Random Movie Review- #21 "The Best Man"

Let me start by saying that this movie, directed and produced by Spike Lee's cousin, Malcolm, is quite possibly the best African-American produced film of all time (with #23 "Love and Basketball which Sanaa Lathan ALSO appears in along with this one), and has been called one of the few African-American movies in recent history with great "cross-over potential". There are several things that make this movie VERY watchable. For one, I would dare say that the diversity and development of characters in this movie is unmatched by most movies. In fact, you could easily write a very long paper about the different characters in this movie- it's that deep. Also, the comic lines especially from then up and coming star Terrence Howard (who plays Quentin, the only character in the movie really without alot of direction, but everybody has a friend like this guy- 5 jobs in 2 years, yeah you know the type) calling the single women at the wedding a "hoasis". Also, the fact that Malcolm Lee took an African-American story a different direction than other black movies of the late 90's (movie was made in 1999) with no mention of drugs, violence, or gang related activities. All of the characters are very successful and most are very affluent. This was one of the first movies to ever have such a cast. Also, the plot twist in this movie is SPECTACULAR. Also, it features a great soundtrack. However, this movie loses several points by being almost too "stereotypical african american", like when Nia Long all of a sudden says "hell yeah, girlfriend can throw down", and the men constantly referring to each other as "n word", which really disrupts a rather well put together script. Anyway, the movie revolves several friends from college coming back to New York City for Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnutt), the running back for the New York Giants, wedding to Mia (Monica Calhoun). However, the thing on everyone's mind is Harper's (Taye Diggs) new book , Unfinished Business, which is a fictitious account of his real life experiences, in which all the characters in the movie are in the book, including Harper's old "friend" Jordan (Nia Long). The whole time, you wondered why Harper was so reluctant to let the book get out, and it turns out he had slept with Mia in college long before her and Lance were engaged. In one of the best plot twists I've ever seen, Harper and Lance after two fights show one of the best dipictions of friendship and forgiveness I've ever seen in film right before the wedding is to take place. That's what keeps this movie from really making a high mark. GREAT concept, GREAT cast, GREAT characters, GREAT plot, but it rollercoasters so much on your emotions that you don't know whether to laugh or take it seriously. However, if you're in the mood for something different, and something that will make you laugh and cry within 10 minutes of each other, check out "The Best Man".