The Best Man Holiday
Universal Pictures
Rated R for profanity, sexuality, ethnic slurs and brief nudity
Seasonal Sequel Finds Reunited BFFs Romancing And Reminiscing
When released back in 1999, The Best Man was dismissed by some as merely an African-American variation on The Big Chill, and by others as the black male answer to the sassy sisters dishing the dirt in Waiting To Exhale. But the romantic romp revolving around a sophisticated set of college grads was actually entertaining enough to stand on its own, and was even well-enough received to land a trio of NAACP Image Awards, including “Best Picture.”
Set 15 years later, The Best Man Holiday is an eagerly-anticipated sequel reuniting the principal ensemble for a mix of reminiscing, rivalry and sobering reality unfolding during a very eventful Christmas season. Written and directed by Malcolm Lee (Undercover Brother), the film features Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Regina Hall, Melissa De Sousa and Monica Calhoun reprising the roles they played in the first episode.
At the point of departure, we find the gang gathering at the sprawling mansion of Lance Sullivan (Chestnut), an NFL running back on the brink of retirement after a record-breaking career with the New York Giants. The God-fearing family man is relishing the prospect of spending more quality time with his wife, Mia (Calhoun), and their children.
Author Harper Stewart (Diggs), the best man at their wedding, had stirred-up considerable controversy in the original by writing a thinly-veiled account of his buddies’ sexual exploits. This time around, he lands back in trouble when plans to publish a biography of host Lance come to light.
Furthermore, despite the fact that his wife, Robin (Lathan), is nine months pregnant, Harper feels pangs of passion at first sight of his gorgeous ex-girlfriend, Jordan (Long). So, when her handsome beau (Eddie Cibrian) excuses himself to spend Christmas with his parents, it’s just a matter of time before flirting leaves Harper in the dog house with Robin, too.
Meanwhile, nerdy Julian (Perrineau), who tied the knot with the stripper (Hall) he fell for way back at Lance’s bachelor party, is currently worried that an old YouTube video of his scantily-clad spouse might surface, now that he’s made an honest woman of her. Hard to ignore is Julian’s flamboyant ex-girlfriend, Shelby (De Sousa), a drama-loving reality TV star.
All of the above is cleverly commented upon by the clownish Quentin (Howard), a one-man Greek chorus again supplying intermittent comic relief. The multi-plotted storyline proves thoroughly absorbing for the duration, feverishly alternating between fond reflections and fresh crises.
By viewing’s end, all the loose ends are satisfactorily resolved, allowing for a memorable, if bittersweet sendoff, as well as a transparent setup of the franchise’s next installment. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take Malcolm Lee 15 years to shoot another sequel!
Excellent (4 stars)
Running Time: 124 minutes
Dear Mr. Watterson
Gravitas Ventures
Unrated
Reverential Retrospective Chronicles Career Of Reclusive Comic Strip Creator
The comic strip Calvin And Hobbes enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity soon after first appearing in newspapers on November 18, 1985. Drawn and written by Bill Watterson, it was voted “Best Syndicated Cartoon” seven years in a row over the course of a decade-long run which also twice netted its talented author the coveted “Cartoonist Of The Year” award.
The reclusive Watterson so cherished his privacy that he shied away from the spotlight despite constant clamor for him to cash in on his success. But he had no trouble resisting the temptation to license his characters to product manufacturers ostensibly out of a fear that mass merchandising might cheapen his comic.
Moreover, in 1995, Watterson stopped publishing the column on his own terms the day he decided it was time, and quietly slipped back into obscurity. This was easy to achieve, since he still lived in tiny Chagrin Falls, the idyllic Ohio town where he’d been raised from the age of six.
Directed by Joel Allen Schroeder, Dear Mr. Watterson is a reverential retrospective which seeks to flesh out its inscrutable, impossible to find subject. The film features a flurry of accolades from colleagues and fans, including the widow of Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts.
Again and again, the contributors roll out superlatives, uniformly expressing their admiration of the enigmatic Watterson in glowing detail, whether appraising his rich artwork or deeply philosophical storytelling which helped shape a whole generation of impressionable young minds. Conspicuous in his absence, the only person missing from the movie is Watterson himself, an inveterate introvert who, of course, didn’t participate in the project.
Nevertheless, this illuminating documentary does manage to paint a compelling picture of a modest genius who used his beloved, kid-friendly cartoon to convey the timeless message that there’s magic in everyday life, provided you’re young enough at heart to look for it.
