[Movie Review] Best Man Holiday (2013)
Plot Summary: When college friends reunite after 15 years over the Christmas holidays, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited.
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Writer: Malcolm D. Lee
Runtime: 123 min
Main Cast:
- Morris Chestnut as Lance Sullivan
- Taye Diggs as Harper Stewart
- Regina Hall as Candace "Candy" Murch
- Terrence Howard as Quentin Spivey
- Sanaa Lathan as Robyn Stewart
- Nia Long as Jordan Armstrong
- Harold Perrineau as Julian Murch
- Monica Calhoun as Mia Sullivan
- Melissa De Sousa as Shelby
Review: by Anthony and Lee
At first, we were very reluctant to see The Best Man Holiday. We had both seen The Best Man years ago, and neither of us saw much of a need for a sequel. After hearing from several sources, however, that it was good, we finally decided to check it out for ourselves.
What We Liked:
Our sources certainly did not lie. The Best Man Holiday was indeed a good movie. The story was very compelling and drew both of us in emotionally. Watching the drama unfold and seeing the strong bonds of friendship, especially between the men as they swallowed their pride, set aside their anger, and supported each other, was extraordinarily touching. I (Lee) cried several times, and Anthony even admitted to fighting back tears on occasion. We were in good company, though, and it was interesting to witness several grown men sniffling and wiping their eyes right there in the theater.
The actors did outstanding jobs of reinvigorating their characters, injecting new life into them and developing them. It was particularly nice to see the character development in both Shelby and Harper, but the outstanding performance was without a doubt Monica Calhoun as Mia. She was absolutely sensational, and definitely deserves some accolades.
Despite its heavy, emotional subject, the movie was still funny. Always the comedic relief, Terrence Howard delivered on a number of occasions, and the witty back and forth between the characters kept the film from becoming overbearing.
What We Didn’t Like:
The writers really wanted the audience to cry. It was quite apparent, and they pulled out all sorts of tricks to achieve their goal. I (Lee) appreciate a good tearjerker, but at times I could really see them forcing the issue. One particular scene was so over the top that I actually stopped crying and almost laughed. A moment later, though, I was back in tears.
There wasn’t much to dislike about the movie, other than a few unrealistic plot points, like the talent show. Why in the world did Mia and Lance just so happen to have four matching, perfectly fitting suits on hand for an impromptu lip sync performance?
Summary
The Best Man Holiday was a genuinely good movie, and we will readily admit that we initially misjudged it. It was funny and touching in ways we didn’t believe possible. Now, however, we are quite ready for the third installment.
User Review
( votes)You can purchase The Best Man Holiday on Blu Ray from Amazon here:
Images Courtesy of IMDB
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I really like the way the Anthony & Lee explained their views and few dislikes of the movie without really giving away what went on. It made you curious enough to want to see the movie for yourself. Good job guys!
Thanks guys! Gonna put this on my list to see! Didn’t even know there was a movie before this!