Beauty Shop (2005)

The star stylist (Queen Latifah) at a posh beauty salon is tired of being harassed by her pretentious employer (Kevin Bacon) so she quits. Determined to make her dream of owning her own beauty salon come true, she borrows money and opens her shop in a downscale neighborhood. Directed by Bille Woodruff, this is the usual underdog story but the cast and especially Queen Latifah are so likable that you can forgive the cliches and root for her all the way. The supporting characters are colorful and unique and the movie is a pleasant diversion. I had some minor problems with the drippy character played by Alicia Silverstone as the beauty shop's sole white employee but it might have more to do with the actress's playing of the character than the character herself. The large ensemble includes Andie MacDowell, Alfre Woodard, Djimon Hounsou, Della Reese, Mena Suvari, Sherri Shepherd, Sheryl Underwood, Octavia Spencer, Golden Brooks and Bryce Wilson.