The Best Man Holiday: Friends, Laughter, And Drama

'The Best Man Holiday' is a 2013 comedy-drama film written, co-produced and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. It is a sequel to his 1999 film 'The Best Man' and sees the return of the original cast, including Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, and Nia Long. The film follows a group of college friends reuniting after 15 years, discovering how easily old rivalries and romances can resurface. The plot centres around Harper Stewart (Diggs), a writer facing writer's block, financial difficulties, and the prospect of fatherhood. Harper's agent suggests he write an unauthorised biography of his former best friend and New York Giants superstar Lance Sullivan (Chestnut). Lance's wife Mia (Monica Calhoun) has invited Harper, his wife Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), and the rest of their friends for Christmas. As the group catches up, old tensions arise, and Harper tries to mend his friendship with Lance while secretly gathering research for the biography. The friends also deal with their respective personal issues, including career struggles, relationship troubles, and health concerns. The film explores themes of love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness, with a mix of humour and emotion.

Harper Stewart's biography of Lance Sullivan

The biography focused on Lance's life and career, including his time as a star running back for the New York Giants, his retirement, and his personal life. Harper's own life and history with Lance were also explored in the book, including the tension between them due to Harper's past relationship with Lance's wife, Mia. Harper attempted to discreetly gather information about Lance while visiting him and their friends for Christmas, which led to the resurfacing of old rivalries and tensions.

Despite the challenges, Harper was eventually able to complete the biography, and it helped bring him and Lance closer together. The book also served as a form of redemption for Harper, as it allowed him to tell Lance's story and potentially mend their friendship.

The biography was well-received, and Harper's writing showcased his growth and the deepening of his relationships. The book provided an honest and emotional portrayal of Lance's life, career, and personal struggles, contributing to the healing and strengthening of the friends' bonds.

Candace's former profession

In the 2013 comedy-drama film "The Best Man Holiday", Candace Sparks, played by Regina Hall, is married to Julian "Murch" Murchison, the headmaster of a renowned school. Candace has a past as a stripper, which comes to light when Julian's main donor finds out about her former profession and pulls funding from the school. Julian desperately tries to hide this information from Candace and the rest of their friend group, but his attempts are unsuccessful.

Candace's past as a stripper is not the only skeleton in her closet. During the events of the film, it is revealed that she has also accepted money for sex at a fraternity party. This revelation leads to a physical altercation between Candace and Shelby Taylor, a prominent reality television star and Julian's ex. Despite this, Candace and Julian are able to reconcile, and she returns with their children.

Candace's past causes tension and conflict within the group of friends, especially with Shelby, but it also serves as an opportunity for the characters to address unresolved issues and strengthen their bonds.

In addition to her past as a stripper and sex worker, Candace is portrayed as a supportive friend, particularly to Jordan Armstrong, who is going through her own relationship issues in the film.

Jordan's new boyfriend

Jordan Armstrong is a producer at MSNBC and has won several Emmys. She is best friends with Mia Sullivan, who invites Jordan and her boyfriend, Brian McDonald, to a Christmas party at her and her husband Lance's house. Jordan's boyfriend, Brian, is white and is described by another character as a "tall, vanilla swagger latte".

Jordan has a history with Harper Stewart, who is now married to Robyn. Robyn struggles to bond with Jordan, knowing her history with her husband. Jordan and Harper almost slept together in college, and Jordan admits to Harper that she wanted to sleep with him the night before Robyn arrives for their friend's wedding. Jordan and Harper share a kiss, and he later arrives at her apartment badly beaten, blaming her for circulating his book. Jordan berates him for airing his own dirty laundry and leading her on.

Jordan's boyfriend, Brian, has to leave the Christmas party early to visit his family in Vermont. Jordan dismissively states that she doesn't need him. On Christmas Day, Jordan apologises to Brian over the phone for her harsh words, unaware that he has already arrived to see her.

Mia's terminal cancer diagnosis

Mia Sullivan, wife of Lance Sullivan, is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She invites her college friends, including her husband's former best friend Harper Stewart, to their home for Christmas. Mia's illness is a secret she has kept from the group, and she and Lance treat each moment as if it is their last, cherishing the time spent with their friends.

Mia's diagnosis is revealed to the group when Harper finds her vomiting blood. She confides in Harper and asks him to help Lance accept her condition. Harper struggles with this, as he and Lance have a complicated history, and they have not fully reconciled. Harper is also dealing with his own issues, including financial troubles and writer's block.

Mia's illness becomes a catalyst for healing and strengthening the bonds between the friends. Harper, in particular, is able to redeem himself in the eyes of Lance and the others by being there for Mia and Lance during this difficult time. Despite the sadness of Mia's diagnosis, the friends' reunion is filled with joy and laughter, and they are able to create lasting memories together.

Mia's terminal cancer is a central plot point in the film, and her illness and impending death weigh heavily on the characters and the story's overall tone. Her illness brings the friends closer together and allows them to work through their past issues. Mia's death also inspires a sense of reflection and appreciation for the fragility of life.

Robyn's pregnancy

Harper is a writer who is experiencing financial difficulties, having lost his job at NYU, and is the primary caregiver for his pregnant wife. He is also struggling with writer's block, and his agent suggests he write an unauthorised biography of Lance, a former American football star, to make money. Harper is reluctant, as he and Lance have not been on good terms since Harper had an affair with Lance's wife, Mia, years ago. However, he eventually agrees, hoping to repair their friendship.

Harper and Robyn are invited to spend Christmas with Lance, Mia, and their college friends. The group has not been together for 15 years, and the reunion stirs up old tensions and romances. During the trip, Mia reveals to Harper that she has terminal cancer, and asks him to help Lance accept her diagnosis. Harper is conflicted, as he is gathering information for the biography in secret, and their attempts at reconciliation are strained.

After a series of dramatic events, Harper and Lance finally reconcile, and Harper reveals his financial troubles. Their friendship is strengthened, and Lance supports Harper. Mia's condition worsens, and she passes away soon after the holiday. At her memorial service, Harper delivers a heartfelt eulogy, and the group heals and strengthens their bonds.

Finally, as the group is leaving the memorial service, Robyn's water breaks. Lance, Harper, and another friend, Candace, rush her to the hospital but get stuck in traffic. In the backseat of Lance's SUV, Lance delivers Harper and Robyn's baby, a healthy baby girl. The baby is named Mia Elizabeth Stewart, in tribute to their late friend.

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