Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent thriller glorifies guns, pot, drinking; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Best Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
At a remote luxury resort, the wedding of the daughter of a business tycoon is interrupted by terrorists who want to hold the guests for ransom. With the kingpin intent on hunting down the bride (Nicky Whelan) and her father, the groom (Luke Wilson), THE BEST MAN (Brendan Fehr), and a wedding guest (Dolph Lundgren) must use their skills as special ops soldiers to save the hostages -- and themselves.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Shane Dax Taylor delivers exactly what viewers who seek out generic action thrillers want: a simple plot, elaborate suspense, and a high body count. When a villain callously orders his minions to use assault weapons to murder the resort's innocent kitchen staff, it's a demonstration that the screenwriters are less concerned with story than with glorifying gun violence. That said, while the script is ridiculous, Taylor's filmmaking skills are decent, and he does create some suspenseful moments that will have audiences holding their breath. And while the perpetually relaxed Wilson may seem like an odd casting choice for an action hero, it's surprisingly delightful to see him pull it off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Best Man. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
Does the way the movie's female characters are depicted uphold or defy stereotypes? Why is positive representation important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 21, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : April 21, 2023
- Cast : Luke Wilson , Brendan Fehr , Dolph Lundgren
- Director : Shane Dax Taylor
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language and brief drug use
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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