The Salon
Release Date:
May 11, 2007
Limited release
Because someone out there felt that there simply hadn''t been enough movies set in African-American barbershops and beauty shops, we're now looking at the impending release of yet another one. Following in the footsteps of Barbershop, its sequel, Beauty Shop and Hair show comes The Salon, which is based on Shelly Garrett's hit stage play Beauty Shop (obviously, that title had already been taken).
Much like Barbershop before it, The Salon takes place in a small, local neighborhood shop. It's a place where people can come hang out and feel comfortable as they chat and gossip. It's one of those dying breeds of a shop that has a longstanding community reputation and is considered an institution by the neighborhood residents. The Salon's similarity to Barbershop's main story probably isn't accidental - both screenplays were written by Mark Brown.
Trouble begins when Jenny (Vivica A. Fox), the shop owner, has been told that she will be forced to sell her store to the Department of Water and Power for the purpose of eminent domain. She has received plenty of legal advice, almost all of which tells her she has no recourse. Nonetheless, she turns down the money from the government entity and takes them to court. It's a prime example of David vs. Goliath with a whole lot of humor taking place along the way.
Despite the movie's similarity to past projects, it does feature a stellar cast. Fox is generally terrific in these types of comedies, and Terrence Howard has become a BOP favorite. Also, Brown previously directed the terrific and under-rated Two Can Play That Game, which gives us hope for the comedic value of The Salon. It's been in the can for awhile, though, and that never bodes well. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
Tweet
