CBUCK

The Best Man is a very entertaining romantic comedy. The ensemble cast clicks and clashes with one another at just the right moments. Taye Diggs's character, Harper, is charming and charismatic, but WHY would he write a book that causes pain to those close to him? Is it to enlighten his friends or to reveal his own frailties? Perhaps, a little of both.

There is a good mix of very funny and also intense emotional moments and the audience is captured; cheering some of the cast and hissing others. It's quite uncanny that transformation occurs for certain characters especially when it's needed. Terrence Howard's character, Quentin, is a prime example. At the beginning of the film Quentin is basically a guy who lacks direction and propriety in his behavior. Over the course of the film, he becomes the voice of wisdom and the glue that holds it together for those closest to him.

Malcolm Lee's directorial debut is quite admirable in this well paced, universally appealing film. Don't miss it.

"Red Violin" is a musically expressive film. The history of the main character, the "Red Violin", flashes back and forward, spanning years and centuries. I liked the fact that a character from the old past foretells the instrument's future. The compelling violin music heard and played throughout the film strongly communicates the passion, pain and obsession associated with the instrument and its owners.

Because of the vivid flashback sequences, the audience has to sense that the instrument cannot wind up in inappropriate hands; otherwise the spirit guiding its journey would be betrayed. The film's imaginative ending fits.

This is a delightful coming-of-age film. It's urban based but I think all young people can relate to something in the flashbacks told in this film. The ensemble cast is very charming and while you should dislike some of the characters, you just can't. The fast forward to the reluctant bridegroom and the bond that he has with his buddies is another plus. Go see this film.