The Best Man Holiday Review

The Best Man Holiday

3.5 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

If I told you that The Best Man Holiday is one of my favorite films of 2013, would you believe me? Probably not. But what I am telling you is the honest truth. I absolutely loved this gift of a movie that intelligently combines outrageous humor with true heart. In fact, The Best Man Holiday may now be my favorite Christmas movie. 

It's been 14 years since the hilarious and winning first film, The Best Man, came out. The Best Man Holiday reunites our favorite college friends for good times during the Christmas season. Harper (Taye Diggs) and Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), now expecting a baby, are anxious to see Lance (Morris Chestnut) and Mia (Monica Calhoun), who are hosting the holiday get-together at their home. After all, Harper and Lance still aren't on good terms after some complexities involving Harper and Mia's past fling. 

Also coming to the party are Julian (Harold Perrineau) and Candace (Regina Hall), who are now running a private school but come across some problems after Candace's past as a stripper comes back to bite her in the butt. Then, there's the hardworking Jordan (Nia Long), who surprises everyone by bringing home her "white-boy" boyfriend -- or sexy vanilla latte, as some of the women call him -- Brian (Eddie Cibrian). Last, we can't forget the crazy single people. Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) is now living the high life after becoming a reality TV star on "The Real Housewives of Westchester." But maybe she still is a tiny bit jealous that Julian left her for a stripper. And crazy, horny, constantly-high Quentin (Terrence Howard) is still here to stir the pot. 

When these friends get back together, both friendships and relationships are put on the line as secrets come out, problems turn into messes, and a whirlwind of craziness threatens to destroy everything. However, as we all know, these friends love each other, and love is ultimately the thing that must keep this group together.

So yes, The Best Man Holiday is slightly melodramatic. But who cares? When you have an ensemble that is this good and a script that is this brilliant, soapiness doesn't even matter. Writer-director Malcolm D. Lee shows off his talents by balancing hilarious comedy with some pretty heavy drama. You may be taken off guard by the fact that Holiday goes to some pretty dark and depressing places that are much sadder than anything in the previous installment. This movie might even move you to tears. (I am someone who never cries during movies, and I hate to admit it, but The Best Man Holiday is only the 2nd movie ever to make me tear up). However, Lee will then deftly punctuate the film with some raunchy humor or outrageous jokes that will have you laughing until your stomach hurts. Then, Lee will throw in some wonderful positive messages about faith and spirituality that will leave you feeling uplifted. You'd think that this movie would be a mess, but it isn't. In the hands of Malcolm D. Lee, you will find yourself laughing and crying in equal measure, and never is it jarring. This man is a genius.

The Best Man Holiday's cast is definitely one of the year's best. These performances are amazing, and the chemistry between these actors is sensational. These talented individuals truly seem like they are having the time of their life shooting this movie with their friends, and it absolutely shows. Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut truly stretch their dramatic chops with this film to great effect. Sanaa Lathan and Monica Calhoun are lovely in each scene, bringing warm grace and depth. Harold Perrineau and Regina Hall are brilliant together, always delivering big laughs. The same goes for Nia Long and newcomer Eddie Cibrian, who are delightful to watch together. Then of course, Melissa De Sousa and Terrence Howard are absolutely hysterical, delivering their jokes with such perfect timing and skill. They will make you cry for a different reason -- from laughing too hard.

The Best Man Holiday is much more than you might have expected it to be. It is a fantastic film filled with lovable characters, smart dialogue, and brilliant humor. I doubt that you will find a more enjoyable movie during this holiday season, one that will uplift your spirits and put a huge smile on your face.