Have you ever seen a movie, loved it, then heard they were making a sequel, and immediately became skeptical that it wouldn't do the original justice? Me too, especially when it comes to The Best Man staring Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard, and Sanaa Lathan. I loved that movie, and so did many others. It was the first time a rom-com with a 100% black cast went number one at the box office. But, that was back in 1999, 14 years ago. Can it be done again? I say ABSO-FREAKIN-LOUTELY!!! The Best Man Holiday may be one of the best sequels ever!!!
One thing that can destroy a movie sequel is not bringing back the original cast. TBMH brought back the entire cast. Taye Diggs and the yummy smile of his was there leading the charge. His character, Harper Stewart, is now happily married with a baby on the way, and after the success of his book which was the premise of The Best Man, he's searching for a new bestselling book to pay off the many bills he and his new family has. Sanaa Lathan, plays his wife and expectant mother, Robin. Morris Chestnut is as sexy and chocolaty as sexual chocolate can be! There is a God, and He certainly got that one right, hunty. Morris reprises his role as Lance Sullivan, the very successful and super spiritual NFL running back who is married to Mia, his college sweetheart, played by Monica Calhoun. They are happily married with four kids (I'm really hoping 2 of them are adopted because they look like they only got a drop of black blood in them), and they want all their friends together to celebrate Christmas. They haven't all been together since The Sullivan wedding over a decade ago.
Nia Long is back as Jordan Long. She's Mia's BFF and Harper's former love interest. Now they are just friends as Jordan has her own love interest in Brian McDonald played by Eddie Cibrian. Brian is a very attractive executive, and the fact that he is white isn't lost on any of their friends. Julian Murch (Harold Perrineau) is now married to the stripper from Lance's bachelor party, Candy. Candice (Regina Hall) and Julian now have two daughters and are running a private school together. They have a little bit of trouble raising money when Candice's past as Candy is discovered by former donors. They also have to contend with Julian's former girlfriend, Shelby (Melissa De Sousa), being invited to the Christmas festivities at Lance and Mia's home. There are tons of awkward and funny moments between those three especially when you throw in Quentin's upfront and sarcastic remarks. Quentin is played by Terrence Howard. Quentin is now a successful businessman, but is still single and sleeping with any woman that'll fall for those pretty eyes, smooth talk, and middle aged belly.
Another thing that can destroy a sequel is not staying true to the integrity of the original and reusing the same jokes (ever seen The Hangover 2 or 3). TBMH reminds you of the bond between these friends, and how true friends are there for you when times are at their lowest. This group of friends have accomplished a lot, but it's not without trials and tribulations. They seem to be there for each through it all. This movie will make you laugh and cry. Girl, you will boo hoo. Bring a box or two of tissues because you are going to go through it all with them. From illness, to fertility issues, poor parenting, and money problems, these friends are there for each other spiritually, financially, and emotionally, and you will feel all of the emotions right along with them.
I laughed; I cried; I lusted after Morris, many many times. (Him in that fedora and suit singing "Can You Stand the Rain" was EVERYTHING)!!!) I enjoyed this movie. I'm so glad I did because I was going to be extremely disappointed if it was garbage. It's not quite a Christmas movie because of the very serious and sad nature of the last 45 minutes or so, but it'll get you in the spirit if you have a little "bah humbug" in you. The ending is VERY predictable, but I really couldn't care because the rest of the movie was so good. One more thing that made this movie great: the soundtrack. It was off the chain. I may have to get it because it I like the new takes on old Christmas songs. So, go see The Best Man Holiday. Let's make it the number one movie again. Remember what happened last time we did? We actually got a string of decent Madea-free black movies for awhile. Here's hoping.
Next Week: Catching Fire!!!!
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