I'll get this out of the way right now: You probably aren't going to see "The Village Barbershop" on any shortlists for Film of the Year. It's not a terribly important movie. It doesn't make any statements and relies on a lot of cliches and "hollywood-ending" plot points. But (and I know this is gonna sound silly) it's got an awful lot of heart, and, in the words of Mark Kermode, "does what it says on the tin." It's a sweet, poignant comedy that delivers decent performances and a mild amount of entertainment.
The movie tells the story of Gloria (Shelly Cole) and Art (John Ratzenberger of Pixar fame). Art runs a men's barbershop in Reno. His wife has died, he's lonely, he's kind of a curmudgeon. At the start of the movie, his longtime business partner dies unexpectedly (and inexplicably. It just sort of happens without any kind of announcement). Now, Art is in debt, behind on his rent and needs an extra barber to help run the place. He originally hires the spirited, pregnant Gloria to do the books, but realizes she's got the skills to trim hair. As the movie progresses, wouldn't you know it, Gloria ends up opening Art's mind and heart and turning the business into a success.
Like I said, "The Village Barbershop" is far from unique. It also suffers from weak writing in several places, and overacting in others (watch for the judge at Art's hearing about 3/4 of the way through the movie). But Ratzenberger and Cole bring the goods in both their scenes together and apart. Both actors turn in real, grounded performances that only serve to point out how silly everyone else looks. The other characters are cariactures. Art and Gloria are characters.
If you're looking for the next indie darling, the next "Waitress" or "Juno," "The Village Barbershop" ain't it. But if you're looking for a sweet, undemanding movie to watch on a Friday or Saturday night, it's a pretty good candidate.
Recommendations:
"Waitress"- More pregnancy, more pie, less hair.
"Juno"- More wit, better music
"Steel Magnolias"- More women, more drama