I still feel like it’s not the best time, but I’m tired of stalling. I need to talk about this movie. I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas-themed films, but there’s a reason, through all the years and with the change to different devices, that I’ve retained this film and never thought to delete it. And for those who have seen the film, you may understand why.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, this American comedy is the sequel to The Best Man which was released in 1999. Fourteen years later and the whole gang is gathered again for a Christmas holiday celebration.
Summary of The Movie
It’s been 15 years since his bestselling debut novel, and Harper (Taye Diggs) is suffering from writer’s block. With the pain of being laid off from his job at NYU, financial difficulties and his wife, Robyn (Sanaa Lathan) who is now pregnant, Harper is running out of options. He gets a suggestion to write a biography of his former best friend, the superstar, Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut). He reluctantly agrees to do it but secretly.
At about the same time, he and the rest of the college gang receive an invite from Mia to their house for Christmas. All of them have different things going on for them after 15 years. Quentin (Terrence Howard) is a successful brand manager, Jordan (Nia Long) is an Emmy-winning producer, Shelby (Melissa de Sousa) is a reality television superstar, Murch (Harold Perrineau) runs his school, with his wife, Candace (Regina Hall). As the friends catch up, old tensions rear their ugly heads, and with each facing their personal difficulties, the elephant room is not confronted. Until...
My Thoughts and Rating
The truth is that if you’ve not seen the first film in this franchise, you wouldn’t truly understand the depth of the film. Why everyone is acting the way they act, and what is fostering the decisions that most of them are making. It is not a standalone film to the best of my knowledge, so I’m of the firm opinion that you’ve got to see the first part which is The Best Man, before you get into this one. It doesn’t mean you would enjoy this sequel any less, but it’s just so you’re not left in the dark.
That being said, there’s no reason anyone wouldn’t love this film. I love Black-themed films. The humour is always top-tier, and this film didn’t fail in that regard. It’s like everyone is low-key a comedian. Jokes flow naturally, and everyone is in sync with each other. I’m a firm believer that chemistry bleeds a lot offset to right there on the set. So, if the cast is good with each other offset, you can just feel the originality and chemistry oozing onset.
So yeah, from Terrence Howard who makes me laugh so much, to the girls, Melissa, Nia Long, Regina Hall, and right down to the kids. It’s beautiful seeing how great the energy was among them. I don’t have a doubt in me that some of the laughs shared in the film weren’t scripted, and they genuinely enjoyed acting with themselves.
The themes were deep, though. This is not just a regular Christmas comedy film. A lot of values were showcased. The value of family, trust, forgiveness, love, friendship, brotherhood and community were the principal themes and honestly, I felt emotions that I didn’t bargain for far too deeply. Did I cry? Yeah, I did. Brotherhood does that to me, and seeing these friends from college and in between, come together as a family in times of crisis healed something in me.
I wouldn’t say I have a best part in this film. Because I genuinely had a good time in most of the scenes. I will say though that the pyjama party scene where the men danced and lip-synced to “Can You Stand The Rain,” was incredibly enjoyable. It was like seeing stars. Loved it so much. Guys, you do not want to know how many times I replayed that scene. I saw the entire franchise in 2018, and every year since that year, I never fail to watch it. If I have someone really special with me, I make sure they see this film with me. Because that’s just how much I adore it.
I can’t find a single fault in the film, so no, I have nothing to criticize. I hope everyone gets to see this masterpiece and I hope they have as much fun as I always do watching it. It doesn’t get better, trust me. A solid 9/10 from me, and that’s me being point-stingy. Merry Christmas, everyone!
Jhymi🖤
Images gotten from IMDB.
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