Excellent (4 stars)
Running time: 90 minutes
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
For movies opening November 15, 2013
The Book Thief (PG-13 for violence and mature themes) Adaptation of the Mark Zusak novel of the same name, set in Nazi Germany, revolving around an abandoned nine-year-old girl (Sophie Nelisse) adopted by foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson) hiding a Jewish refugee (Ben Schnetzer) from the SS. With Kirsten Block, Nico Liersch and Sandra Nedeleff. (In English and German with subtitles)
Charlie Countryman (R for sexuality, nudity, drug use, pervasive profanity and brutal violence) Shia LaBeouf portrays the title character of this romantic comedy about a tourist traveling to Bucharest who falls in love with the wife (Evan Rachel Wood) of a ruthless Romanian mobster (Mads Mikkelsen). Narrated by John Hurt and featuring Rupert Grint, Melissa Leo and Vincent D’Onofrio. (In English and Romanian with subtitles)
12-12-12 (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and violence) Satanic possession horror flick about a demonic baby born on 12-12-12 (Double 6-6-6, get it?) who proceeds to murder everyone in his midst. With Sara Malakul Lane, Samantha Stewart and Jesus Guevara.
Faust (Unrated) Adaptation of Goethe’s classic play about a man (Johannes Zeiler) who comes to regret selling his soul to the devil (Anton Adassinsky) for boundless knowledge and worldly pleasures. With Isolda Dychauk, George Friedrich and Hanna Schygulla. (In German with subtitles)
Final: The Rapture (PG-13 for violence) Faith-based drama featuring a quartet of parallel tales revolving around Judgment Day. Starring Jah Shams, Mary Grace and Masashi Nagadoi. (In English, Japanese and Spanish with subtitles)
The Great Fallacy (Unrated) Political exposé highlighting the present plight of Puerto Rico and simultaneously proposing solutions to alleviate the beleaguered island’s host of financial and social woes. (In Spanish with subtitles)
Lion Ark (Unrated) Animal cruelty documentary uncovering Bolivia’s illegal trade in circus lions. Featuring Bob Barker, Jorja Fox and David Kopp.
Nebraska (R for profanity) Road trip drama about a father (Bruce Dern) and son (Will Forte) who travel from Billings, Montana, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to claim the prize money in a million-dollar sweepstakes. With Stacy Keach, June Squibb and Bob Odenkirk.
Sunlight Jr.(Unrated) Matt Dillon and Naomi Watts co-star in this baby maybe drama about a Florida couple whose struggle to survive on minimum wage jobs is compounded by an unplanned pregnancy. Support cast includes Norman Reedus, Tess Harper and Yvonne Gougelet.
The Best Man Holiday
Universal Pictures
Rated R for profanity, sexuality, ethnic slurs and brief nudity
Seasonal Sequel Finds Reunited BFFs Romancing And Reminiscing
When released back in 1999, The Best Man was dismissed by some as merely an African-American variation on The Big Chill, and by others as the black male answer to the sassy sisters dishing the dirt in Waiting To Exhale. But the romantic romp revolving around a sophisticated set of college grads was actually entertaining enough to stand on its own, and was even well-enough received to land a trio of NAACP Image Awards, including “Best Picture.”
Set 15 years later, The Best Man Holiday is an eagerly-anticipated sequel reuniting the principal ensemble for a mix of reminiscing, rivalry and sobering reality unfolding during a very eventful Christmas season. Written and directed by Malcolm Lee (Undercover Brother), the film features Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Taye Diggs, Harold Perrineau, Regina Hall, Melissa De Sousa and Monica Calhoun reprising the roles they played in the first episode.
At the point of departure, we find the gang gathering at the sprawling mansion of Lance Sullivan (Chestnut), an NFL running back on the brink of retirement after a record-breaking career with the New York Giants. The God-fearing family man is relishing the prospect of spending more quality time with his wife, Mia (Calhoun), and their children.
Author Harper Stewart (Diggs), the best man at their wedding, had stirred-up considerable controversy in the original by writing a thinly-veiled account of his buddies’ sexual exploits. This time around, he lands back in trouble when plans to publish a biography of host Lance come to light.
Furthermore, despite the fact that his wife, Robin (Lathan), is nine months pregnant, Harper feels pangs of passion at first sight of his gorgeous ex-girlfriend, Jordan (Long). So, when her handsome beau (Eddie Cibrian) excuses himself to spend Christmas with his parents, it’s just a matter of time before flirting leaves Harper in the dog house with Robin, too.
Meanwhile, nerdy Julian (Perrineau), who tied the knot with the stripper (Hall) he fell for way back at Lance’s bachelor party, is currently worried that an old YouTube video of his scantily-clad spouse might surface, now that he’s made an honest woman of her. Hard to ignore is Julian’s flamboyant ex-girlfriend, Shelby (De Sousa), a drama-loving reality TV star.
All of the above is cleverly commented upon by the clownish Quentin (Howard), a one-man Greek chorus again supplying intermittent comic relief. The multi-plotted storyline proves thoroughly absorbing for the duration, feverishly alternating between fond reflections and fresh crises.
