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Malcolm D Lee, as the cousin of Spike, has more to live up to than most first-time writer/directors. His debut, a funny but barbed romantic comedy, is enjoyable enough to sidestep allegations of nepotism (Spike nabs a credit as producer), but Lee's obviously better in front of a word processor than he is behind a megaphone. The spark of the dialogue is not matched by that of the camera: the film looks very flat and the comic relief, although providing a couple of drop-your-pop-corn-laughing moments, is too cartoonish to sustain dramatic tension.
But, while he may need a lesson in using a dolly, Lee does elicit a bunch of superb performances from his young cast. Terrence Howard is both menacing and charming as wayward casanova Quentin, and Morris Chestnut is particularly impressive as Lance. Best known for playing the unfortunate, lead-chewing Ricky Baker in Boyz N The Hood, his immense physical presence (brick shithouse) give the scenes in which he deals with his betrayal a frightening sense of simmering, under-the surface violence.
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.
