I Saw The Best Man Holiday and Here’s My Review (NO SPOILERS)
When I think of The Best Man, I remember the golden age of Black Hollywood. The 90s were awesome for diversity in entertainment (music, TV and movies). The film was part of a decade-long cluster of great coming-of-age stories that was BY US, FOR US but still relatable to everyone.
So when I heard that the story revolving around Harper (Taye Diggs), Jordan (Nia Long), Lance (Morris Chestnut), Julian (Harold Perrineau), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robin (Sanaa Lathan), Mia (Monica Calhoun) Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) and Candy (Regina Hall) was getting dusted off, I was excited for nostalgia’s sake. But I was scared because sequels are notorious for being unable to live up to their hype and their predecessors.
After going to the advance screening of The Best Man Holiday the other night, I can say that any fear I had was dropkicked. THE FILM WAS PHENOMENAL! I wanna even go out on a limb and say it’s better than the original. Yes, I mean it. IT. WAS. SO. GOOD. What was so dope about it? A lot.
Below are some of the reasons I loved it (and no worries. There are NO spoilers).
The cast looked GOOD. It’s been 14 years since the original movie and they managed to get the whole cast back together (which is no small feat by itself). You wouldn’t think a decade and a half has gone by though judging by how everyone looks. Talk about Black that is crack-deficient. None of them have aged a bit. Nia Long looks even better now than she did back then, defying the laws of physics and science. It’s just weird.
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Morris Chestnut, who looked like God carved him out of heavenly wood. There’s a scene where he’s shirtless and I had to praise HIM for His handiwork. JUST FAHN FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! Also, props to the addition of eye candy and dimply dapper don Eddie Ciprian. I could just lay in his dimples. SWOON!
The chemistry was still there. Kids who were born the year the Best Man came out are now in high school. Chile… 1999 was so long ago but this cast hasn’t skipped a beat. They jumped right into the story and they still go together. I loved it. Bromances, marriages, friendships and all’at were rekindled like no time had passed.
The outfits were fierce. Whoever styled this film DID THAT! The first scene that Jordan appears in, she’s rocking a black and tan blazer with matching skirt and nude pumps. I wanted to tap on the screen and ask her where she got it from because YES! And then there’s one scene where Candy is rocking a stark white tuxedo blazer with black lapel and I basically wished I could jump THROUGH the screen to peel it off her back. Even the fellas’ #alphets were LAIDT! They had Harper in a blue polka dot oxford with cobalt sweater and I ooohed. Yes. Plus them schmedium sweaters they had Lance rocking, allowing his pectorals to make themselves visible gave me what I needed. Hey boo.
This film was hilarious. Remember when LOL actually meant “Laugh out loud?” Well I original LOLed many times during this film. Terrence Howard stole the show here. His character has been the joker so they kept that going here and I cackled a lot. Things get heavy during the film and he’s necessary comic relief. Plus, the scene below where the fellas got their New Edition on was an instant classic. SO funny!
The story had heart. I rarely cry at the movies. Very few things render my thug unable to deal but this film? Me and all my girls were in tears at one point. I’m so glad I brought a scarf because it was the best tissue ever. I WAS TRAPPED IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS, YALL!! Whooooo. My thug was just double dutching in feelings. These actors have grown and it’s so great to see. And I think this story had more heart than the original. This might be why I think it’s a better film.
Oh and the soundtrack was DOPE! I was in the theater snapping my fingers. It was just a good time.
Although I went to the screening, I’m going to buy a ticket to the movie. I know my measly $10 might not do much but I want Hollywood to understand that we want quality movies with people who look like us and with stories that we can relate to. No shade to Madea Goes to Jail on Christmas at the Family Reunion but there’s an audience that is thirsty for something other than Tyler Perry and the tales of our beaten ancestors. No shade to slavery films either, because they are SO necessary. But we need other choices too.
The Best Man Holiday was a dope film and the team behind it should be incredibly proud because they really did this right. HASHTAG THEY DID THAT! They get all the high fives.
