ARE YOU THE BEST WOMAN?

We, the fans of the popular romantic comedy series The Best Man, have been eagerly expecting the release of The Best Man Final Chapter. It’s been three months since it hit our big screens on 22nd December 22.

Now that the dust has settled, I think it's a good time to discuss the series. Malcolm D. Lee brought back the beloved cast of characters from the original films. The Best Man Final Chapter follows the continued lives and relationships of a group of college friends as they navigate the difficulties of love, friendship, and career success. This time around, the group was faced with new challenges and must come together to support each other as they navigate their way through life.

If you have not yet feasted your eyes on The Best Man: Final chapter by now you’re missing out, wooooow what a series!

It’s okay if you need a little recap, let’s take a quick walk back down memory lane.

1999 THE BEST MAN: First touched our screens in October created by Malcolm D. Lee (Yep Spike Lee's cousin, making classic cultural movies definitely runs in the family.) Malcolm D. Lee and the cast created something so incredible, iconic and heartfelt it was instantly a hit. In real life, many of the cast were in their late 20s early 30s, depicting such a remarkable, relatable, successful, black, love, excellence story, showcasing a realistic group dynamic in such a fun, loving, shady and chaotic way.

Pause…..Can we just admire… the beautiful range of melanin from the cast, the gorgeous pearly white smiles from our handsome brotha’s, mane they don’t make them like the 90s anymore, not to mention the effortless beauty our stunning sista’s, *claps* were *hands* serving.

The movie followed a bond between college friends adapting to early adulthood, Lance Sullivan (Morris chestnut’s) the handsome, fioneee, healthy hair lined football player that once was, was finally getting married to his soft, angelic, pure, college sweetheart Mia Sullivan (Monica Calhoun) who endured one, too many cheating scandals.

Deciding on getting her own back & gurl, she got him back big time! By sleeping with Lance’s best friend Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), the one who introduced them, not only did she start it all, she gave him the first taste of her golden box, yep that’s right her virginity. She also did it in such an angelic, get that D, blow my back out, romantic kind of way, some could say she was supposed to be with Harper instead of Lance, with the way she loved & held Harper in such high regard.

Harper Stewart the writer who somehow was always problematic collecting golden boxes like the Ebony Humper he was. Also, having another love interest with his dear friend Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long) who seemed to be his real true love, a headstrong, ambitious, boss babe and go-getter who knew exactly what she wanted, she was clearly his speed, matching him in every way. Knowing him inside out, they shared a natural intense chemistry. However, never getting the opportunity to fully explore their love affair even when planned, there always seemed to be an interruption. 

Harper, being made to suffer the consequences of his betrayal in the past, boxed him in a bad situation. Pitiful and desperate with his back against the wall, he realised Robin was the one for him. Deciding to do the right thing he proposes to his free flowing, super understanding, neutral chef girlfriend Robin with... NO RING...at Lance's wedding! Despite them not being compatible at all.....Some best man he is?! (Let’s be real, that was a whole mess sha!)

Julian Murch (Harold Perrineau) is the soft, meek push over, peacemaker, with a big mouth who can’t seem to keep a secret. They say opposites attract because his girlfriend is the force of nature, fiery, over dramatic, manipulative, Sergeant Shelby Taylor (Melissa De Sousa). She is not with the games, completely smothering Murch, keeping him on a tight leash. Unable to discover his true self, with the help of the boys he finally puts his foot down, succumbing to lust by the one and only Candy (Regina Hall) the bad gal stripper, who is also super intelligent, Murch being a sucker falls in love instantly

My favourite Quentin Spivey (Terrace Howard), the realist, the truth telling, talented, gorgeous lover boy of the bunch, is a rich boy, soul searching for his purpose. Quentin is always a good judge of character, he plays devil’s advocate to get his point across, stirring up the drama even more. Especially in the build-up of Harper’s book "Unfinished business" detailing the scene that almost blew up and disassembled the wedding. 

With the beautifully written script and natural chemistry across the cast, The Best Man became a cultural phenomenon, however it was obvious we were not satisfied with just one movie. 

2013 THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY: 14 years later Malcolm D. Lee heard our cries and regrouped the beloved, gorgeous, black don’t crack, cast back for another magical movie. Most of the cast in their early 40s in real life still looked like a bunch of 30 yr olds. The storyline took us on an emotional rollercoaster, losing our beloved Mia Sullivan to cancer on Christmas Day. 

We watched as the grief of mourning Mia, the anchor & glue of the group, affected each cast member. Lance and Harper, still at odds, eventually squashed their beef.

Julian and Candice learned they needed each other more than ever, and found a better way to communicate.

Robin was finally comfortable with her position in Harper's life as his wife and mother to his daughter; she no longer saw Jordan as a threat to her relationship.

Jordan, yearning for a love like Mia and Lance, finally opened herself up to love. However, no one will fully get her like her twin flame Harper.

Shelby realises she needs to be a better mum to her daughter, as that is all she has.

