Mia's Fate In Best Man: What Really Happened?

The death of Mia in The Best Man Holiday came as a shock to fans of the franchise. Mia, played by Monica Calhoun, died at the end of the 2013 film from terminal cancer. The character's death has been a point of contention for viewers, with some feeling that it made the movie unwatchable. However, director Malcolm D. Lee defended the decision, explaining that he wanted to tell a story where Black audiences could emote in the movie theater, and Mia's death was a meaningful way to achieve that.

Mia's death was due to terminal cancer

The decision to have Mia die from cancer was a personal one for the film's writer and director, Malcolm D. Lee, who explained that both he and his wife had been affected by cancer through their parents. Lee wanted to tell a story that would evoke emotion from Black audiences, and he felt that Mia's character was the most meaningful way to do this.

Mia's death had a significant impact on the other characters in the film and served as a catalyst for their growth and self-reflection. For example, Lance, who had previously been angry and unfaithful, was inspired by Mia's death to reconcile with Harper and affirm his faith in God. Additionally, Mia's death brought the friends closer together and inspired them to try to be better people.

Despite the passage of time since the film's release, audiences still feel the loss of Mia, with some viewers expressing that her death made the movie unwatchable or less enjoyable. However, others have argued that it was a necessary plot point that added depth and emotion to the story.

Mia's death inspired Lance to play and win the game

Mia's death had a profound impact on Lance, her husband, and it is clear that he was still grieving her loss in the years that followed. In the aftermath of her passing, Lance struggled to cope with his emotions and turned to one-night stands to bury his feelings. He also had trouble figuring out his next career move after retiring from football.

Mia's death served as a pivotal moment for Lance, inspiring him to confront his grief and find meaning in his life again. Her passing brought about a sense of urgency for him to live and honour her memory. It is implied that Mia's death inspired Lance to return to football. On the day of a game, Mia convinced him to play, and he ended up winning, breaking the all-time rushing yards record.

Mia's death not only impacted Lance but also their wider circle of friends. Her passing brought them closer together and inspired them to try to become better people. Mia's death left a void, and her presence was missed by those who knew and loved her.

Mia's death also prompted Lance to reflect on his past feud with Harper Stewart, which was caused by Mia's one-night stand with Harper in college. This led to a reconciliation between the two men, with Harper supporting Lance through his grief and offering him comfort.

Overall, Mia's death served as a catalyst for change and growth in Lance's life. It inspired him to face his grief, reconnect with friends, and find purpose and success in his career. Her passing left a lasting impact on Lance and those around them.

Mia's death brought the friends closer

Mia's death in *The Best Man Holiday* brought the friends closer together. The film's writer and director, Malcolm D. Lee, explained that he wanted to tell a story that would evoke emotion from Black audiences. Lee's own experience with cancer, which had also affected his parents, inspired him to explore this theme in the film.

Mia's death had a profound impact on the group of friends, even those who were not as close to her, like Shelby and Q. They all recognised and appreciated her special character. One character, Lance, was particularly affected by Mia's death, as his wife had passed away from cancer. In the film's aftermath, Lance struggles with his grief, turning to one-night stands to bury his feelings. He also faces challenges in his career and in his role as a parent to his eldest child, who is training to follow in his NFL star father's footsteps.

Mia's death inspired the friends to try to be better people and to support each other through their own personal struggles. For example, when Harper breaks down and admits his financial troubles, Q vows to help him. The friends also come together to support Lance, despite his anger towards Harper for writing an unauthorised biography about him.

Mia's death also leads to a reconciliation between Lance and Harper, who had a falling out in college due to Mia's one-night stand with Harper. At Mia's memorial service, Harper delivers a heartfelt eulogy, and Lance later thanks him and affirms his faith in God. Harper, who lacks the same faith, finds encouragement in Lance's words.

Mia's passing leaves a void in the group, but it also brings them closer together and inspires them to face their own challenges and support each other through difficult times.

Mia's death was criticised for being included in a Christmas movie

Mia's death in The Best Man Holiday has been criticised for being included in a Christmas movie. The film, a sequel to the 1999 romantic comedy The Best Man, was released in 2013 to commercial success and positive reviews from critics. However, some viewers took issue with the decision to kill off Mia, a beloved character played by Monica Calhoun, at the end of the film.

One criticism of Mia's death in a Christmas movie is that it made the film unrewatchable during the holidays. Christmas and holiday movies are typically feel-good and rewatchable, but the sad ending of The Best Man Holiday detracted from its rewatch value for some audiences. This criticism is especially relevant as there are few top-tier Black Christmas movies.

In addition, some viewers felt that Mia's death hit too close to home, as they had experienced the loss of a loved one during the holidays. The film's ending, which included a funeral scene and the main character's struggle with grief, was difficult for audiences dealing with similar situations in real life.

Furthermore, some critics argued that Mia's death could have been avoided or left for another sequel. They suggested that the filmmakers should have considered the impact of including a tragic storyline in a Christmas movie, especially when targeting Black audiences who may not have many other options for holiday films.

Despite the criticism, others defended Mia's death in the film, arguing that it added emotional depth and provided an opportunity for Black audiences to emote in theatres. The writer and director of the film, Malcolm D. Lee, explained that he wanted to tell a story where Black folks could express their feelings and that Mia's death served as a meaningful way to explore grief and cancer, which had affected his own family.

Overall, while The Best Man Holiday was well-received by critics and audiences, the decision to include Mia's death in a Christmas movie sparked a range of reactions, with some criticising it for being inappropriate for the holiday season and others finding it impactful and emotionally resonant.

Mia's death was criticised for being included in the sequel

The death of Mia (played by Monica Calhoun) in The Best Man Holiday has been a topic of discussion and criticism since the movie's release in 2013. The character's death from cancer was a significant plot point that impacted the narrative and the other characters' arcs. However, some viewers and critics have expressed their disapproval of this narrative choice.

One of the main criticisms is the impact of Mia's death on the overall tone and rewatchability of the film. As a Christmas-themed romantic comedy, some viewers expected a lighter and more festive tone that would make the film more suitable for rewatching during the holidays. Mia's death and the subsequent emotional scenes were seen as a departure from this expected tone, making the film less enjoyable for some.

In addition, some viewers felt that Mia's death and the subsequent character development of her husband, Lance, undermined the themes of monogamy and relationship growth that were explored in the previous film. Lance's response to his grief, which included a string of one-night stands, was seen by some as a regression of his character arc and a dismissal of the relationship he had built with Mia.

Furthermore, there was criticism regarding the choice of Mia as the character to die. Some viewers felt that Mia's presence in the first film, The Best Man (1999), was limited, and they did not feel as invested in her character compared to the other main characters. As a result, her death may not have had the intended emotional impact on all viewers.

However, there are also those who defend the narrative choice and recognise its significance. Director Malcolm D. Lee explained that he wanted to tell a story where Black audiences could emote and connect with the characters' grief, and Mia's death served as a powerful catalyst for this. The death of Mia also inspired the other characters to become better versions of themselves and brought them closer together.

Despite the criticism, The Best Man Holiday was a critical and commercial success, receiving positive reviews for its performances, direction, and dramatic elements. It grossed $72.8 million worldwide and received multiple accolades and nominations.

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