Sequels to successful films are the norm in Hollywood these days, but “The Best Man Holiday” is a prime example of when movie studios should leave well enough alone.
15 years since the success of his film “The Best Man”, director Malcolm D. Lee tries to re-capture the magic by getting the gang back together for a Christmas romp. Unfortunately, the charisma of the cast isn’t enough to distract viewers from a thin and uneven plot.
The film catches viewers up with what has been going on in the lives of the characters since the first film, making it easy for new viewers to jump into the story. Credibility is strained within the first three minutes of the film as viewers are introduced to the most successful wedding part of all time; featuring the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, a New York Times best-selling author, the headmaster of a upper class Manhattan private school, a millionaire consultant, an Emmy award winning network executive and a reality television star.
Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) returns as the film’s protagonist initially would seem to be the most down on his luck of the group of friends. Stewart has had a rough go of it since the success of his first book and, after recently being laid off from his job at NYU, is at a loss for ways to provide for his pregnant wife Robin (Sanaa Lathan).
Harper’s prayers are answered when he is invited to the home of his friend and NFL star Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut) for Christmas. Harper knows that a biography on his friend would be a surefire way back to the best-seller list, however he is hesitant because of the fallout stemming from his previous relationship with Lance’s wife Mia (Monica Calhoun).
Julian Murch (Harold Perrineau) has now gone on to marry and have children with Candace (Regina Hall), his love interest from the first film. However, Real Housewife of New Jersey Shelby Taylor (Melissa De Sousa) still has eyes for Julian, and isn’t afraid to let Candace know about it.
The most endearing character in the film is Quentin Spivey (Terrence Howard). The strength of this film is its comedic takes, and Howard is pitch perfect in his delivery and timing. Quentin was also quick to call out his friends when it was clear they were being over-the-top dramatic. If only Howard could have been sitting next to the director’s chair doing the same thing.
This film is funny, if you see it there will be scenes that will make you laugh. The problem is that around those scenes, there’s about 108 minutes of story that will have you watching between your fingers.
The film is un-even in the way that it tries to deal with some really serious issues pertaining to friendship, relationships and death. However, Lee’s method of jumping from a scene about a serious illness to crotch jokes is jarring and borderline insulting.
Fans of the first film will surely enjoy the chance to catch up with some old friends in this long-awaited sequel. However, at a time of year when theaters are filled with movies that have legitimate Oscar buzz there are films more worthy of your money.