Soul Men (2008)

"Soul Men," a 2008 release, is a musical comedy road picture, with a template of sadness behind it. It stars more frequent action hero, Samuel L. Jackson, and the late Bernie Mac. It was written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone, and directed by Malcolm Lee, noted American filmmaker Spike Lee's kid brother. Jackson plays Louis Hinds; Mac, Floyd Henderson. Together, they were once "The Real Deal," popular soul singers, and released a single record album. But it's been decades since they were together. Then the death of the supposedly legendary Marcus Hooks (John Legend), once their lead singer, gives them a very good reason to reunite: there's to be a memorial concert at New York's famous Apollo Theater, at which they've been invited to sing. It might just jump start their fallow singing careers.

So, quick as you can say Jackie Robinson, it becomes a road picture, as the quarreling ex-colleagues jump into a Cadillac in California, with four days to reach New York. There is lots of grumbling and fighting, and, be warned if it bothers you, a great deal of obscene language: with m-----f----in almost every scene. Along the road, they will bump up against Rosalee, played by Jennifer Coolidge, in a distasteful sexist interlude that I could have done without. Also Cleo (Sharon Leal, Dreamgirls ), who is supposedly the daughter of one of the leads; they're initially not sure which; Lester (Affion Crockett), Cleo's none too bright, abusive boyfriend; Danny Epstein (Sean Hayes), their new manager, and Philip, (Adam Herschman), Epstein's gofer. Towards the end of the picture we meet the late great funk/soul musician Isaac Hayes, playing himself.

Hayes is very visibly ill and weak he is used to do little more than walk across the screen. And I wish the producers had spent more money on the actors playing Philip (Herschman) and Cleo (Leal): they appear in many scenes, and granted, Leal is certainly pretty enough and sings very well; but they don't bring much to the screen.

However, the charismatic leads do bring a lot to their parts. Their comic timing is spot-on; Jackson's a good straight man, yet he can both pitch and catch: go know. The singing is fine, and the movie boasts a nice sound track of 1970's funk/soul hits. All in all, it's an enjoyable film. And, while it is the last film appearance of Mac and Hayes, I can recommend it as worth seeing for more than curiosity. Nevertheless, at film's post script, as the final credits roll, the interviews with Mac and Hayes are likely to bring tears to your eyes: they did to mine.

What can I say but simply Hilarious! These two guys put together was just perfect! There was never a dull moment with them! I've always loved Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac (Bernie is missed greatly!) this movie never made alot of attention but it should have cause this is one of the best comedy movies I've seen in a long time!

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This movie is so funny that it had me and my family crying

from laughter, holding onto our sides and rocking

back & forth in our chairs!

This is a fitting tribute to the comic genius of the

late great Bernie Mac, who had such chrisma and that good ol'

down home humor like a crazy uncle who always comes to the

family reunions and lights it up!

He's in great form here and it seems to me, a bit reflective,

as if he knew that this would be his last statement to the world!

If you watch the special features, you'll see what I mean.

Samuel Jackson plays the grizzled world-weary sidekick with finesse!

He and Mac shared a great chemistry and comraderie and boy, it shows!

The supporting cast all pulled their weight too and delivered

funny moments as well. Also, this movie was the swan song for

one of the latter 20th Century's great musical minds...

The Black Moses...Issac Hayes!!

In the late 60's thru early 70's, he was a musical & cultural

force to be reckoned with!--Later he proved himself to be

a good actor, and of course the younger generations knew him

as the voice of "Chef" from the now iconic "Southpark".

It's uncanny that both he and Bernie Mac passed away right

after this movie was finished, on the exact same weekend!

Well, if ever there was a time capsule for these two..here it is!

Hayes' music is featured throughout as well.

This is definitely one to add to your collection.

RIP BERNIE MAC (1957-2008) and Issac Hayes (1942-2008)

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I was kind of skeptical about seeing this movie because usually when an actor or comic passes on their last movie is questionable but Soul Men is one of the few exceptions.

The story chronicles Lewis Hinds(Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd Henderson(Bernie Mac)two members of the group "Real Deal". Floyd pays a visit to Lewis after the death of a soul singer legend Marcus Hooks(played by John Legend) to perform at an event at the Apollo because they believe they can get paid. Lewis is still bitter with Floyd about an incident involving his former wife. They reluctantly team up and go performing state to state before they reach the Apollo.

I wont say that I always laughed but there are plenty of times where I laughed especially with the interaction between Bernie Mac's character and Samuel Jackson's character. Cleo's bumbling, abusive boyfriend Lester(Affion Crockett) had some funny moments too. Both Floyd and Lewis's misadventures are humorous also. There are times when i laughed and times where I smiled. Lewis's interaction with Cleo(played by the attractive Sharon Leal who somewhat resembles Kerry Washington) was sweet. The songs Lewis and Floyd sung were cool and they seem to have a ball performing them and not phoning in their performances(like some entertainers tend to do). Its a shame that Bernie Mac passed before the release of this film. He would have been proud of the final product because the movie was pretty good.

REST IN PEACE BERNIE MAC, ISAAC HAYES and RUDY RAY MOORE!!!

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I'm a huge fan of Bernie Mac and this has got to be his best work ever! This movie is what you would call a real laugh out loud till your sides ache comedy!

Bernice Mac and Samuel L. Jackson are both ex-soul singers who only put out one record back in the seventies and went their separate ways there after. Due to the death of their previous lead singer they are asked to perform at his funeral and are therefore asked to reunite, even though they are not on the best of terms.

Even though I really enjoyed this movie greatly, I must warn everyone there is a considerable amount of adult scenes in the movie and a prolific use of abusive language (m*****f***er) in almost every scene... I think they would have even worked that word into the title if they could!

The movie does a great 70's soundtrack which I really enjoyed especially the one when they first hit the road!

A great comedy, there is not denying that at all, but it could have done with less obscenity!

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