The Best Man Holiday had an impressive opening weekend, almost edging out Thor for a box office victory but Twitter was buzzing with comments mocking the USA Today headline that labeled the sequel a “race-themed film”.
“’Holiday’ Nearly Beat ‘Thor’ as Race-Themed Films Soar” was the original headline given to the box-office race resulting in Thor nabbing the top spot with $38.4 million as the sequel pulled in $30.5 million, earning back the $17 million budget and then some.
Malcolm D. Lee’s sequel reassembled the original cast to reprise their roles in the sequel and tackle more emotional territory. During a week-long massive promotional push the actors highlighted universal themes of “friendship, family and loyalty” among a group of friends that happened to be black. Instead of including the Best Man Holiday in the romantic comedy genre, the movie was lumped as race-themed. USA Today’s article also includes mentions of the success Fruitvale Station and The Butler, movies with predominately black casts. The headline and article threw movie-goers for a loop and they took their concerns to Twitter.
“Wait– #BestManHoliday is a race themed movie? I thought it was a sequel to ensemble movie about a group of friends…” Elon James White said via Twitter.
Noah’s Arc filmmaker Patrik-Ian Polk tweeted, “Dear @USATODAY: Just say ‘black’. Sincerely, @PatrikIanPolk”
USA Today ultimately edited the headline, resulting in “’Best Man Holiday’ Nearly Beats Mighty ‘Thor.’”