Being in that theater and watching faces that were familiar but I don’t see enough of excited and frustrated me. There should be no reason why this type of ensemble cast with a big studio behind it be a once in a decade thing. NAWL. Can y’all have Monica Calhoun in more films? Can Regina Hall get more play (she’s also hilarious)? And please always have Morris shirtless (ALWAYS). And Harold Perrineau is so underrated (remember him on Oz?).
This is all to say that you should go see The Best Man Holiday. It’s so good and it’s worth supporting. I laughed, I cried and I even clapped a couple of times. I loved it and I’m so glad they made it happen.
The film opens in theaters this Friday, November 15 (tomorrow). Are you planning on going? Have you seen it in screenings already? In fact, when you see it, come back and tell me what you thought!
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I received compensation for this post but everything I said in here is what I meant. If I didn’t like it this much, I wouldn’t say it. So as always, please know that even though it’s sponsored, ALL opinions and thoughts are my own. I won’t lie to y’all.
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53 Comments
Yesss!!! My best friend and I are seeing it tomorrow and this post just made me SOOO excited!! Thanks Luvvie.
I’m going tomorrow night with one of my girlfriends because that’s what this movie calls for…or your GBFF (is it BGF?), and your review has me more excited than ever!
Also, “Nia Long looks even better now than she did back then, defying the laws of physics and science. It’s just…” Trinidad!!!
Oh my GAWWD! I have loved most of your articles and I was already excited, but after reading this YES YES AND MO YES…. I can’t wait to see it TOMORROW!
I agree – there are many of us who are pretty much tired of Madea and slaves, and I have been a member of that club for quite some time now. I am sooo excited for this movie! Me and my crew (my cousin & I lol) have a whole day planned this Saturday: mani/pedis, lunch, then The Best Man Holiday. I was 13-14 when the first movie came out and only watched it because Ricky (Morris) was in it lol. But it quickly became a favorite of mine. I don’t go to movies often, but I will gladly support this film.
Sidebar: I’m searching for your french vanilla cocoa here in Tx, Luvvie. Trying to get you stocked like those people on extreme couponing!
I saw Best Man Holiday at a screening last night and it was a 5 star masterpiece. I co-sign your review.
I wanna amen 2 that co-sign as well!sooo glad I brought kleenex cuz I cried my eyes out but thanx 2 my man Terrence Howard I laughed my head off.I love me some him and thoroughly loved and enjoyed the movie.Its a must see just like the 1st one.Will be watching again.A million thanx 2 Malcolm Lee for bringing back a wonderful sequel!
3 co signs for this review!! Hubby and I saw it this weekend and it was FANTASTIC..I cried and laughed all at the same time. This will definitely be going into my collection of traditional holiday classic movies! It warms my heart to see positive movies about us, made by us! Also how often do we see movies that portray black male friendship in such a profound and positive manner. I loved everything about this movie, and will be going back to see it a 2nd time!
Yes, I’m so excited for this film! I’m going to see it tomorrow but this is when I miss not living near my college friends (a group of us saw it together during sophomore year in college). A lot of the friends near me now are younger – so they haven’t seen the film. 🙁
I just can’t wait to see it!!!!
If it weren’t for Mommy duties, me and my girls were definitely going out tomorrow night to see the movie.
My life got breath in the movie. In fact, Sanaa Lathan looked so good she hurt my feelings. Morris looked like the chocolate fountain on the Golden Corral commercial. And there is no Q for Q (the ultrafahn Terrence Howard) because the answer is Lawd, yes…..
If you don’t go see this movie, something will be missing from your life and you will feel the void everyday until you go.
yay! I was going to see it anyway, but I’m glad that you co-sign it’s amazingness in advance!
I saw the movie last night…….
LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!!
That shirtless image of Morris? GUD GAWD ALLMIGHTEE!!!! *faints*
I don’t think that anyone could be disappointed with this movie. I think I might go see it again just because!
My husband and I are going to see it tomorrow. I’m glad the movie goes beyond expectations. This will be the first time I’m going to the movies in quite some time. There just aren’t enough movies being made that I want to pay to see.
Thanks, Luvvie!
I saw this at an advance screening too and I agree!! It was so good!! Everyone in the theater laughed, cried, and had a good dang time! And you are so right about those outfits they rocked. When they showed Nia Long at her office I could have stepped through the screen, stopped shooting and been like, “Eh, Nia…let me borrow that for a minute.” LOL. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I actually loved it!
