Plot: What’s it about?
We all have our skeletons in the closet, but it’s not always wise to write a novel about them. That is exactly what Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) does in “The Best Man”. Diggs plays an upcoming young author, who has just been offered a deal as an “Oprah” book club selection of the month, with things looking good all that needs help is his social life. Off he goes to New York (from Chicago) to be the Best Man in his best friend’s wedding and all is going well until he learns that everyone has a preview copy of his book. It’s not all about the book though…The whole movie takes place over a weekend leading up to the wedding, and Harper has an opportunity to meet up with some of his old pals from college. There’s his “almost” lover Jordan, who is just as successful as Harper but twice as driven. There’s Quentin and Mirch who are dealing with their bossy, overprotective girlfriends and still stuggling in college…respectively. Finally, there’s Lance. Lance is Harper’s best friend and the groom to be. Lance also happens to be a star football player who has just been signed to a new contract. When all the “catching up” is done, there’s still two issues that are left to bother Harper…first, why and how did so many people get a preview copy of his book, and will Lance (the groom) figure out what the book says in so many words (Hint: future bride to be + Harper = Trouble)? While the story tries to concentrate on the four friends and their independent lives, it’s really all about Harper and Jordan (maybe that’s why their the stars of the movie). As usual, things culminate and push comes to shove (literally), but it all works out in the end…right? The Best Man is a movie that I was curious to see, it received very high critical acclaim. The acting is superb and it’s a very good storyline, even though we have been deluged with movies about weddings in recent years. I felt I could relate to a few of the characters, and I heartily recommend a viewing if you’re so inclined. The Best Man does not disappoint.
Video: How does it look?
Perfect. I really don’t know how a picture could be any better. Edges are sharp, very natrual fleshtones, no artifacting of any kind at any point in the movie and no shimmering. This is how DVD’s are supposed to look. Period.
Audio: How does it sound?
Universal is on a kick of putting out Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 soundtracks on their newer movies, and I couldn’t be happier. Initially I listened to the DTS and was very impressed, nothing that says “Notice me!”, but both are very natural sounding soundtracks that reflect the feel and mood of the movie. I would have to give the edge to the DTS soundtrack, as it has more of a “rich” feel. What exactly is a “rich” feel, you ask? I really don’t know, an overall depth to the soundtrack. Either of the soundtracks will suffice, but if you have a choice, go with the DTS.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Just a few steps shy of Special Edition status…Along with the two 5.1 soundtracks, you get a Showtime “Spotlight on Location” that has some behind the scenes footage, production notes, two music videos, cast bios and 6 “semi-hidden” trailers, one of which is for the movie itself. Overall, I would say that The Best Man is a very nice disc and one that I’ll be watching again in years to come. Check it out.
