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The Gang Happily Reunites in ‘The Best Man Holiday’
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CHICAGO – Like a black “Big Chill,” the gang from the 1999 essential film “The Best Man” reunite to see old friends, celebrate the season, open old wounds and bury the past in a surprisingly serious yet emotionally spiritual sequel “The Best Man Holiday.”
The writer/director Malcolm D. Lee is back to steer the effort, which keeps it from sliding into maudlin territory. There is the same fraternal give-and-take between the men in the story, but it is tempered with advancing middle age, leading into several transitions which the whole group must face. There is an unexpected religious element thrown in – from the most unlikely of sources – but somehow that works as well, keeping a balance within events that are seemingly spinning out of control. It’s good to see that all races and cultures can indulge in upper middle class pornography – the wealth and materialism on display is almost overwhelming – but the theme is friendship, and the warmth and humor generated from the first film spills into this holiday, ranging from somber to merry.
Harper (Taye Diggs) is an author facing a serious case of writer’s block, and the impending birth of his first child with wife Robyn (Sanaa Lathan). It has been several years since his last best seller, and his agent suggests tapping into the record-breaking football career of Lance (Morris Chestnut), and writing a biography. This is conveniently timed with a holiday reunion of his old gang at Lance’s palatial estate, including Quentin (Terrence Howard), Julian (Harold Parrineau), Shelby (Melissa De Sousa), Candace (Regina Hall) and Jordan (Nia Long).
![]() Photo credit: Universal Pictures |
The host of this Christmastide soiré is Mia (Monica Calhoun), Lance’s loving wife and den mother to the still conflicted friends. There are some old scores to be settled during their time together, as old rivalries and romances resurface. Secrets are revealed as well, and they have implications for the whole group. How much love, friendship, religion, sex and woe can friends endure?
What makes this work, even though there is much awkwardness in the narrative approach, is the spirit of writer/director Malcolm D. Lee. It is evident that he loves these characters, and even though they are allowed to hate each other at times, it is imperative that they use their collective strength to battle any crisis. It is also imperative that they do it with randiness, humor and in this instance a touch of tear-inducing emotion. These are the director’s babies, and he loves showing off the pictures.
The actor’s portraying the friends are asked to to a react more emotionally, and they are up to the challenge. Enjoying himself immensely and stealing every scene is the great Terrence Howard as Quentin. He is such an instinctual actor, even in this clownish role. In lesser hands, the character could have even been offensive, but by the time Howard is called upon for a crying scene, it is total and real emotion. Morris Chestnut is also sincere as Lance, and his handling of religion is deeply felt.
The women in the film are an interesting bunch as well, and small-chested ladies need not apply. This is their moment to evolve as well, but Lee can’t help but keep them somewhat in a box for conflict and comic effect. They are set dressing for the men, and are provided shrewish attitudes or seductive airs. There is a desire to see more sisterhood, but this is the “best men” holiday after all.
![]() Photo credit: Universal Pictures |
Everybody also has movie jobs – broadcaster, shrill celebrity, brand consultant, writer and football player – and all at the top of their game. Couldn’t have there been an accountant, at least to help with the high level tax brackets? The men and women are exceedingly lovely to look at, and Lee relies on that a bit too much, including the shedding of Morris Chestnut’s shirt whenever a lull in the action takes place. There is also a pregnancy in the first act, and like a pistol it will certainly re-emerge – in a plot involving way – by the third act.
But this is a holiday celebration, and the gathering succeeds on that level. Every instance of recognition of the best men is calculated to evoke the familiarity of family, and there is enough love spread all around. Through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow.
![]() | By PATRICK McDONALD |