Soul Men (2008) User Reviews

Double Mac and Jackson please!

[intelearts · 7/10 · 25 January 2009]

Soul Man is was it is... crude, rude, and genuinely funny. It has two of the hardest working actors in showbiz - the late great Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson as two has been soul stars on a road trip to a funeral / tribute concert of the late great Marcus Hook (John Legend).

This is comedy at full speed, it makes no apologies and takes no prisoners - but is also genuinely full of laughs.

All in all I think Mac wouldn't mind this being his last movie - never a man for great subtlety here the pair look like they had a lot of fun making this and the best bits are the improv off-script rants.

It's no comedic masterpiece, and the plot is cheesy, and the whole thing is just a beer and pizza adventure - but you have to admire the energy and fun.

A fitting tribute to Bernie Mac who loved life and people and was a very very, very hard-working stand-up comic.

both flawed and irresistible road-comedy-musical

[Quinoa1984 · 7/10 · 7 November 2008]

There is a better reason to see Soul Men than for the obvious hype of it being Bernie Mac's near-last performance (he has one other film listed on IMDb for release next year) and Isaac Hayes's last screen appearance (the latter isn't a real performance, not like Chef for example). And that is for the two stars, on their own and together, and how well they play off of one another as a foul-mouthed, sardonic and occasionally, really ill-tempered duo. Even if Mac hadn't died his performance here would still be just as noteworthy, if not, of course, now almost sadly ironic considering the nature of tribute and remembrance as shown in the movie to classic R&B and reconciliation. He was a genuine comic talent, both in acting and especially on stage with stand-up (he's still my favorite of all the Original Kings of Comedy), and only sometimes like on his TV show or in something like Bad Santa could he show off his stuff.

Thankfully, he has a great co-lead to work off of, as Samuel L. Jackson, too, has a really adept comic timing and way of bending around the script when it can work best. Which, of course, is most fitting considering the moments that lag in the script. It's about two back-up singers who recorded one album, The Real Deal, and then broke up for thirty years. That is until their lead singer (John Legend) dies, and they have to team up again to perform at his funeral at the Apollo theater. Along the way there's some shenanigans, mostly sex-related (Jennifer Coolidge has no teeth for a certain act!), and some wounds that open up about past relationships, leading up to the revelation of a long-long daughter. That the time spent of actually coming to grips with having a daughter- both for the father and the daughter, plus the daughter's natural knack for performing- is too brief goes without saying as one of the flaws of the movie.

And, yes, while I could admit that some parts are too over the top or slapstick-like, and I can see perfectly clear the turns and twists the plot takes from countless other road/buddy/musicals (not the least of which, in the sense of outlaw-luck, the Blues Brothers), it's still always enjoyable and sometimes really, really funny. The director, Malcolm Lee, understands how to get raucous and unpretentious comic situations and, more importantly, how to let the actors just go on their own beats to find something that works (his also good, not great, comedy Undercover Brother had this along with the throwback aspect). And it's all the better that the comedy works- yes, even unbelievable stuff like the thug living with the daughter who keeps coming back after the Real Deal- because the music is pleasantly on spot; Mac and Jackson score points here too as natural singing and performing types for these characters. They fit the bill 100%.

So, as both a tribute to a fallen comedian and to that previous generation of super-cool R&B and Motown music, Soul Men scores. It's nothing entirely to write home about, but it's hard not to bust a gut at/with a lot of it.

Its A Funny Movie!

[damianphelps · 6/10 · 17 December 2020]

These are some smoooooth dudes!

Great little film that has good music and good laughs, the first comeback show is hilarious.

There is not a lot that needs to be said here...if you enjoy the actors, like good music and a laugh then this is a YES :)

A nice film : R.I.P Bernie Mac

[cosmyin2004 · 7/10 · 26 January 2009]

This film is somewhat a good film, it surprises me with nice jokes and good old school songs. By the way the voices in the songs are their own and may I add are good musical voices, original ones :D. I gave it 7 * mostly because of Bernie. S.L. Jackson played very well,tough as usual.Nevertheless a film to see with your family on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, a film about friendship,at least the last part :P, friends sometimes find them hating each other,for different reasons, but love finally conquers all, doesn't it ?????. Cool ending! I recommend this movie for the people who don't expect the terrible laugh of another tipical comedy.P.S. Rest in peace Bernie!Loved your films, your are one of the Kings of Comedy

Good old odd-couple comedy !

