The Raid 2).
(L to R) Producer DR. DRE, director/producer F. GARY GRAY and producer ICE CUBE
As with any movie so deeply rooted in sound, the filmmakers were faced with weighing their options when attempting to accurately capture the music. For director Gray and the other producers, it was perhaps even more difficult when it came to winnowing down the selections and capturing the singular sound of the N.W.A catalogue.
Ultimately, they wanted to celebrate the radical music of N.W.A, and in doing so it was essential that they nail the original tracks as realistically as possible. Would the actors who best fit the roles creatively have the musical chops to sound like the group?
Would music supervisor Jojo Villanueva (American Reunion, Black or White), along with music producer Harvey Mason, Jr. (The Help, Dreamgirls) need to digitally enhance cast vocals, or would the actors be able to perform and record their own vocals and lay them over the original tracks?
N.W.A’s vocals are all unique, and of course none of the team wanted to diminish their essence.
Early on, Villanueva and Mason ascertained that most of the cast, with some vocal coaching, would be able to pull off the demands of re-creating the majority of the “Straight Outta Compton” album, as well as music from Eazy-E, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre’s solo recordings. In some instances cast vocals would be blended with the real vocals to create a balanced hybrid.
Compton: A Soundtrack will be released on August 7th only on iTunes and Apple Music.
Watch the new STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON red band trailer with an introduction from Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.
Plus check out the new poster and photos.
In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation.
Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.
Starring O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell as Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON is directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job). The film also features Paul Giamatti as Jerry Heller who is best known for managing west coast rap super-group and gangster rap pioneers N.W.A and Eazy E. He, along with Eazy E., were co-Founders of Ruthless Records.
The drama is produced by original N.W.A. members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who are joined by fellow producers Matt Alvarez and Tomica Woods-Wright. Will Packer serves as executive producer of the film alongside Gray.
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