The Best Man: A Precursor To Holiday

The Best Man Holiday is a 2013 comedy-drama film written, co-produced, and directed by Malcolm D. Lee. It is a sequel to Lee's 1999 film The Best Man. The Best Man Holiday follows a group of college friends who reunite 15 years later during the Christmas holidays and discover how easy it is for old rivalries and romances to resurface. The film stars Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, and others, all reprising their roles from the previous film.

The cast of 'The Best Man'

The Best Man, a 1999 comedy-drama-romance film, features a talented cast who portray a group of friends navigating relationships, rivalries, and secrets. Here is a detailed look at the cast of The Best Man:

Taye Diggs as Harper Stewart: Taye Diggs portrays Harper, a Chicago writer whose autobiographical novel causes a stir among his friends. Harper's novel includes revealing details about his friends' lives, particularly a one-night stand with his friend's fiancée, Mia. Diggs' character finds himself caught between his girlfriend, Robyn, and his former lover, Jordan.

Nia Long as Jordan Armstrong: Nia Long plays Jordan, a successful media personality who obtains an advance copy of Harper's novel. Long's character has a complex dynamic with Harper, as she is his "almost-lover" and desires to rekindle their relationship.

Morris Chestnut as Lance Sullivan: Morris Chestnut portrays Lance, a professional athlete and the groom-to-be in the film. Lance is described as having a playboy past with multiple affairs. Chestnut's character is faced with the revelation of Mia's infidelity, creating tension in their relationship.

Monica Calhoun as Mia Morgan: Mia, portrayed by Monica Calhoun, is Lance's fiancée. She invites the group of friends to spend Christmas at Lance's mansion, unaware of the secrets and rivalries that will surface. Calhoun's performance is described as a "catalyst and centre" of the film.

Sanaa Lathan as Robyn: Sanaa Lathan plays Robyn, Harper's girlfriend. Robyn desires commitment from Harper but finds herself in a love triangle with Jordan. Lathan's character experiences paranoia and hormonal changes due to her pregnancy, adding to the drama of the story.

Harold Perrineau as Julian Murch: Harold Perrineau portrays Julian, a talkative character who shares the advance copy of Harper's novel with the group. Julian's relationship with Candace, a former stripper, and his secrets create tension in the film.

Melissa De Sousa as Shelby: Melissa De Sousa plays Shelby, Julian's mean, snooty, and controlling girlfriend. Shelby is described as a "blabbermouth" who stirs up drama, especially when she is under the same roof as her rival, Candace.

Terrence Howard as Quentin Spivey: Terrence Howard portrays Quentin, a charismatic character who is described as the "film's id". Despite limited screen time, Howard's performance is noted as starmaking, and his character instigates drama by exposing secrets.

Regina Hall as Candace: Regina Hall plays Candace, Julian's wife and a former stripper who worked at the bachelor party in the first film. Candace's presence creates rivalry and tension with Shelby, adding to the dynamic between the characters.

The cast of The Best Man delivered commendable performances, and their chemistry was undeniable. Their portrayals added depth to the story, making it a memorable and entertaining film.

The plot of 'The Best Man'

The plot of "The Best Man" centres on Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), an up-and-coming author in Chicago, whose debut novel "Unfinished Business" has been selected by Oprah's Book Club. The story unfolds as Harper travels to New York City to spend the weekend with old college friends before they all attend the wedding of Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut) and Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun). Harper serves as the best man, but the reunion stirs up a mix of emotions and secrets as the group confronts their shared past.

Harper's girlfriend, Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), is frustrated by his unwillingness to commit to her. Meanwhile, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), a member of their friend group, has shared advance copies of Harper's novel with their inner circle. This creates tension, as the book is based on their lives and reveals scandalous secrets. One of these secrets is that Harper and Mia had a one-night stand in college, which threatens to derail the wedding plans.

As the story progresses, the group's dynamics are explored: Julian "Murch" Murchison (Harold Perrineau) struggles with his domineering girlfriend, Shelby (Melissa De Sousa); Harper chastises Quentin Spivey (Terrence Howard) for his job instability; and Lance, a former womanizer, now faces the consequences of his past infidelities. The group's college flashbacks reveal additional insights into their characters and relationships.

The plot intensifies when Lance discovers Harper's secret tryst with Mia after reading "Unfinished Business." Enraged, he confronts Harper and almost throws him off the balcony. However, Quentin intervenes, and Lance ultimately calls off the wedding. Harper, badly beaten, arrives at Jordan's apartment, blaming her for sharing his book. She rebukes him for his actions, and the next day, he confesses everything to Robyn at the airport.

