After nearly a 15-year hiatus, Hollywood saw a triumphant return to a fan-favorite host of characters with The Best Man Holiday. The phrase, “fan-favorite” is not used lightly here, seeing that the film raked in an estimated $30.6 million giving superhero blockbuster Thor: The Dark World a serious run for its money.
While the numbers didn’t shock the moviegoers who were delighted to not only see their beloved characters from the first film reunited, USA Today made some rather controversial statements regarding its African-American theme. The outrage has since subsided, allowing the cast and fans to resume celebrating The Best Man Holiday for what it is: a damn good movie.
The lovely Nia Long reprised her role as corporate ladder-climber, Jordan Armstrong and she took a few moments out of her business schedule to speak with Hip-Hop Wired about her role in film and how it will live on several Christmases from now.
15 years could quell any level of enthusiasm but for Mrs. Long, her reaction was quite the opposite. “I was very excited,” she recollects with Hip-Hop Wired. “I think having a 15 year gap between the original film and the sequel to come back into the role of “Jordan” was a good thing and I realize now how much more strength and confidence I was able to bring to the character as a result. I think our audience has grown up with us and there is a curiosity in terms of where these characters are now in their lives.”
Long’s portrayal of the Jordan Armstrong showcases the challenge of a successful Black woman’s juggling of happiness and success–with all the keen fashion sense to boot. Ironically, Black Opal cosmetics created a specific line of lipstick named Dynamo for “Jordan” in the film.
Movies involving holiday themes tend to live on in DVD players for years to come simply for the nostalgia factor. The Best Man Holiday and its cast of complex characters may prove to be so much more that. “I think our sequel is an overall, feel good, romantic comedy that everyone will enjoy,” continued Long. “It celebrates family, friendship and love, which will resonate with all film audiences.”
The Best Man Holiday is currently playing in theaters now.
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Photo: FayesVision/WENN.com
