{"id":67455,"date":"2013-11-17T09:23:12","date_gmt":"2013-11-17T09:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2013\/11\/17\/the-best-man-holiday-film-review\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T08:45:12","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T08:45:12","slug":"the-best-man-holiday-film-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/the-best-man-holiday-film-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Man Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Best Man Holiday<\/a><\/strong>By Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not that often studios are able to greenlit a sequel to a film that was never seen as a franchise. In 1999, Malcolm D. Lee<\/strong> scored a hit with his written, directed film, The Best Man<\/strong>. With a cast that included Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Monica Calhoun<\/strong>, and Melissa De Sousa<\/strong>, Lee introduced a crop of newcomers to the scene while also reigniting the careers of others. The film opened number one at the box office and would later become an urban classic.<\/p>\n

Nearly 15 years later, the cast is back for a reunion in The Best Man Holiday<\/a>, a predictable, but gut-wrenching and highly entertaining dramedy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Years have passed since football player Lance Sullivan (Chestnut) married Mia (Calhoun) after discovering the fact that she had an affair with his best friend, Harper Stewart (Diggs), back when they were in college. Stewart has disclosed this indiscretion in his first book.<\/p>\n

At present time, Mia has gathered the crew back together to celebrate the holidays over at her house with Lance and their four kids. Lance, playing for the New York Giants, is set to break the rushing record, while Harper is having writer\u2019s block, having failed at his second book and dealing with pregnant wife Robyn (Lathan), a rising chef who\u2019s had some miscarriages. Adding to their stressful lives is the fact that money is drying up since he hasn\u2019t told Robyn he lost his teaching gig at NYU. While tension still exists between the former roommates, Harper is looking to have Lance\u2019s story be the center for his next book and looking for help from Jordan (Long), an MSNBC exec who has come up with her latest boyfriend Brian (Eddie Cibrian).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Also joining the celebration are Julian (Perrineau) and his former stripper-now social activist wife Candace (Hall); along with their two daughters. Julian is a private school administrator looking for new funding once a huge contributor declines donating more money after seeing Candace, during her stripper days, in a YouTube video. Quentin (Howard)\u00a0 is still a bachelor but successful businessman. Emotions run high once reality-TV star Shelby (De Sousa), Julian\u2019s former girlfriend and Quentin\u2019s one-time hookup, shows up with her daughter. With friction still boiling between Lance and Harper, Jordan and Robyn, Shelby and Julian, Shelby and Candace, things are bound to chaotic when everyone is under the same roof.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lee, who also directed \u2018Undercover Cover\u2019 and \u2018Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins,\u2019 had years to craft this emotional and laugh-out-loud comedic film, and while it becomes a bit predictable at times, there are plenty of moments that will please anyone who\u2019s looking for an evening\u2019s entertainment. One needs to see \u2018The Best Man\u2019 to see how well developed these characters were set up.<\/p>\n

Using the holiday season as a camouflage to bring everyone was a great idea. The first film was a coming of age dealing with the guys and their peaks and valleys. With this film, it\u2019s about everyone and their stories and how each needs to face emotions when dealing with a crisis. Each one of these character are bright and successful, but trust is a trait that is seldom used. There\u2019s need to single out who gives the best performance or who was wasted because everyone shines. If there\u2019s one person who Malcolm may have let loose, it\u2019s Howard. Never seen as a comedian, he elevates every scene he\u2019s in with his lines or looks. Also with gorgeous set design and Christmas music coming from the likes of Nat King Cole, Mary J. Blige, and R.Kelly, here\u2019s a film that delivers what the fans have been waiting for. You will laugh, you will cry, but you will be totally pleased by the end result.<\/p>\n

<\/embed><\/object><\/p>\n
\n

Share<\/a>