Soul Men (2008)

Soul Men was a film that was racked with problems right from the start. Originally the film kept getting pushed back because of a law suit by the R&B group, Sam & David, which claimed it to be a farce on their life story. The group also accused the producers of copyright infringement for using their style and the title of one of their songs, "Soul Man". The law suit was finally settled and the movie was released in 2008. Then, days before the films release, two of it's stars, Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes, died on back to back days, a tragedy that created a public relations nightmare. For those reasons, this film wasn't widely distributed or advertised, which is a shame because it was one terrific film. The story starts 30 years after a legendary R&B group, Marcus Hooks & The Real Deal, broke up. We see the remaining members, Samuel L. Jackson in trouble with the law, and Bernie Mac, living in a retirement community, when they learn about the sudden death of Hooks. Record executives, quick to capitalize on his death, organize a tribute show at the Apollo in New York, and invite the Real Deal to participate. This means that two men who hate each other and haven't performed in almost 30 years, need to get their act together in a hurry if they want the big pay day and a chance at a come back. The film is an absolute riot, with Mac as the old lonely man and Jackson as the bitter forgotten convict. Their chemistry was nothing short of amazing and the big surprise was that both men can actually sing and dance! Even though they must have said mother f'er about a thousand times, I found the film to be very clever, funny, and original. If it wasn't for all the problems it had, this movie would have done much better than it did and it is without a doubt, worth watching.

A former back-up singer turns car salesman Floyd Henderson (The late Bernie Mac) recently retired somewhere in California. He finds out that the lead singer of their previous soul band Marcus Hooks (John Legend) recently died of a heart attack. Their former manger Mr. Epstein is taking over by his son Danny (Sean Hayes), who wants Floyd to sing for Hooks' tribute concert at the Apollo Theater in New York City. But Danny wants the former second back-up singer turned former criminal Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) to sing at the concert as well. At first, Louis refuses until Floyd convinces him to do the tribute for money. But Louis and Floyd haven't sing for nearly thirty years! There's some personal problems between these two former friends to solved before reaching the tribute concert of the late former colleague.Directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Roll Bounce, Welcome Back Roscoe Jenkins) made an enjoyable loose comedy about music, friendship and redemption. Jackson and Mac are extremely well cast in their roles. They actually sing pretty well with some dance moves. Also this was one of the better roles that Mac got to play before he passed on unexpectedly. In some ways "Soul Men" is "Grumpy Old Men" with soul music and a little "Midnight Run" throw in for good measure. No one could curse vulgarity as funny as Jackson and Mac would say.The DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The DVD has a lively audio commentary track by the director and screenwriters Matthew Stone & Robert Ramsey. The DVD also has plenty of short featurettes of behind the scenes footage, interviews with the cast & filmmakers and tributes to the late Bernie Mac and Oscar-Winner Issac Hayes (Also his last film in a brief supporting role). The only two things are missing from the DVD is Deleted Scenes and Outtakes, which the filmmakers mention in the commentary track that a couple of sequences were cut. "Soul Men" was a box office disappointment and the film critics has mixed opinions but it will certainly found an audiences an Blu-ray/DVD and on television... sooner or later. Die-Hard fans of Jackson and especially Mac will have a blast with this movie. Jennifer Coolidge in a small memorable supporting part (Best known as Stifler's Mom in the "American Pie" series) has an genuinely funny sequences with Mac. This has a pretty good soundtrack as well. Certainly worth a look. Super 35. (*** 1/2 out of *****).

Im not the least surprised that the rating for this movie is low. Im not the least surprised that IMDb reviewers only complain about excessive violence and profanity when it comes to black films(as if they never saw a Quentin Tarantino film in their life!). Hmmmmmmm,interesting. At any rate, Soul Men is a moderately funny movie with some heart.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!!!

I had a chance to see an advance screening of Soul Men and I must say it's a highly enjoyable comedy that's a true testament to the comedic skills of both Samuel L. Jackson and the late great Bernie Mac. The trailer pretty much explains the plot, so there's no need to go into detail here but I will say that more than music the film for me was about the friendship between the characters portrayed by Mac & Jackson. Jackson who in my opinion has never handled lead comedic roles very well has a chance to shine here. As for Mac in his last role he's in top form and the comedic chemistry of the two is reminiscent of the Bill Cosby & Sidney Poitter vehicles of the seventies. As for the supporting roles Affion Crockett has a few scene stealing moments and the lovely Sharon Leal continues to make a name for herself. The direction by Malcolm D. Lee is sharp and on par with his previous films Roll Bounce & Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, while the script by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone is the duo's best script since 1999's Life. Watching the end credits of the film which is a heart warming tribute to Mac we given in a chance to look into a man who was more than a comic but an entertainer who loved his craft. Soul Men is a film filled with plenty of soul and is easily one of Mac's best films.