In this heartwarming and emotional sequel to the beloved 1999 film, The Best Man Holiday brings Mia Sullivan and Lance Stewart's old group of friends together for an unforgettable Christmas celebration. As they reconnect after 14 long years, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and bonds are tested. With a star-studded cast and a touching storyline filled with love, laughter, and tragedy, The Best Man Holiday is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of friendship and the importance of making every moment count.
Summary
Mia Sullivan, the wife of Lance, has invited their old group of friends to celebrate Christmas together. This includes Harper Stewart and his pregnant wife Robyn, Julian "Murch" Murchison and his wife Candace Sparks, Jordan Armstrong and her boyfriend Brian McDonald, Quentin "Q" Spivey, and Shelby Taylor.
Shelby is a well-known reality television star on The Real Housewives franchise, and Q is a successful brand manager with connections to celebrities.
Several years after Harper's successful debut novel, he is struggling with writer's block and financial problems after being fired from NYU. Meanwhile, Robyn is having difficulty conceiving. Harper's agent suggests that he write a biography about Lance, who is getting ready to retire from football. Despite a strained relationship, Lance reluctantly agrees to the idea, and Harper secretly starts working on it.
Julian and Candace now have two daughters, and Julian is running a prestigious school where Candace serves as the head of admissions. However, the main donor suddenly withdraws his funding when he discovers Candace's past as a stripper. Julian later finds a YouTube video of Candace stripping at a fraternity party, which he shows to Q.
All of the friends reunite for the first time in 14 years. During dinner, old tensions resurface between them.
As Brian prepares to leave for his family's Christmas tradition in Vermont, Jordan confesses that while she loves him, she doesn't need him. He responds by saying that "Everybody needs somebody."
One evening, the group has a great time together, dancing and lip-syncing to "Can You Stand the Rain." Mia observes how this helps heal old wounds between Lance and Harper. Another night, Harper discovers Mia downstairs vomiting blood. She reveals her terminal cancer diagnosis to him and asks for his help in getting Lance to accept it.
The next morning, Q and Shelby accidentally swap phones, and Shelby finds the video of Candace. She tries to convince Julian to resume their relationship, but he refuses. This leads to a physical confrontation between Shelby and Candace, causing Candace to leave with the children. However, she eventually returns, and she and Julian reconcile.
The women plan a spa day, but it is interrupted when Mia collapses. Harper informs everyone about Mia's condition, and they all offer their support.
While Harper is wrapping Christmas presents for the children, Lance approaches him, and they reminisce about their college days, seemingly reconciling. The following day, while volunteering at a shelter, Lance discovers Harper's iPad and journal in Mia's bag, along with a mock book cover for his unauthorized biography. Lance confronts Harper in anger and tells him to stay away from him and his family forever. Mia tries to calm Lance down, but he takes her home, leaving Q and Harper behind. Harper finally breaks down and confesses his financial troubles to Q. After offering words of comfort, Q promises to help him pay off his debts as a friendly gesture.
Lance is still upset about the unauthorized biography, but Mia challenges him to face reality. The long-standing feud between Lance and Harper can be traced back to Mia's fling with Harper in the past. Mia reveals the severity of her condition by removing her wig.
On Christmas Day, Lance has a pivotal football game. Brian returns and apologizes to Jordan. Inspired by a phone call from Mia, Lance breaks the all-time rushing record. The men rush home to Mia, who unfortunately passes away from cancer.
During the memorial service, Harper delivers a heartfelt eulogy. Lance later thanks him and expresses that God is always there when they need him. Harper finds encouragement in Lance's words and realizes that Lance will always be the better man.
All of the friends reconcile, and Q and Shelby confront their own compatibility issues. Shelby gives Julian $2 million to cover the lost funding for his school, with no strings attached. Jordan's boyfriend Brian promises to help them through his connections.
When Robyn's water breaks, Lance, Harper, and Candace try to rush her to the hospital but get stuck in traffic. Lance ends up delivering Harper's baby in the backseat of the SUV. They name the healthy baby girl Mia.
Ten months later, Harper and Lance have grown closer, and Harper has written Lance's biography, titled "God, Family, and Football." Lance visits Harper and Robyn in NYC, and Q calls to announce his upcoming marriage, jokingly warning Harper not to have slept with his bride.