Me and boo-friend-boo are going tomorrow and I get to see my boo Terrence Howard #hayboohay. It shall be a jolly good time!
My first comment (YAY), I’m seeing it toniht at 10:50 at Icon :):) 🙂 thanks for the review
Can’t wait to see it! Thanks for the heads-up about the shirtless oh so fyne Mr. Chestnut. A sista has gotta get prepared, can’t catch myself drooling when I’m going to see it with the hubby!
missed the screening being under the weather, but I will be seeing this.
Thanks for the great review. I planned on seeing it tomorrow anyway, and your comments have me even more hyped!
I can’t wait to see this movie. I’m going to see a double feature on Sunday 12 years a slave (this movie is a must see to let us know and remember the tragedies our ancestors went through – unpaid interns my A$$) and I will follow it up by with the best man holiday cuz you know a sista is going to be mad after seeing 12 years. Then I’m going to rush home to catch almost human because you know we must support fine as heck Michael Ealy.
I was already jazzed to see this tomorrow, but now I’m EXTRA jazzed! Girl’s Night is about to go down! Thanks for the head’s up too, I’ll keep some tissue in my purse, you know, in case my eyes start sweating…. #thugtears
I noticed it’s been out in theaters today. I would have gone had I known (technically I still can go at 10:55 but I got school in the morning) I saw the picture of Morris on The Talk and woooooooo chile! I need to find away to put a pause button in the theater. I’ll being sitting FRONT AND CENTER just for that scene.
Might not see it with my boo so I can openly gawk. He understands but I don’t want to rub it in.
It’s ON this payday as I’m making it a date with one of my besties for her very belated birthday gift (her bday was in March but my career and financial life was a mess back then, don’t judge me!) She’s had a crappy 2013 thus far with illness and being overworked/underpaid, but she’ll finally be getting some vacay time and what better way to celebrate than with The Best Man Holiday? We’re gonna watch the first one again, get our FAHN on and go lust at Morris and the fellas and lowkey hate on the ladies for being so dang hot in their 40s.
Second review by a blogger that I respect and you both loved it. I am SO excited for this movie. I loved the first one, and I can’t wait to see it this weekend, and I never usually go to opening weekend for movies.
Firstly, I write this with puffy eyes from all of the tears my eyes shed during this entire movie. They were happy tears, and sometimes sad. I was so proud of how well they put the pieces together from the last 14 years and still made things relevant. It was extremely well done and my hopes are that Hollywood really opens up to these actors who are extremely talented and take them more seriously. There is REAL talent here. I appreciated every second of the movie. I found myself nostalgic, wanting to call old friends, and looking forward to making new memories as we get older and our lives change. Wow. Fantastic job.
Also, has anyone else noticed that Monica Calhoun is the only person missing from all of the press the cast is doing? Why come?
OMG!The movie will have you feeling some type of way! Take Kleenex! I was crying/laughing. It has a feel good vibe. Luvvie review is so spot on. It is definitely a must see. It was not lacking anything and I believe it is a very relatable movie. You don’t realize you have been sitting nearly two hours. Hope they have the sequel ready by spring. The set design and wardrobe deserving of awards. This is how I would love my holiday weekend schedule of events that Mia planned to go if I had money and non dysfunctional friends and family. Just beautiful! Ooooh the Chocolate dripping from the men cast…..MmmmHmm good! For the fellows, you get some classy shots too. Go see the movie! The soundtrack is awesome as well. You will want it for Christmastime!
I agree with all your comments. I saw it last night and it was the first time in years that I cried at the movie theater. I also agree about what options when it comes to black films. I have nothing against Tyler Perry films but at times they are so predictable and it was refreshing to go to the theater and being engaged in the plot the whole time. I’m seriously considering going to see it again.
“Although I went to the screening, I’m going to buy a ticket to the movie. I know my measly $10 might not do much but I want Hollywood to understand that we want quality movies with people who look like us and with stories that we can relate to. No shade to Madea Goes to Jail on Christmas at the Family Reunion but there’s an audience that is thirsty for something other than Tyler Perry and the tales of our beaten ancestors. No shade to slavery films either, because they are SO necessary. But we need other choices too.”
