The Best Man

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The Best Man

R

Released Oct 22, 1999

2h 0m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

71%

Tomatometer

70 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

After writing a soon-to-be bestselling novel, writer and committed bachelor Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is loosely based on the lives and loves of his tight-knit group of friends. Harper is set to be best man at his friend Lance's (Morris Chestnut) wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance. When an advance copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), Harper attempts to keep it under wraps.

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Critics Consensus

With a strong cast and a host of well-defined characters, The Best Man is an intelligent, funny romantic comedy that marks an impressive debut for writer/director Malcolm D. Lee.

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Teresa Wiltz

Washington Post

Ultimately when it's all said and done, Best Man remains always a groomsman, never a groom: It backs down on its promise to both challenge and entertain, opting instead for the easy laugh--and the pat ending.

Nov 14, 2013

Full Review

Lisa Alspector

Chicago Reader

Viewers who mistake the didacticism for stylistic weakness miss much of the point of this nicely toned movie.

Apr 11, 2012

Full Review

Time Out

So much for the under-powered plot, from tyro writer/director Malcolm D Lee, to which the tiresome unearthing of nice guy Harper's previous dalliances contributes little.

Jan 26, 2006

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Milton Kent

Baltimore Sun

Lee comes at the topics refreshingly, taking the African-American male, one of the least explored groups in film, and placing him under a microscope, not for judgment, but for observation.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 14, 2013

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S. Jhoanna Robledo

Common Sense Media

Entertaining romantic drama ponders commitment, fidelity.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 15, 2013

Full Review

Total Film

A fresh romantic comedy that's somewhat let down by a wayward plot, The Best Man is well worth watching for the outstanding ensemble acting and the intelligent, schmaltz-avoiding handling of love, marriage and friendship.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 11, 2012

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Stephen C

Funny in 2 hours even!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $34,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Amy M

Watching this now in 2024 it bothers me that they call each other the N word.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/16/24

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Autumn M

The Best Man is a classic rom com from the 1990's. Some parts definitely did not age well, but overall the story was unique and well-paced. The twist to this classic story is that the main protagonist has written a book that is based on his relationships with his friends. The characters were multi-layered and had interesting motives and story arcs. I especially loved Terrence Howard's character as the lothario who tends to be right about some aspects of a healthy relationship. Overall, it was an enjoyable character-driven story about friendship and loyalty. Recommended.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/23/24

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Steve D

A lot of it works including the great cast but at times it comes off a bit too sexist for me.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Tywania S

This show is very nostalgic & gives off a serious 90s vibe! We definitely need/deserve a season 2!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/22

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Audience Member

Yep, 2022 just started and I figured I was better off not beating around the bush and getting this movie out of the way. Better than its Christmas sequel, The Best Man is cheesy and not quite as funny as I was expecting but its talented cast, well-defined characterisations, a show-stealing Terrence Howard and well-directed drama scenes make it a good, if not great, '90s romantic dramedy.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

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Malcolm D. Lee

Director

Taye Diggs

Harper Stewart

Nia Long

Jordan Armstrong

Morris Chestnut

Lance Sullivan

Harold Perrineau

Julian Murch

Terrence Howard

Quentin

The Best Man: Official Clip - She's The One

2:57

The Best Man: Official Clip - Love Never Fails

3:21

The Best Man: Official Clip - Best Man Proposal

2:27

The Best Man: Official Clip - Best Man's Speech

2:54

The Best Man: Official Clip - Lose Control & Get Freaky

3:22

The Best Man: Official Clip - A Kiss To Her Frontal Lobe

3:02

The Best Man: Official Clip - Merry Murch

3:50

The Best Man: Official Clip - Don't Blame Me

3:05

The Best Man: Official Clip - She's My Queen

3:24

The Best Man: Official Clip - It's Karma, Baby

3:21

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Synopsis

After writing a soon-to-be bestselling novel, writer and committed bachelor Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is loosely based on the lives and loves of his tight-knit group of friends. Harper is set to be best man at his friend Lance's (Morris Chestnut) wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance. When an advance copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), Harper attempts to keep it under wraps.

Director: Malcolm D. Lee
Producer: Bill Carraro, Sam Kitt, Spike Lee
Screenwriter: Malcolm D. Lee
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.1M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

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