User reviews

I saw this five years ago on DVD and grabbed it the other day in the video store wanting an oldie/goodie. So tired of watching homogenized films about stealing the groom from the bride; cheating on the bride-to-be while on a road-trip in wine country; the sad/depressed bridesmaid/maid-of-honor tragically gets dumped by her escort; blah-blah-blah. What this film offers us instead is something in the eyes of four Af-Am buddies who get together before one of them ties the knot. And there are no race cards pulled. The film does not zero on one of the characters and their drug/alcohol problem, or gang-related problemos, or any stereotypical stuff like that. No- what Malcolm Lee did instead was deliver us with an ensemble cast who just happen to be black, mix in a smooth R & B soundtrack with it and a give us a fun premise.

It's simple: Harper (Diggs) is on the brink of publishing his first novel with characters loosely based on his friends from college. He flies to New York to get together with his buddies before attending his friend's wedding. During that time, he encounters an old flame that got away; the changes in ideology and values with others. But on the night of the bachelor party, Lance (Chestnut) gets his paws on a copy and reads it, puzzling together the composites while blaming Diggs for cheating with his fiancée.

Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Terrence Dashon Howard, Harold Perrineau, Monica Calhoun, Sanaa Lathan, and the rest of all the cast get the fattest props because without their acting, this would've been a train wreck. What makes these characters so unique and human is that they're not stereotypical caricature's and each of them all evolve their own style. Taye Diggs is the quiet pragmatist of them all, yet he's no dork. Morris Chestnut is Lance the football "player"/groom-to-be. Harold Perrineau is the hopelessly, pathetically whipped brother-man with heart and Terrence Dashon Howard (from this year's "Crash")steals every scene he's in as the cynical but cool cat musician buddy. Nia Long is the former flame of Taye Diggs with Sanaa Lathan as his girlfriend.

Yeah, the story is a little predictable. Yeah, it's a little lewd and sexist (the scene at the poker table, but I love those lines: "Bite it!", "Grow it!"). The very ending is something we've seen before, yet it's funny anyway. Only problem was that this film was probably labeled as a "black film" at the time and that was probably why it received such poor box office (a'la "Waiting to Exhale", "Boomerang"). Perhaps Hollywood wasn't ready to see that and preferred a movie about a suburban, white, dysfunctional family instead. Oh, and gave it Best Picture, too.

For a few weeks now I've expressed interest in wanting to see "The Best Man." As a white male, when I said this, most people gave me a look as if I just said, "I'm thinking about investing money in 'Phat Beach II'!" There seems to be a belief that "The Best Man" is not a movie for me because I'm white.

If you were skeptical about seeing "The Best Man" because you're not black, ignore those fillings and go see the movie. It's slow at points, and yes, it does have some tired cliches in it, but it was nice to see a movie where people talked and developed relationships, regardless of their skin color.

"The Best Man" is not a black film. Yes, it stars black people and was made by black people, but it's more a film about one's friendships and how they develop as one grows older. Don't miss it because you don't think it's meant for you.

The Best Man is a very entertaining romantic comedy. The ensemble cast clicks and clashes with one another at just the right moments. Taye Diggs's character, Harper, is charming and charismatic, but WHY would he write a book that causes pain to those close to him? Is it to enlighten his friends or to reveal his own frailties? Perhaps, a little of both.

There is a good mix of very funny and also intense emotional moments and the audience is captured; cheering some of the cast and hissing others. It's quite uncanny that transformation occurs for certain characters especially when it's needed. Terrence Howard's character, Quentin, is a prime example. At the beginning of the film Quentin is basically a guy who lacks direction and propriety in his behavior. Over the course of the film, he becomes the voice of wisdom and the glue that holds it together for those closest to him.

Malcolm Lee's directorial debut is quite admirable in this well paced, universally appealing film. Don't miss it.

`The Best Man' is a flawed but generally rewarding romantic drama, featuring a first-rate cast of likeable, talented actors. The film tells the tale of a handsome up-and-coming writer whose first novel has just been published on the eve of his best friend's wedding. The problem is that much of the material in the book has been drawn from autobiographical sources – and now, as old friends gather for the ceremony, the author and best man, Harper Stewart, has to face the fallout from some of the less than flattering portrayals contained therein. In addition, the novel contains the revelations of a few hitherto well-guarded secrets, some of which bear directly on the principals involved in the wedding itself.