This paragraph right here is why I’m an #ALuvvieStan. #fasho #teach
This was an EXCELLENT movie!! (Great review) Def a must see and Morris Chestnut Lord had me speaking different languages lol
OOOH, I’m so glad it was good for you. That is great to hear because I loved the original too! I cannot wait to see it and thanks for not spoiling it!!!! You rock Luvvie! Hey, now why can’t we have some “Friends” type comedy series with all of these folks? Now that’s something to think about Hollywood or some Indie-type studio!!!!
Hands down: this movie was PHENOMENAL!!!! Your recap was right on point. We saw the second screening this morning and even at 9/10am the theatres were PACKED and most (if not all) showings for today were sold out. I personally also think it was better than the first and I will be going again with the hubby. I definitely wish there were more films like this more than once a decade also.
I just saw and I agree with you, I think this is much better than the first one, they all looked great and the alfets were on point. My scarf served as tissue as well, cause this G’s allergies were acting up big time! And I’m really glad most shows were sold out here in the west suburbs, I hope it was like that nationwide!
This movie was AMAZING!!! I too believe it is even better than the first. I loved every minute of the movie! ALL of the cast looked great! A thank you Heavenly Father goes up for the way Morris looked without that shirt and I am a women but there was a damn for how phenomenal Sanaa looked…she is beautiful. The soundtrack kept me moving in my seat, there is nothing like a movie full of beautiful people that pull at all of your emotions. I was not disappointed and glad to see this review because some that I have read just dont get it at all. This movie was like a long awaited family reunion. …….so please go see it!!!!!!!!
One word: AWESOME! I saw it last night and the theater was packed! Folks were laughing, crying, clapping and cheering. My nephew (who is 29) said “Im not gonna lie, tears rolled down my face a little bit.” Excellent movie! Cast looked amazing as well. I will be seeing it again for sure.
Also, can we take a moment and acknowledge the fine dollop of vanilla cream that is Eddie Cibrian? Those dimples… #lookAtGod
iCackled at ‘fine dollop of vanilla cream’!! you ain’t lyin tho 😀
Saw the movie today and I also agree with you. The cast looks G-O-O-D. And a big YES for a cast that is in their 40s. Then there is the fact that they look like us, dealing with our us issues on so many different levels.
The soundtrack made me ready and wanting to celebrate Christmas, a holiday that is not a big thing for me). This soundtrack should be this year’s Christmas CD.
I felt all kinds of emotions even some that needed to be contained when the guys are singing. *my oh my*
I’ve read other reviews and they weren’t positive for the movie. After seeing it I understand why. They don’t get it. They just don’t understand the way we do stuff whether it’s the way we talk to each other, the way we love, our friendships and family, and our foundation in God.
Movies with black casts make a green argument
Michael Phillips
2:51 p.m. CST, November 14, 2013
It took 14 years to come to fruition, but “The Best Man Holiday,” writer-director Malcolm D. Lee’s sequel to his 1999 hit “The Best Man,” opens Friday. Lee told me the other day that Universal executives were “hesitant” initially about the sequel, which takes Taye Diggs, Regina Hall and company in a more dramatic direction than the first film.
“Too depressing,” Lee heard from the money. Too much of a “departure.”
So Lee and his actors did what they do in theater all the time but rarely in the movies: They conducted a table read of the script to convince the money to back the movie. The money came away convinced. Says Lee, “I remember one of the executives saying: ‘Listening to Terrence Howard deliver dialogue live, out loud, can really turn people around.'”
Would this film, a follow-up to a proven, tightly budgeted hit, have gotten serious greenlight consideration a few years ago, in the years (roughly 2008-2011 in Lee’s estimation) the director refers to as “a black movie desert”?
In recent years, he says, “I’ve had many, many people declare that black movies are dead. Except for Tyler Perry movies.” Now, he says, “we’re seeing a gaggle of ’em.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-black-ensemble-films-talking-pictures-20131114,0,1539238.column
I just have one question! Where did Lance and Mia get those biracial chil’ren from??? They were so out of place and I kept waiting to hear an adoption story.