By viewing’s end, all the loose ends are satisfactorily resolved, allowing for a memorable, if bittersweet sendoff, as well as a transparent setup of the franchise’s next installment. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take Malcolm Lee 15 years to shoot another sequel!
Excellent (4 stars)
Running Time: 124 minutes
Dear Mr. Watterson
Gravitas Ventures
Unrated
Reverential Retrospective Chronicles Career Of Reclusive Comic Strip Creator
The comic strip Calvin And Hobbes enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity soon after first appearing in newspapers on November 18, 1985. Drawn and written by Bill Watterson, it was voted “Best Syndicated Cartoon” seven years in a row over the course of a decade-long run which also twice netted its talented author the coveted “Cartoonist Of The Year” award.
The reclusive Watterson so cherished his privacy that he shied away from the spotlight despite constant clamor for him to cash in on his success. But he had no trouble resisting the temptation to license his characters to product manufacturers ostensibly out of a fear that mass merchandising might cheapen his comic.
Moreover, in 1995, Watterson stopped publishing the column on his own terms the day he decided it was time, and quietly slipped back into obscurity. This was easy to achieve, since he still lived in tiny Chagrin Falls, the idyllic Ohio town where he’d been raised from the age of six.
Directed by Joel Allen Schroeder, Dear Mr. Watterson is a reverential retrospective which seeks to flesh out its inscrutable, impossible to find subject. The film features a flurry of accolades from colleagues and fans, including the widow of Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts.
Again and again, the contributors roll out superlatives, uniformly expressing their admiration of the enigmatic Watterson in glowing detail, whether appraising his rich artwork or deeply philosophical storytelling which helped shape a whole generation of impressionable young minds. Conspicuous in his absence, the only person missing from the movie is Watterson himself, an inveterate introvert who, of course, didn’t participate in the project.
Nevertheless, this illuminating documentary does manage to paint a compelling picture of a modest genius who used his beloved, kid-friendly cartoon to convey the timeless message that there’s magic in everyday life, provided you’re young enough at heart to look for it.
Excellent (4 stars)
Running time: 90 minutes
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
For movies opening November 15, 2013
The Book Thief (PG-13 for violence and mature themes) Adaptation of the Mark Zusak novel of the same name, set in Nazi Germany, revolving around an abandoned nine-year-old girl (Sophie Nelisse) adopted by foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson) hiding a Jewish refugee (Ben Schnetzer) from the SS. With Kirsten Block, Nico Liersch and Sandra Nedeleff. (In English and German with subtitles)
Charlie Countryman (R for sexuality, nudity, drug use, pervasive profanity and brutal violence) Shia LaBeouf portrays the title character of this romantic comedy about a tourist traveling to Bucharest who falls in love with the wife (Evan Rachel Wood) of a ruthless Romanian mobster (Mads Mikkelsen). Narrated by John Hurt and featuring Rupert Grint, Melissa Leo and Vincent D’Onofrio. (In English and Romanian with subtitles)
12-12-12 (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and violence) Satanic possession horror flick about a demonic baby born on 12-12-12 (Double 6-6-6, get it?) who proceeds to murder everyone in his midst. With Sara Malakul Lane, Samantha Stewart and Jesus Guevara.
Faust (Unrated) Adaptation of Goethe’s classic play about a man (Johannes Zeiler) who comes to regret selling his soul to the devil (Anton Adassinsky) for boundless knowledge and worldly pleasures. With Isolda Dychauk, George Friedrich and Hanna Schygulla. (In German with subtitles)
Final: The Rapture (PG-13 for violence) Faith-based drama featuring a quartet of parallel tales revolving around Judgment Day. Starring Jah Shams, Mary Grace and Masashi Nagadoi. (In English, Japanese and Spanish with subtitles)
The Great Fallacy (Unrated) Political exposé highlighting the present plight of Puerto Rico and simultaneously proposing solutions to alleviate the beleaguered island’s host of financial and social woes. (In Spanish with subtitles)
Lion Ark (Unrated) Animal cruelty documentary uncovering Bolivia’s illegal trade in circus lions. Featuring Bob Barker, Jorja Fox and David Kopp.
Nebraska (R for profanity) Road trip drama about a father (Bruce Dern) and son (Will Forte) who travel from Billings, Montana, to Lincoln, Nebraska, to claim the prize money in a million-dollar sweepstakes. With Stacy Keach, June Squibb and Bob Odenkirk.
Sunlight Jr. (Unrated) Matt Dillon and Naomi Watts co-star in this baby maybe drama about a Florida couple whose struggle to survive on minimum wage jobs is compounded by an unplanned pregnancy. Support cast includes Norman Reedus, Tess Harper and Yvonne Gougelet.