Ironically, the primary strength of the film also emerges as its overarching weakness. The movie provides so richly textured a depiction of the interrelationships between and among the wide assortment of characters that it alternately straddles the line between fascination and tedium. On the positive side, writer/director Malcolm D. Lee is not afraid to give the characters their due, to allow them to reveal their many-layered personalities in scenes that play out in real-time tempo and rhythm. One appreciates the fact that we are not being rushed along from one highly dramatic moment to another without time to really get to know the characters as people. The counter effect of this, however, is that the film often seems too talky, self-indulgent and dramatically flat, a fact not helped by the excessive 122-minute running time. In addition, the whole novel-publishing aspect of the story seems both unnecessary and contrived, not to mention lacking in credibility since it becomes a bit difficult to believe that, if he were so terrified about his friends discovering his true perceptions of them, Harper would have written the novel in the first place. Moreover, when we hear voice-over recitations of a few sections of the novel itself, we are struck dumb that so badly written and trite a work could be so critically lauded and commercially successful.

However, the film's virtues do, ultimately, outweigh its imperfections. The actors and actresses turn in uniformly fine performances and the film deals intelligently and sensitively with the age-old issues of the fear of commitment and the two-faced attitude many men have when it comes to female infidelity. Lee, within the context of his characters, confronts these issues with subtlety rather than heavyhandedness and the last half hour or so of the film turns into a very moving celebration of the qualities of acceptance, commitment and sacrifice necessary to make a relationship truly work. `The Best Man' may require a little patience at times to get through, but the reward for those willing to give it a try makes it worth the effort.

Verrrry nice. I think this is the first good black movie I have seen that didn't need to be but simply was. Well-known, medium-powered Black actors and actresses in a movie that didn't focus on the Black experience. The BEST part... the whole movie was done with thought-out class. The story wasn't about brothers from the 'hood trying to make it in the White Man's world or some racially-charged Spike Lee joint. Think of a great episode of the Cosby Show re-written for an adult audience, bearing a PG-13 rating and you know how you'll feel when you leave the theater. It's about time.

I was very impressed with The Best Man. As an avid moviegoer, this was the very first Black movie made in recent decades that was done right. As a first major endeavor for Malcolm Lee, my hat is off to him for portraying young, successful, upper-middle class African-Americans in a solid storyline that was at once heart-warming, funny, serious at times, but light at others. Overall... simply very well done. The character's development was executed eloquently and, at times so subtly, I nearly missed some things. The cinematography, costumes and sets were all as they should be: done with class.

This young, successful, upper-middle class African-American says thanks for finally doing it right.

The Best Man was one of my favorite films of 1999. The ensemble cast which includes Taye Diggs and the very sexy Nia Long are all good. The film reminds me of a urban The Big Chill which is cool. Morris Chestnut also makes a good return to film in this heartwarming film. I can't wait to see again and again.

It's always a pleasure to see a film with an all-black cast which is well put together and actually "about" something. The story line of this script -- an author's revelations about his good friends in his first novel, and how potentially damaging they can be -- was plausible and enjoyable. The personality of Quentin, arguably the most complex and fascinating character, was a bit of a tease, and like some of the other viewers, I was hungry for more of him! Nia Long always turns in superb performances, and this one doesn't disappoint. The weakest link in the film was Taye Diggs, whose acting is about as animated as a cigar store Indian . . . but judging from the female audience reaction every time he took off his shirt, acting ability may be irrelevant to his career. On the whole, it's a great "date" flick, and you'll leave the theatre with a big grin on your face.

The Best Man was a very exciting, fun, and enjoyable movie-going experience for me. As a 30 year old African American male, I thought the movie did an excellent job of exploiting the young, college-grad, working class African American. This movie has the potential to appeal to a very diverse audience of males. Conservative females probably will not like this movie that much because of the strong sexual content. However, the truths of the issues addressed were so accurately portrayed, that it shouldn't be a total lost for the conservative female. Also, the entire cast did a great job.

Nevertheless, I most pay special homage to Terrence Dashon Howard (as Quentin). He gave a top-notched, award-deserving performance. If anybody in that movie deserves and award or any kind of special mention, it is by a long shot, Terrence. He made this movie-going experience for me that much more enjoyable. I can't wait to see what he does next. I've never been before, but I am definitely now a Terrence Dashon Howard fan. Furthermore, the entire cast was beautiful; particularly the women. I don't ever before remember seeing so many fine women on screen before at one time. Once out on video, this movie will definitely go in my video library collection.

As far as I am concerned I've only seen one decent wedding flick in my life and that is Four Weddings and a Funeral. But after today I think I can count The Best Man as another decent wedding movie. It's nowhere near as good as Four Weddings..., but it is still a rather entertaining film. The cast are also great.