[elshikh4 · 22 March 2012]

Set back and relax, because you're in for a ride. I think I didn't say these corny terms in a review before, but you know what, it's the time to say it, while meaning a good thing too.

This is a good old odd couple buddy comedy, written as a kind of musical road movie. I loved the script. It made good riot along the way, with nice games too (the matter of your daughter, my daughter. I'm so sick, you're so sick, etc). The comic lines were many and slick. However, you have to feel that the comedy was lesser than the potential of the story, and the cast. For instance, it didn't need to bare some actor to make laughs, what it did need was less easy, less cheap handling than that!

(Bernie Mac) and (Samuel L. Jackson) are perfect. And maybe more perfect with each other. I wasn't a (Bernie Mac) fan until this movie by the way (very late I know!). Everything about him here is adorable, and I'm not talking out of nostalgia caused by his death. Look at the way he laughs that sarcastic, extremely idiot, laugh, or look at his crying over canceling his performance; OK, that moment was historical; I mean his only competitor would be (James Dean) in East of Eden (1955) through another crying scene. (Mac) portrayed pain there as it should be.

The selection of songs did wonderfully. And the 2 leads' performance wasn't less wonderful. I have never imagined that (Mac) and (Jackson) could sing this catchy. The climax of this movie's fun remains in the scene inside the coffin; that was both hilarious and sentimental.

Now, to the problems. Hmmm, not many though. Sure the ocean of the F words. I don't think that black people, as they look in Hollywood movies, swear in this superabundant way, and I don't think that it serves any comedy or drama, and I don't think that our ears are supposed to be trash boxes for that matter. The F words, with its derivatives, run boringly and nastily while consuming them non-stop. The nudity is, as always and forever, degenerate and disgusting . The back projections, with the desert image, seemed too fake. Then, (Mac) was 50 year old, which makes him at least 10 years younger than his character. That was clear from the start, especially with the presence of someone older and fitter for his character like (Jackson) who was 60 year old.

It was called with names like "having unoriginal script", lacking more comic situations, and ending pretty fast. But despite this or that, it worked, managing eventually to be delightful and colorful time on screen. And although (Soul Men) is 2 men show, but (Mac) was the one who stole it meritoriously.

Lacks a Heart, But Delivers Laughter, Good Music, and a Cheerful Soul.

[onelegobuilder · 7/10 · 7 November 2008]

*Does Contain Spoilers, Be Careful*

Just to clear things up I am not scoring this high because of Bernie Mac's last performance. This is a very well written story about two former musicians who travel from California to New York to do a reunion concert after their former band leader split up with them and died years later. I couldn't stop laughing and neither could the 12 people in the theater. Mac now a retiree and Samuel L. Jackson an auto mechanic reluctantly agree to travel together doing performances across the country. They haven't performed together in 30 years.

Both actors have terrific singing voices and its hard not to laugh at the vulgar dialogue that comes courtesy of Samuel L. Jackson. He sounds like his past characters in "Jackie Brown" and "Pulp Fiction." Mac and Jackson who although swear a lot, are portrayed as sympathetic characters. They are estranged because of a woman they both fought over years ago in Memphis, Tennessee. The twenty-something daughter of that woman soon joins their tour after her abusive and dimwitted boyfriend forces her out. He was one silly character who may have stayed in the film 15 minutes too long. Plus a low level talent agent who becomes Mac and Jackson's manager while on the road. There is at least one distasteful scene where Mac takes an aged bar woman (Jennifer Coolidge) into his hotel room. Trouble awaits him the next morning while meeting Jackson with a different woman.

If the director didn't aim at such gratuitous gags, and F-Bombs every 5 seconds it might have been a comedy with a heart. There is one scene where the duo dance to the car radio and sing a song called "I'm Your Puppet." The last scene is the last stage performance which closes the show with just a few text captions saying what happens subsequently. I won't spoil it. Make sure to catch Isacc Hayes in voice and person in the film's second half. The only real heart the film displays is a memorial tribute to Hayes and Mac. It shows during the end credits, Mac giving an interview of his life and ambitions, blooper reel, Mac doing a Stand-up routine, voice work in the sound booth, and a nice photo of Mac and Hayes with the words "Dedicated to Bernie Mac and Isacc Hayes." Both of them shall be dearly missed.

