It hasn't been fair on adults when it comes to films about the holidays. It seems as if children get the greats like Elf, Frosty The Snowman, The Santa Clause and the list goes on. I am not a kid so it seems for us adults we don't really get much of anything for holiday films. Sure....all the kids films I mentioned can also be thoroughly enjoyed by the parents. However, the only film that gives the parents any alone time for watching a holiday film seems to be Christmas slashers. While those are some of my biggest guilty pleasures, they are not quality films. Now comes The Best Man Holiday....a film that should be a Christmas classic strictly for adults for years to come. It's been 14 years since The Best Man came out and if this sequel proves anything, it's that a sequel is better when it's not rushed out into theaters as a desperate cash grab a la The Hangover Part III or Grown Ups 2. This latest addition features all of the same cast members doing quality work. As well the script is in turns funny, sad and touching without the comedy being too broad or the drama being too syrupy.
The film opens with the showing of everyone becoming successful after when the first film took place. Julian (Harold Perrineau) has opened a school with wife Candace (Regina Hall.) Harper (Taye Diggs) has become a bestselling author and his wife, Robyn (Sanaa Lathan) is a thriving chef. Lance (Morris Chestnut) is a star pro football player while his wife Mia (Monica Calhoun) is a happy stay at home mom. Jordan (Nia Long) is a career obsessed executive who's dating Brian (Eddie Cibrian.) Quentin (Terrence Howard) has found success in the music business and Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) is now a reality TV show hit. On one fateful weekend, they all get back together at Lance and Mia's house while secrets are revealed, trust is broken and a lot of laughs even ensue.
While this film does have moments that genuinely made me cry, I want to talk about the comedic elements first. First and foremost---Howard is at his comedic best here. After being in the despicable sketch comedy Movie 43....he redeems himself by showing just how hilarious he can be when given the right material. The rest of the cast, notably Diggs and Hall who are two of the most likable working actors today also get quite a few very funny lines.
The drama is also present, however. Chestnut, after having played a dreadful role in the incompetently made and dull as the doldrums Kick Ass 2 also proves once again what a great actor he can be. Most of the drama comes from a secret Lance and Mia are holding which I choose not to give away. I will say nothing more about it except that this secret tugs at the heartstrings throughout the film. Writer-director Malcolm D. Lee knows how to make this film work wonders and if you've seen the original it will come as no surprise that the cast still has amazing chemistry after 14 years. However, you don't need to have seen the original to love this film as much as I did.
The Best Man Holiday is an absolutely delightful film. It doesn't try any cheap jokes or sappy, unjustified moments. While I can't honestly say this is going to make my top 10 best films come January...I can say with the utmost confidence that it will be in my top 10 surprises of 2013. Although I loved The Best Man.....I didn't have any confidence that this sequel would deliver. Oh how wrong I was.
(4 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for language, sexual content and brief nudity)
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