Despite the turmoil, Harper, Robyn, Jordan, and Mia work together to salvage the wedding. They reason with Lance, emphasising his and Mia's love for each other. Harper's heartfelt speech at the wedding moves the couple, and he earns Lance's forgiveness. The story concludes with Harper proposing to Robyn on the dance floor, surrounded by their friends.

The awards and nominations of 'The Best Man'

The 1999 film "The Best Man" won 8 awards and received 11 nominations. Here is a list of its awards and nominations:

Awards

• Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (1)
• Image Awards (NAACP) (10)
• Film Independent Spirit Awards (1)
• Black Reel Awards (7)
• Special Jury Prize at the 14th International Film Festival Karlovy Vary 1964

Nominations

• CFCA Award for Most Promising Actor
• Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
• Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
• Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male
• Black Reel for Theatrical - Best Actor
• Black Reel for Theatrical - Best Supporting Actor
• Black Reel for Theatrical - Best Director
• Black Reel for Theatrical - Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted)

The movie "The Best Man Holiday" is the sequel to "The Best Man", released in 2013. It received 3 wins and 15 nominations.

The plot of 'The Best Man Holiday'

"The Best Man Holiday" is a 2013 comedy-drama film and a sequel to the 1999 film "The Best Man". The movie follows a group of college friends who reunite after 15 years, during the Christmas holidays. The friends include Lance, Harper, Candace, Quentin, Robyn, Jordan, Murch, and Mia. Over the holidays, they discover how easy it is for old rivalries and romances to resurface.

Harper Stewart, a writer, is facing writer's block, financial difficulties, and pressure from his publisher. His agent suggests he write a biography of his former friend, Lance Sullivan, a New York Giants superstar who is set to retire. Harper agrees but keeps it a secret. Meanwhile, Lance's wife, Mia, has invited everyone to spend Christmas at their house.

As the friends catch up, old tensions arise. Harper tries to mend his friendship with Lance while secretly gathering information for the biography. Shelby, a reality TV star, tries to rekindle her relationship with Murch, while Robyn, Harper's pregnant wife, struggles to bond with Jordan, knowing her history with Harper. During a party, the group has a good time, and the men perform a lip-sync to "Can You Stand the Rain". However, Harper soon discovers that Mia is hiding a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The next day, Shelby finds a compromising video of Candace, a former stripper, and tries to use it to coerce Murch into resuming their relationship. A physical altercation occurs, leading Candace to leave with their children. Later, she returns and reconciles with Murch. As the group spends time together, Harper is forced to reveal Mia's condition, and everyone is supportive.

Lance eventually discovers Harper's secret biography and angrily confronts him. Mia accepts responsibility for Lance and Harper's feud due to her past actions. On Christmas Day, Jordan and her boyfriend, Brian, reconcile, and Lance plays a game, ultimately breaking the rushing record. The group rushes home to be with Mia, who dies shortly after. At the memorial service, Harper delivers a heartfelt eulogy, and Lance affirms his faith in God. The group realises what's truly important in life, and Harper and Lance finally reconcile.

The movie concludes with Robyn going into labour, and Lance delivering the baby—a girl named Mia in honour of their deceased friend. Ten months later, Harper and Lance are close again, and Harper has written Lance's biography.

The awards and nominations of 'The Best Man Holiday'

The 2013 film "The Best Man Holiday" received several accolades and nominations. The movie, a sequel to the 1999 film "The Best Man", was written, co-produced, and directed by Malcolm D. Lee.

At the Acapulco Black Film Festival, "The Best Man Holiday" won Best Ensemble Cast, Best Actress for Nia Long, and Best Supporting Actor for Terrence Howard. The film also received nominations for Best Actor for Morris Chestnut, Best Movie, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Sanaa Lathan, and Best Director for Malcolm D. Lee.

At the 2014 Black Reel Awards, the film received nominations for Outstanding Actress for Nia Long, Outstanding Director, Outstanding Screenplay, Outstanding Ensemble, and Outstanding Score.

At the 45th NAACP Image Awards, "The Best Man Holiday" was nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Supporting Actor for both Morris Chestnut and Terrence Howard, and Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture for Malcolm D. Lee.

In addition to these awards and nominations, "The Best Man Holiday" was also a commercial success, grossing $72.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $17 million. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast, Lee's direction, and the dramatic elements of the film.

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