THE BEST OF THE BEST This movie is fast becoming a classic. It was well written, acted and the cast was beautiful. Though the cast was of African American actors, this is movie for all ethnic backgrounds.It tells of a group of college friends that reunite for a wedding, but the wedding itself is not the story, its a semi-fictitious book written by one of the friends. Why is the book so paramount? Its actually a true account of events that had occurred between the friends when enrolled in college. The movie also gives an accurate depiction of quality of the up and coming African Americans in the entertainment industry. Everyone did a masterful job! I could not imagine anyone else playing in their roles. The directing was great and the ending was expected but moving. I cried!Terrance Howard should have been nominated for an award for best supporting actor. He made this film as realistic as your reunions with your families and friends. Don't miss this!

This is disgustingly misogynist. The only women who end up happy in the end are the stripper, the woman who accepts her fiance's infidelity even though he expects her to be a virgin and the woman who has to win her boyfriend (the best man) back from a strong, independent woman by helping him to save the aforementioned ill-conceived marriage, and by being a fantastic cook. Any woman who dares to think of herself as equal is doomed to misery.

I was surprised to see how little attention this film garnered, despite it's amazing cast and intelligent script. Character based scripts walk a delicate line, but somehow most seem to reap in undeserving praises (St. Elmo's Fire, The Big Chill). Not to sound like a self-righteous broken record, but I truly believe "The Best Man" was passed over because it happened to have an African American cast. It was instantly labeled a "black" movie, before anyone bothered to watch more than the trailer, which is a crying shame, because what everyone missed out on was a fine film.

The characters range from classic (Morris Chestnut's Lance) to surprisingly fresh (Terrence Howard's Quentin), all with very distinct personalities, yet believable connections. (Am I the only one who is so sick of using the "went to college together" excuse for why some film characters are friends, despite the obvious fact that in reality the "cool rebel" doesn't hang with the "prudish nerd" and so on.)

Not only does the film have refreshing takes on the inter-dimensional relationships of characters, it's not afraid to face the characters honestly, to show each individual's flaws...they have depth, soul, contradictions, much like REAL PEOPLE! Amazing! The themes are universal; friends, love, mistakes, forgiveness. The dialogue is witty, yet not overly done to sound like "movie dialogue" that no one in the real world speaks.

And though the race of the characters does not matter in this movie, I applaud Malcolm D. Lee for writing a film featuring black characters that are all successful, independent and intelligent. No one is rapping or drug dealing, no one is blaming the man for setbacks. The characters actually represent the MAJORITY of the black community, just regular people, living their lives. How refreshing from the Hollywood stereotypes, believed by suburban white America, that every successful black man is a rapper or a basketball player and every other one a criminal or janitor. It's a shame this film didn't make for money, perhaps then we'd see more of this trend, movies based on script rather than race.

Though I loved it, this film probably won't change your life. It's not one that will ever be considered one of the best films ever (though I think it took bold steps in closing the race gap in film). And I'm not saying it's an absolute must-see for everyone. But for discerning viewers with perhaps some taste and hunger for something a little different, I recommend you treat yourself to something that you probably haven't seen in a long time: a simply good movie.

THE BEST MAN is a hip and sexy re-thinking of films like THE BIG CHILL and RETURN OF THE SEACAUCUS SEVEN, this time with an African American cast. The film centers on a group of college buddies who are reuniting for a wedding. Things get sticky when one of the group has written an about to be published novel, where the characters are just thinly disguised versions of his friends and how revelations in this book alter and shake the foundations of these relationships. Taye Diggs is attractive as Harper, the author of the book and the best man at the wedding; Morris Chestnut plays a professional football player and the groom; Nia Long is sexy and funny as Jordan, a TV journalist/Oprah wannabe who hopes to rekindle a romance with Harper at the wedding; Harold Perrineau plays a grade school teacher caught in a stranglehold of a relationship with an emasculating female (Melissa DeSousa); Terrence Howard steals every scene he is in as this group's voice of reality; Sanaa Lathan plays Harper's fiancée who can't get Harper to commit and Monica Calhoun is the bride who is at the center of the explosion caused by the book. There's nothing terribly original here, but the cast is charismatic and works very hard at making the material fresh and appealing. It's predictable, but still fun is to be had here.

The Best Man is an all black ensemble comedy drama from Malcolm D Lee. It led to a belated sequel in 2013. The Best Man Holiday. Then a spin off television series in 2022.

