The Best Man Holiday: Movie Review

It has been nearly 15 years since writer/director Malcolm D. Lee’s “The Best Man” arrived in theaters.  I haven’t seen the first film since its’ release, but from what I remember, it was a decent enough movie. I can’t imagine a whole lot of people were clamoring for a follow up, especially after so many years have passed.  Nevertheless, the entire cast, which includes Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Harold Perrineau, Terrance Howard, Regina Hall, Melissa De Sousa, and Monica Calhoun have returned for “The Best Man Holiday”

Because it has been 15 years since the first film, it was a wise choice to include scenes from “The Best Man” through the opening credits.  It is kind of like when you watch a show on TV and before it starts, they show you various scenes from the previous episode. It makes even more sense since the film feels like a nearly two hour long soap opera, but with a few good laughs, mainly from Terrance Howard.

The movie may be called “The Best Man Holiday” but the drama that the characters are going though feels nothing like a holiday.  The sequel pretty much just expands on the events from the first film.  Everyone seems to be still holding a grudge. 

“The Best Man Holiday” isn’t very good, but it’s not a train wreck either.  Despite the contrived plot and the film’s unevenness, the cast steps up and saves it.  It is clear that they are having a good time just being there.  Sometimes for a film like this, that is just enough.  Those who remember the first movie, will most likely enjoy the second.  Those who see “The Best Man Holiday” without even realizing that there was a first film, will have no problem figuring out what’s going on.

By: Marc Ferman