issue #10 : 'the best man' has the most realistic friend group in film
some new years recs, and what you missed in the news
Hi everyone,
I hope you are having a lovely festive season and that 2024 will bring you plenty of luck, joy and good times!
I recently watched the film The Best Man (1999) for the first time. It basically tells the story of a group of college friends who get together for a wedding amidst the release of one of the friend’s books which is based on their friendship. It has an all-star cast lead by Taye Diggs and Nia Long. And it is a sometimes uncomforable look at co-ed friendships. Now, the film is entertaining but it can sometimes feel dated. There are misogynistic moments that had me cringing but I also felt myself drawn into these relationships that they developed.
The film was written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, who is Spike Lee’s cousin and is known mostly for directing comedy films like Undercover Brother and Girls Trip. But like, the fact that these are the only ones that he writes just makes me think that this franchise comes from his heart. He is LIVING these characters.
Taye Diggs plays Harper Stewart, an author who just released his debut novel Unfinished Business about his college friend group. At the same time, he is going to be best man at his friend Lance’s (Morris Chestnut) wedding to Mia (Monica Calhoun) who he introduced to each other. Harper is dating Robyn (Sanaa Lathan) who he is basically stringing along, and still lusting over his college crush Jordan (Nia Long). Along for the ride is other friends Murch (Harold Perrineau), Murch’s gf Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) and Quentin (Terrence Howard). However, his book is set to release a range of secrets about himself and his friends that have the danger of ruining their dynamic forever.
The movie is iconic because it launched a lot of careers (for example, it was Regina Hall’s first film) and its dramatic and funny and everyone looks good. But I wasn’t initally sold, especially since it is very much Harper’s story and he is not a likeable character AT ALL. But what I did like was that the film does not sugarcoat anything and the realisations feel a lot more realistic than a lot of others.
In my opinion, it got good 14 years later when the cast reunited for the second film The Best Man Holiday. The sequel expanded the scope and told the stories of the friends as well. The raw and unbridled way that they interact with each other, the issues that are brought up, the easy chemistry made this one of the best interpretations of friendships that I’ve seen onscreen. It is heartbreaking, it’s hilarious, it is nasty at times, but it is never boring. It also does a good job of showing how friendship changes as we get older and our responsibilities change.
They go even further to depict this in the limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters. And the writers and actors show such a great understanding of these characters that everything feels so well defined that I slipped up at times and thought that the characters were real people that I was just checking in on every couple of years.
So if you are looking for content with great characterisation, good laughs, a few cries, without the bells and whistles, I will highly suggest this franchise.
The Best Man Holiday and The Best Man: The Final Chapters are available to stream on Showmax.
xoxo
Caryn
Recs:
TV Show: Yoh Christmas - This new comedy series follows Thando as she tries to find a boyfriend for her family Christmas Eve dinner. It’s very fun and light and most of the time I didn’t know where it was going which I liked. It has an all-star cast, and an array of love interests like a Choose Your Own Adventure. It is available to watch on Netflix.
Film: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story - Just like the man himself, this film is a parody and really weird. It takes on biopics in a hilarious and offbeat way, but still finds a way to be sincere and fun. It’s also just another example of what a good actor Daniel Radcliffe is. I’ve been a Weird Al fan since I was a teen so I loved this so much. It is available to watch on DStv Stream.
Documentary: American Symphony - This stunning documentary follows musician Jon Batiste as he sets out to compose a symphony while his wife, author Suleika Jaouad undergoes cancer treatment. It is interesting depiction of two artists dealing with their highest highs and lowest lows and how that affects their relationship. It is available to watch on Netflix.
Comedy Special: Wanda Sykes: I’m An Entertainer - This was hilarious as she talks about COVID, American elections, her marriage and her children and more. But it is worth it alone for the sections when she talks about the Mosquito Man. It is available to watch on Netflix.
Here’s what you missed in the news:
Entertainment/pop culture
Paula Abdul has accused SYTYCD judge/producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault. He has since stepped down from his role on the show.
Cher filed for conservatorship of her son Elijah Allman amidst substance abuse problems. She was denied by the court.
The Bachelorette couple Rachel Lindsay and Bryan Abasolo have filed for divorce after four years.
Sienna Miller welcomed a baby girl with her boyfriend Oli Green.
Joe Jonas has been spotted getting cosy with former beauty queen Stormi Bree.
Jermaine Jackson has been accused of sexual assault.
T.I. and Tiny have been accused of drugging and raping a woman in a new lawsuit.
Britney Spears has stated that she will never return to the music industry.
Mary Poppins actor Glynis Johns has died at age 100.
Christian Oliver, actor from Saved By the Bell: The New Class and Speed Racer died along with two of his daughters in a plane crash in the Carribbean.
TV shows that were cancelled this week: American Born Chinese after one season, The Minx after it was revived by Starz for season 2.
Steven Yeun will no longer be apart of Marvel’s Thunderbolts after scheduling difficulties due to the strikes.
The White Lotus season 3 cast is stacked and includes Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Michelle Monaghan, and Tayme Thapthimthong.
A new NCIS prequel is coming about a young Gibbs, and will be narrated by Mark Harmon.
TV shows that were renewed this week: Slow Horses for season 5; Bookie for season 2.
Singer Michael Bolton revealed that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and went for surgery. He said that he will be taking a break from touring in order to recover.
Michael Bolton was diagnosed with brain tumor and went for surgery -
Fashion & Beauty
The Fendi collab with Pokemon just dropped!
According to InStyle, these are the beauty trends you need to know about for 2024.
According to Glamour, these are the skincare trends you need to know for 2024.
According to Vogue, these are the fashion trends making a comeback this year.
Lifestyle
Want to make biscuits like the Queen? Her special recipe has gone viral again.
Okay but should you travel to Antartica this year?
Another travel suggestion, Mexico has a new tourist train service coming.
Why do so many relationships end around the holidays?
Okay but did you hear about the girl on TikTok who is making tunnels under her house?
Podcast Recap
In case you missed it, on the podcast I spoke to Jefferson Jīnlòng Lan and Izette Blignaut from the Afrikaans romantic comedy Strooi about the film, diversifying the genre, romantic comedies, and more.
Celeb Crush of the Week
OKAY but have you seen this CALVIN KLEIN AD with Jeremy Allen White????
See you soon!