The original has Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) on the verge of a breakthrough as writer. His partly autobiographical novel, Unfinished Business is being promoted by Oprah's Book Club.

This will turn hit into a sure fire hit in book sales.

Harper goes to New York City to attend the wedding of US footballer Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut.) Harper will be the best man and will reunite with other old college friends.

When an advance copy of Unfinished Business is passed about. Lance gets upset to find out his bride to be once slept with Harper.

The movie is a good natured and intelligent comedy drama but never delves much deeper. Only Quentin played by Terrence Howard adds some acidity. He provokes Lance who has been sleeping around in the past but not happy that his girlfriend has.

This movie was near-excellent. It started off a little slow, but when it started rolling, there was no turning back. It has something for everyone, and it's worth the trip. For anyone that's ever loved someone, had a best friend, made mistakes with both, and lived to tell about it, you can relate. It was exciting and moving, and you can find a bit of yourself somewhere in it if you watch long enough. A definite "Go See".

A well cast and well acted light hearted drama. There were a few good laughs and a good ending. The storyline was well developed and lent itself to a few heartwarming moments. Enjoyable and easy to watch.

Unfortunately, I began with the sequel because I wanted to watch a Christmas movie and I wanted to see what happened in this one, although it was very obvious. It surprised me, in a great way. Loved the vibe, the period,the music, the romance, the moments shared together,the friendships, the roastings. It was a iconic hood, family 2000s movie. The type the movie that lack greatly in this period. Very fun and soulful experience. I hope that they will return with the third and not just them, the industry, to make more movies like these, even reboot. It's a good start. Miss you all! Peace!

Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) is an author on the rise in Chicago. His loving girlfriend Robyn (Sanaa Lathan) is concerned about their relationship especially with the upcoming gathering of his college friends. Football star Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut) is marrying Mia Morgan (Monica Calhoun). Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long) is his missed opportunity. Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) is his hated controlling ex who is now dating his friend Julian Murch (Harold Perrineau). Quentin (Terrance Howard) is an aimless free spirit. Harper uses them as characters in his book. Julian falls for stripper Candy (Regina Hall).

Robyn is a mistake. It would be better if Jordan has a bad boyfriend and Harper has to win her over. Instead, he is forced to cheat on the perfectly nice girl with a perfectly nice girl. Neither deserves it. If he's dating Shelby, then the movie could easily have Shelby as the villain in the triangle. If one ignores Robyn, this works a little better. Harper does not come off well in this one. He already has his love triangle and the movie puts more on his plate. It's too much. I do like these actors and I like this group in general. This could work better with less.

The Best Man (1999) is a movie that I recently watched for the first time in a long time on Tubi. The storyline follows a group of friends who are starting to settle down and get married. One of the friends has made it as a big-time writer and is about to publish his next major work. His characters in the book are indirectly tied to his network of friends; the relationships between them, and actions that have historically taken place. The first copy is circulating amongst the friends and threatens their relationships and maybe even the wedding itself...

This movie is directed by Malcolm D. Lee (Girls Trip) and stars Taye Diggs (Brown Sugar), Nia Long (Boiler Room), Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow), Morris Chestnut (Kick-Ass 2), Harold Perrineau (28 Weeks Later), Sanaa Lathan (Love & Basketball) and Regina Hall (Scary Movie).

The characters in this are so well written, cast and executed. The dialogue is tremendous and so is the understanding of their background, where they were and where they have come...without showing it and naturally coming to the understanding through the storytelling. The scenarios were fascinating and most of the circumstances were realistic and felt authentic. For me, this movie was a 10/10 until the bachelor party when the fiancé decides it time to take a break from strippers and drinking to sit in the bathroom and read a book...seemed like a stretch. So was just about every decision by every character after that point... other than the beating. However, it made for a great love story and plot about friends.

Overall, this movie isn't perfect, but it has enough redeeming elements to make this an absolute must see. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

(1999) The Best Man COMEDY DRAMA

Written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee with "The Best Man" as the movie is referring to is the author, Harper Stewart played by Taye Diggs as he is going to be one for his best friend's wedding. And at the same time, he is being recognized for his latest book "Unfinished Business" except that the book contains some personal nuances and experiences regarding some of his best friends particularly the friend, Lance (Morris Chestnut) he is going to be the best man. Family oriented movie with a great cast, including Nia Long, Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau, and Regina Hall to name few.

After hearing what a great movie this was I was looking forward to watching it. Not only did the movie fall far short of what the critics promised I found most of it to be unwatchable. We ended up fast forwarding through the movie to find out what happened. Definitely a movie to be skipped.