Aside from that poor casting choice, the movie was EXCELLENT. A great cautionary tale to have us look closer at our personal relationships and to learn to let go.
LOL, I was saying the same thing about those children.
YESSSS!!! the whole movie, i was like… sir! dem ain’t yo chirrens!!! LOL those two younger kids looked like they belonged to Terrence Howard, or were the future-babies of Jordan and Brian!!! 😀
i could have let the complexions slide, because hey my sister and i are pretty far apart on the color spectrum, but not that hair! LOL and once we saw Mia’s natural hair… nawl. somebody lied! i blame the casting director LOL
[…] The Best Man Holiday was released in theaters this Friday and it beat Thor in ticket sales that day. But Thor came from behind and earned $38 million for the weekend, edging out BHM’s $31 millions. I (and people who use logic) expected the film to perform well because there’s been a lot of buzz around it and people made it a group outing and folks have heard just how good it is. […]
My friends and I went to see BMH last night and I didn’t expect such emotion. All three of us walked out lookin like Kiss rejects. . . makeup er’where. This movie touched on everything. Love, deception, jealousy, ratchetry and more. And Morris, Mmmm, that one scene with no shirt rendered a very vocal “Thank you Jesus!” from me. I’m sorry, I jus couldn’t help myself and no shame I have. Yes, it was a good movie.
Great review Luvvie! Saw the film today and dare I say the sequel was better than the original. I L♡VED it! The content, and heart of the stories that unfolded were real! Tear jerker indeed, but I too literally laughed out loud. I wanted to charge the screen and hug & hi five Mia & Jordan during their chat testing their friendship. My boo can remarry just not that hoe! Encore please.
Don’t kill me (and please don’t tell the white people!). I give it 3 1/2 stars (albeit the most enjoyable 3 1/2 movie ever!!!!).This is jes’ between us. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If I gave star-ratings based on emotional response alone, this here is a 10-star! Thanks to the entire cast for that enjoyable, yet unexpected emotional roller coaster. Not a critique at all, but here’s a comment from my fb page about my initial response:
Okay….NAAN ONE OF Y’ALL PREPARED ME FOR THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY!!!! All I heard was,” It was so good!” Just a little warning was not too much to ask. My daughter-in-love and I barely escaped getting put out for laughing hysterically to keep from crying hysterically!!
All I wanted was a nice little night out… #tissueboxalert (I ended up using my balled up, used nachos napkin…avoidable trauma!)
I rolled up in the movie with NO idea of the plot. All I had was a couple of previews (neither of which worked as well in the film as they did at home IMO). I just figured I’d go to see: 1) if Taye Diggs had grown up (he has…he’s much less aware of his good looks these days–guess life done served him some), 2) if Morris Chest-O’Nuts is still my big screen boo (Uhhh, he got promoted to my big screen HUZBAN!!!! I may buy myself a ring just cuz, since I know he’s busy…),3) if Terrence is still the one light skinneded actor that makes me stare at him (he is, but he didn’t command the kind of presence I am accustomed to; he usually makes me have to think about what my bottom lip is doing and be grateful I don’t know him! He’s that one who’ll make you say, “Mama’ll be back,” leave your kids at night and be the last one left at altar call on Sunday morning!! ), AND 4) to try to figure out that Julian character. I sort of understood him the first time. This time, he looked like he had early onset Alzheimer’s and needed a personal aide–just a confused, chipmunk-looking brother who is always wondering where he is and why. Who cares??? Where’s Chest O’Nuts or Terrence at??? I just wanted to shake him…vigorously. Sorry…
So, I have mixed feelings about the quality of the film and overall acting, but they did the doggone thing!! Far as I’m concerned, it was all about my “big screen huzban” and the women of the show. They carried it. They earned my money, my tears and my time. Oh, and looking at that bertifull mansion was a nice diversion too! It’s always nice to see us living well! We were glad we went! Let the Holidays begin!!!
saw the movie yesterday and LOVED! EVERY! BIT! OF! IT! for all the reasons that you stated. i’m still in my emotions as i listen to As on repeat (anthony and marsha nailed it on this song)….