Quentin discovers he is finally ready to settle down and drops the bombshell. He is getting married. Which was the hint that a third movie would grace our screens again.

2022 THE BEST MAN- FINAL CHAPTER: 9 years later we thought we were getting a third instalment however, because of the budget not being secured for a film, Malcolm D. Lee went down the path of a limited series. Everything happens for a reason because we are so grateful for this eight-part series. What better way to wrap this franchise up? 

I believe a movie could not do what this series has done. We have a cast now in their real life 50s, this is unapologetic, authentic comedic series gave us pure jokes, surprise entanglements *stares in Jada* yes, they even included Will Smith’s famous dialogue from the Oscars, which was absolutely hilarious, shade so shady of 1000 palm trees, good drama all whilst tackling and exploring real life topics such

Julian Murch (Harold Perrineau) is the soft, meek push over, peacemaker, with a big mouth who can’t seem to keep a secret. They say opposites attract because his girlfriend is the force of nature, fiery, over dramatic, manipulative, Sergeant Shelby Taylor (Melissa De Sousa). She is not with the games, completely smothering Murch, keeping him on a tight leash. Unable to discorue self, with the help of the boys he finally puts his foot down, succumbing to lust by the one and only Candy (Regina Hall) the bad gal stripper, who is also super intelligent, Murch being a sucker falls in love instantly..

Malcolm D. Lee stated, “With The final chapter, it’s even more adulting that is going on-everything that happens when you are in the sandwiches years with taking care of your parents, taking care of your kids. You are revaluating your life and who you are, who you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. It’s a lot that goes on at this stage of our life and I wanted to display that.”

Lance is on a Thanos mission collecting women’s golden boxes like infinity stones, but eventually finds his rhythm. Remembering the man he was for Mia is a man he wants to be for his newfound love interest. He is also challenged as a father when he is faced with learning about his son's sexuality.

Harper still can’t seem to get it right, his decision to never fully go there with Jordan seems to still have him wondering what could or what should have been. Coupled with wanting more for life finally succeeding in his professional ambitions but failing considerably in his personal life.

Robin is still on the quest to find herself, which is okay, because they say once you stop learning you are dead, Robin finally knows where she wants to be, and unfortunately, it is not with Harper or in Harlem. She wants to be free in Ghana, the motherland.

Julian explores what it means to be masculine and is on a journey to figuring it out. Learning that part of being masculine is kind and gentle. He soon realises he is “The guy” or more so “That guy.”

Candice is on a mission to prove there are other ways besides the typical route of taking medication to control anxiety. She is determined to prove that there are natural remedies and medicines that can counter anxiety. In exploring this, she is unfortunately faced with a #Metoo moment that she has no choice but to speak up against.

Shelby fights for what she wants real down right & dirty, she pulls out all the stocks. We see a side to her that is vulnerable and soft, which is the complete opposite of her usual character. She also explores her authenticity in order to seek new avenues and grow her brand.

Quentin, Quentin, Quentin, this man is a real true ride or die friend for this circle. He is actually the centre and anchor for this group. Struggling with his own health conditions leading to a stroke, he learns he needs to take his health seriously. You can always count on Quentin to keep it real and tell it like it is, such a valuable character to the show, everybody needs a friend like Quentin.

Jordan is still the heavy hitter she has always been, climbing the ladder to the very top and having her own private penthouse suite in the industry. She realises there is more to life than work. There is more to life than focusing on and chasing your goals. There is living in the moment, taking a second to smell the roses and to prioritise self care & love.

The Best Man had our emotions in a chokehold, we were laughing, smiling & crying at our screens, cherishing the beautiful black wholesome nuances being shown. We too felt a part of their tight knitted family. We watched them grow into adults, no longer in their 20s, they had families & careers. And were still figuring out their lives, which was a great depiction of our many realities. 

It is okay to still be figuring things out, as long as you are moving forward in some form.

Life is about finding & learning yourself. Why? Because you are forever evolving, you are not the same person you were in your 20s, 30s or 50s, and that’s the beauty of life.

Ultimately, The Best Man franchise inspired and built the framework for movies like Why did I get married? 

So, what have movies like The Best Man taught us?

Despite the many difficulties this group had over two decades of friendship, one real thing remained: they are family!

Showing up for each other no matter what, they held each other accountable, no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be. They loved each other so much that it sometimes pushed them apart. Sharing a bond so strong is what got them through difficult life changing times.

There are many lessons one can take from each film and now series, showing up as your authentic self, empowers those around you. 

Being real with yourself about your goals and ambitions from the start of any relationship solves many problems. 

Third, communication is the most important thing for any friendship, relationship or business partnership.

And lastly go BIG or GO home. Your goals are never too ambitious as long as you have drive & discipline.

I wish for us all to experience true friendship and love like our on-screen friends. Having a sisterhood that shows up for you, and you showing up for them throughout every stage of our lives, is what we all deserve.

SO ASK YOURSELF, ARE YOU THE BEST WOMAN YOU COULD BE?