Cast
-Taye Diggs as Harper Stewart
-Sanaa Lathan as Robyn Stewart
-Nia Long as Jordan Armstrong
-Morris Chestnut as Lance Sullivan
-Harold Perrineau as Julian "Murch" Murchison
-Terrence Howard as Quentin "Q" Spivey
-Monica Calhoun as Mia Sullivan
-Melissa De Sousa as Shelby Taylor
-Regina Hall as Candace "Candy" Sparks
-Eddie Cibrian as Brian McDonald
-John Michael Higgins as Stan
-Isis Moore as Kennedy
-Riele Downs as Faith Sullivan
-Millie Davis as Hope
-Catherine Bruhier as Dr. Perkins
-Chris Williams as Dr. Nelson (voice)
-Shailyn Pierre-Dixon as Kelly
-Shailene Garnett as Jordan's Assistant
-Miles J Stroter as Lonnie
Production
In October 2011, it was announced that a sequel to the 1999 film The Best Man was in the works. On February 22, 2013, it was revealed that the film would be titled The Best Man Holiday. Terrence Howard shared details about the film, expressing that it would be an emotional journey with both tragedy and the importance of community. Principal photography began in April 2013 in Toronto, Ontario.
Reception
The Best Man Holiday had a successful box office debut, surpassing Thor: The Dark World on its opening day. It went on to become the second-highest-grossing film of that weekend and earned a total of .5 million in the United States and .8 million worldwide. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its humor and emotional impact. It holds a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 59 out of 100 on Metacritic. Audiences gave the film an "A" grade on CinemaScore.
Soundtrack
The film's soundtrack features songs by R. Kelly, Jordin Sparks, Mary J. Blige, Monica, Ne-Yo, Marsha Ambrosius, John Legend, Emeli Sandé, and more.
Awards and nominations
The Best Man Holiday was recognized at various award ceremonies, including the Acapulco Black Film Festival and the NAACP Image Awards. It won awards for Best Ensemble Cast and Best Actress (Nia Long) at the Acapulco Black Film Festival.
Sequel
In 2021, a limited series titled The Best Man: The Final Chapters was announced, featuring the original cast members reprising their roles. The 8-episode series premiered on December 22, 2022.
See also
-List of black films of the 2010s
-List of Christmas films
References
1. "THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY (15)". Universal Studios. British Board of Film Classification.
2. "The Best Man Holiday". Box Office Mojo.
3. "ET First: 'The Best Man Holiday' Set Visit". ETonline.com.
4. "Terrence Howard, Taye Diggs & Harold Perrineau Reunite To Film 'The Best Man Holiday' (PHOTOS)". Global Grind.
5. Essence.com
6. "'Best Man' Sequel Now Titled 'The Best Man Holiday' | Shadow and Act".
7. "Terrence Howard Reveals Details On 'The Best Man Holiday': Notable/Quotable". Huffington Post.
8. Monday (March 11, 2013).
9. "Terrence Howard Starts Filming 'The Best Man Holiday' With Taye Diggs & Harold Perrineau (PHOTOS)". Global Grind.
10. Mendelson, Scott (November 16, 2013). "Friday Box Office: 'Best Man Holiday' Steals Thor's Thunder". Forbes.
11. "Box Office: How Did 'The Best Man Holiday' Open So Big?" AOL Moviefone.
12. Bowles, Scott (November 17, 2013). "'Best Man Holiday' nearly beats mighty 'Thor'". USA Today.
13. "The Best Man Holiday (2013)". Rotten Tomatoes.
14. "The Best Man Holiday". Metacritic.
15. CinemaScore reported that audiences gave the film a rare "A " grade.
16. The Washington Post's Ann Hornaday gave it 2.5 stars.
17. "Stream 'The Best Man Holiday' Soundtrack Featuring R. Kelly, Monica, Mario, & Fantasia". Rap-Up.
18. "'The Best Man' Limited Series With Original Cast Ordered By Peacock".
19. Hatchett, Keisha (October 29, 2022). "The Best Man Reunion Series Unveils First Teaser — Plus, See New Photos". TVLine.
In the midst of heartaches and old wounds, the friends in The Best Man Holiday find strength in each other. The power of their bond is undeniable as they come together to support and uplift one another through life's trials. As their lives intertwine once again, they learn the true meaning of friendship and family. Through their laughter, tears, and shared moments, they rediscover that love and connection can heal even the deepest of wounds. The Best Man Holiday is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the importance of cherishing those closest to us.
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