Saw it Friday night with my best friends and we loved the hell out of it!!! Definitely one to own, i too was skeptical because of the same reason of when they always do a part two to movies but was so glad it exceeded expectations.I loved it!!! and girl When I say Sanaa and Nia were servinnnnng!!Yaaasss! So I think I may have cheated on my boyfriend the way I was drooling at Morris’s fine ass!!! Honey he is a gift from the lawwwd!!! lol
I went and saw the movie with my husband on Saturday night. When we got to the movie the guy asked us which movie we wanted to see 7:10 or 9:00 we said and 7:10. He sold us the ticket and when we walked inside and hand the tickets to the guy without even looking at the tickets he told us that our movie was in theater 3. My husband went to buy popcorn and I went to theater 3. I got there and stand there for a few mins. because another movie was already playing, I thought to myself this is not the movie then I walked out and looked at the tickets, to my surprise another movie was listed on the tickets. I wasn’t happy but instead of going outside back to the cashier because the movie was about to start I went to the guy inside and told him that they gave me the wrong movie tickets and ask him where was the Best Man playing and he said theater 18. My husband was still in line and turn around to ask me what happen. It was not until I got home I started thinking if they sold us a different movie then the money we paid did not go towards the Best Man. The more I thought about it the more I got angry because the area (Orchard Park, NY) the theater is in is mostly white. I told my husband what I was thinking and asked him if he thought it was done intentionally and he said you never know. I wondered if this had happen to just us or other people in the movie as well. Sure enough my husband called me this morning to let me know he was listening to the radio and people all over was complaining about the same thing or similar thing happening to them when they went to watch the movie. The movie was great, I have the first one on tape. I just wonder how many ticket sales were credited to another movie because of what went on. I still have our tickets stubs in my purse, think the last part of the movie name they sold us was Xing 700.
I saw the movie opening night – my Jack and Jill chapter bought out the theater and even had Morris Chestnut come welcome us to the movie. That was funny because the theater manager had turned on the lights after the movie previews, right before the movie would have come on and said, “we’re sorry, we are having technically difficulties” and I said “all hell naw…there is going to be a riot LOL” but then Morris walked to the front of the theater – and then I thought there would be riot of another kind LOL!
I LOVED the movie – it was a great story and I thought that they did a good job of continuing the storyline from the first movie but also showing how the characters changed (for better or worse). Even my husband said it was a roller coaster ride of emotions from sad to hilarious. It was just well done, period.
My one criticism is that I wish that the sex talk was taken down a few notches. It wasn’t that much in the first movie and I realize that movies in general have gotten more RR than R, but in my opinion it was too much and not needed.
Oh and I suggest that if movie-goes haven’t seen the first movie in awhile (like 14 years), watch it before you see this one if you get a chance. It’s not necessary for your enjoyment, but it does help with catching some of the subtle interactions between the characters if the backstory is fresh in your mind. It just makes the movie even more enjoyable.
I hope there is a 3rd movie!
I actually never saw the original “Best Man”, but don’t think I need to. This movie made it seem like I had known all their characters all along and I was able to get right into the story with them. These are all incredible actors so it was great watching them together. Solidly built script + amazing talent = great movie. Enough said.
HOWEVER, I will add that I totally agree with you, Luvvie, that *SPOILER-KINDA ALERT* Monica Calhoun (grips place where heart used to be) and Harold Perrineau should be in more things that make them act. They were freaking awesome. The whole cast was awesome. I WANNA BE JUST LIKE THEM WHEN I GROW UP.
I saw it to night with my big sis… Great movie!!! When is the next one coming out!!!!!!!?
Sorry i wasn’t impressed…I loved best man 1, but this was too much drama for my liking. I thought it would have been more up beat! Im going to give it 2 stars out of 5!!
I saw The Best Man Holiday this past Saturday and while I didn’t think it was phenomenal, it was a very, very good film and dare I say, better than the original. All of the actors involved gave great performances and they all had their chances to shine. Terrence Howard and Regina Hall were hilarious too. I really hope this is the beginning of a resurgence for quality black films. I really miss smart entertainment like this.