The Best Man Holiday (2013)

Not every sequel does carry a number in its title. I still have to admit that I didn't watch "The Best Man". But you do get up to speed (literally) at the beginning of the movie, when you see events that I can only guess happened during part 1 (all through the credits of the movie that is).It's a nice touch, though we do get people talking about the past in more than one occasion. The movie is a bit melodramatic and it can be predictable at times, but that does not take away any of the impact of the story (unless you let it impact it). The acting is more than fine, actually pretty good.

For once a description on many sites that fits -- a tragicomedy. Yes, there is certainly humor here, but comedy is not what this film is about. That may have disappointed some viewers, but let's see: Taye Diggs and his film-wife Sanaa Lathan are sinking into debt because his recent books haven't sold. She is pregnant and during a previous pregnancy they lost the baby...and may again -- breech birth this time around. Meanwhile, he is contemplating writing a bio of his best friend, a pro-football player, but they have been estranged for some time.Morris Chestnut is the remarkably successful football player, and he and his wife (Monica Calhoun) have several beautiful children, but she is dying of cancer and he can't face it, even with his religion.Harold Perrineau is the director of a private school and his necessary fundraising has hit a major bump -- an online video shows his wife may have been a prostitute while in college.Terrence Howard plays a sleaze ball, but a true friend. Melissa De Sousa plays a reality television star who is about as obnoxious as one can get. Nia Long and Eddie Cibrian are good as a mixed couple.Nope...not much comedy is those subplots, yet there is humor here. But a stronger theme as Calhoun has all the old friends together for several days at Christmas. Will she live through the holiday? Will her husband break a record on the football field? Will the school get funded? The book written and financial disaster averted? Will the two least appealing characters better their lives and relationships? Well, it's a mixed bag at the end of the film. Good news / bad news.This is a particularly strong film with great performances from all involved. It's difficult for me to find something here to criticize.Highly recommended, though sometimes predictable...and it's a tear jerker. Just right to remember that even during the holidays all is not peace and joy...but often people are doing the very best they can.

Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Nia Long and Harrold Perrineau. OH! And Monica Calhoun. Oohhhhh Monica Calhoun. This cast is super charismatic and man are they beautiful! They all feel very natural acting together. I would believe they are all very close outside of acting jobs.Okay. Let's get one thing straight real quick. THIS MOVIE IS NOT A COMEDY. I know, I know. The previews lead you to believe it's a lighthearted, funny, Christmas movie. NOPE. They got me too, we're in this together, learn from my mistakes!Although it does have it's funny moments The Best Man Holiday brought the tears. Like. A lot of tears. It was straight up heart breaking. Don't get me wrong, it's worth watching! Just don't be surprised when your face starts trying to drown itself from the sadness. Because it's going to happen. And if it doesn't, we can't be friends. So I haven't told you much about the movie except it's good and sad. Well, I'm not going to tell you much more except that I usually hate sad movies. The fact that I'm telling you to see it even though it made me cry should say enough.So go see it.

This was past my expectations! Never had a moment of let down during the entire movie. I was entertained throughout. I laughed, cried, thought and smiled so much I watched it 5 times already. Excellent production. I watched the first movie at least 100 times and this one will probably end up the same for me. I am looking forward to a follow- up to this soon. This is when you know a movie is well made, when you want more at the end. The cast was beautiful and did an amazing job and the soundtrack was great also. I love the fact that not all directors disappoint when it comes to casting and directing something worth watching on the big screen. We need more African American films like this one.