“Barbershop 3” could be in the works. Ice Cube, who played the barbershop owner Calvin Palmer in the original “Barbershop,” promised a third installment if “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” was a success. Expect the franchise to flourish.

Few anticipated that the premise of “Barbershop,” the story of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago, would make the movie into the sleeper hit of 2002. “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” picks up where the original left off, with the same wit and charm of the original and more amusing customers, outrageous situations and, of course, comments from old-timer Eddie, played by Cedric the Entertainer.

-The movie opens with an introduction to Cal and his crew and the new developments in the lives of each of the characters. Ultimately, it is the characters and their anecdotal situations that make the movie.

Terri Jones (Eve) resigns her attitude as a relationship heats up with troubled Ricky Nash (Michael Ealy) who is secretly making more of his life. “Retired” stylist Jimmy James (Sean Patrick Thomas) learns that politics and morals don’t go hand in hand as he works for an Al Sharpton clone, Alderman Brown (Robert Wisdom).

Queen Latifah creates intrigue in her minor role as Gina, a beauty shop owner and Cal’s past love. Gina and her shop’s fate will continue in the spin-off “Beauty Shop,” set for 2004.

The characters and their beloved shop must face a new battle — neighborhood gentrification. Problem aren’t apparent and Cal remarks that “change is good.” But when a trendy hair salon called Nappy Cutz arrives, the shop’s fate seems bleak.

The man who can save the shop, Alderman Brown, cares more about his city campaign and convenes with the shop’s nemesis, shrewd business developer Quentin Leroux (Harry J. Lennix). Leroux’s plans will demolish the charming community and its character in favor of profits. It’s up to Cal to save the neighborhood and the barbershop.

Trouble brews when, in a ploy to save the shop, Alderman Brown visits the store after persuasion from Jimmy. Underlying troubles erupt. Suffice it to say that Alderman Brown ends up nearly strangling one of the amateur stylists and Cal’s cousin, Kenard (Kenan Thompson).

The movie’s only flaw is that the characters are more compelling in the original plot of saving the neighborhood. A little bit more explanation would have helped the movie.

Also, a more dramatic and introspective subplot in “Barbershop 2” reveals more about Eddie’s life and replaces the humorous subplot in “Barbershop,” which revolved around crooks trying to bust open an ATM. Not funny, but definitely poignant and worthwhile to know why he values the store so much.

“Barbershop 2” promises more good times and laughs. It’s just as good — but not quite as fresh — as the original.