GLOBAL — It's been 15 years since a group of successful friends who met in college, reunited for the wedding of the college jock-turned NFL pro and his smart, good-girl fiancé in "The Best Man." Lance (Morris Chestnut), the devoutly religious, soon to retire football player and Mia (Monica Calhoun), his devoted wife reunite the group once again in "The Best Man Holiday." The whole gang is back including writer Harper (Taye Diggs), his pregnant wife and chef Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), the careerist Jordan (Nia Long), the playboy Quentin (Terrence Howard), gold-digger Shelby (Melissa De Sousa), jittery Julian (Harold Perrineau) and his wife Candace (Regina Hall), a former stripper. In the first movie, the friends dealt with a host of issues including infidelity and betrayal. Many years later they've married, have children, successful careers, and a whole new set of problems running the gamut from financial woes and marital strife to an unforeseen sadness that threatens to ruin their holiday reunion. Here's five reasons this film is a must-see for the holidays.
1. A Swanky Soiree
Who wouldn't want to receive a posh invite to to your rich friend's palacious estate for a holiday getaway that includes a black and white party (everyone sports a black and white ensemble)? It's the lure of a lavish holiday vacay that brings them all together and sets the scene for this romantic dramedy where everyone has a secret their hiding. It's a perfect backdrop to the drama about to unfold and unbeknownst to the guests, the hosts harbor the biggest secret of all.
2. Zany Characters
Yep, the cast of characters are as hilarious as ever, and the zaniest, once again are the womanizing Quentin, who vows to remain a bachelor; and twice divorced Shelby who stars in a reality series, "House Wives of Westchester." Shelby arrives in all her brash, sassy glory and like usual, she's ready to stir up some trouble. After an accidental phone swap with Quentin, she gets some delicious ammunition to use against other party guests – so typical Shelby.
3. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
What would a holiday dinner be without a special dinner guest? It's even funnier when it's someone unexpected such was the case with Jordan's Caucasian boyfriend Bryan (Eddie Cibrian), who was her plus one for the first night of the holiday get-together. And, in his quick-witted style, Quentin is on cue when it comes to comic jabs towards Jordan and her new man.
4. A Suave Serenade
Who wouldn't love being serenade by a good looking group of guys, especially when they don glittery suits and fedoras, then lip sync to New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain." As one would expect, it melts the ladies right on spot and sparks a night of romance for each of the couples.
5. Surprise Surprise
We expect a few surprises for the holidays. But what if the surprise includes a hubby who lost his job and you have a baby on the way or a wifey becomes a YouTube sensation when a video goes viral from her former stripper days and it costs them funding for their business? Well, that's just what happens to Candace and Robyn. But an even bigger surprise sets the tone for this holiday flick. It's heart-warming, humor-filled, and a must-see for the holidays.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZZXBQrDh8Y[/youtube]
RADAR RATING: 90%
Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy
(Images courtesy of Universal Studios)