One more time Bernie.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 18 December 2022]

Last movie from Bernie Mac, a great comedian that will be missed by everybody. His stand-up comedies were great, his show The Bernie Mac Show went on for a long time but was very funny and never got boring. Different comedies like Bad Santa will forever remain in my favourites. For this last movie Bernie Mac forms a duo with Samuel L. Jackson and that worked out very well. There's a good chemistry between them, it' was enjoyable to watch. Soul Men might not be the funniest of his movies but it was good to watch him one more time. Even if there was a bit too much singing in my opinion, it's still good enough. Rest in peace Bernie, you brought a lot of smiles to people faces.

Bittersweet

[dbborroughs · 6/10 · 17 November 2008]

Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson star as two legendary singers who reunite when the man they backed up dies. Getting together to travel across the country they are forced to confront the past and themselves.

Nominally a comedy I found this to be a very bitter sweet film with a few laughs and a great deal of sadness. This is a film about the road not taken, the detours forced upon us and the effort we sometimes we have to make to get back on track.I found it more a drama then a comedy with both Jackson and Mac in fine form. It is so good to watch Jackson at work when he has someone to work with and not devour the screen alone (Jumpers anyone?). I don't know why I found this so sad. I don't think its because of the death of Bernie Mac, rather I think its just the way things are handled with the concerns fears and predicaments of the two ex-partners ringing abnormally true to life. Its a good film and I liked it, but as I keep saying I found it rather sad.

And that was before the double whammy of the end credits where we see Bernie talking about his life and career intercut with him clowning on the set. Its clear that he death was a great loss. Additionally when the Mac segment is over we hear Isaac Hayes singing "Never Can Say Goodbye", the effect coupled with the dedication of the film to Mac and Hayes is likely to bring a tear to your eyes.

A good film worth a look at some point.

"It ain't over till its over"

[Newsense · 10/10 · 2 January 2009]

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!!!

The butch and Sundance of Soul men

[paudieconnolly · 7/10 · 12 April 2023]

From the first lap and cry we all going to die Louis hinds Played by Samuel L Jackson co-starring , the brilliant Bernie Mac You didn't need a script you didn't need a supporting cast you didn't even need a director. If you would put these two guys into a car and just let them drive with a dash cam. You would've hours of endless comedy magic the chemistry between them it's so good that it makes you sad we won't see it again. RIP Bernie Mac. Add to it as supporting cast including Mike Epps John Legend and Isaac Hayes has himself & Jennifer Coolidge narrated by Randy Jackson. It's just simple easy fun Filled Road trip that doesn't take itself seriously plenty laughs to be had. The film is far from a classic but certainly worth viewing for the chemistry between the Leads.

A Too-Tired Tale

[OutsideHollywoodLand · 2/10 · 2 February 2010]

Bernie Mac's final appearance in a feature film should have been a joy to watch, something to delight and surprise. Unfortunately, the surprises in this movie are predictable. Usually his material is snappier and his delivery more genuinely robust. Here he looks thin and haggard; struggling with the light-weight fare hashed-out by writers Ramsey and Stone. Another surprise is Samuel L. Jackson's lackluster performance, which in some strange way outshines his co-star. It doesn't help that the two stars are stuck with a story line that's even more tired than their acting.

The genuine delight here is the energetic efforts of Affion Crockett, playing Sharon Leal's wannabe gangster rapper boyfriend, Lester. He handles his dialog with such clueless chaos that he makes his unsympathetic character almost endearing – no small feat for this thankless movie.

The theme of Soul Men is the unlikely reunion of a singing team of sparring partners, financially and emotionally down on their luck, conned into performing at a memorial concert for their fallen (and despised) band member. Louis and Floyd are at home on the stage, crooning and gliding in sync, just like the old days (with a few glitches along the way). One song by the late and great Issac Hayes is worth listening to, during the closing credits (Why wait until the end to play such a lovely song?).

Of course there's the standard supporting cast of white characters, portrayed as stupid, dumb or an astounding combination of the two. They, like Jackson and Mac, deliver their lines dutifully. An especially tasteless scene involving a white mother and daughter groupie duo signaled that Soul Men slid into the trash can effortlessly. Clearly, when I want to fondly remember Bernie Mac, I'll have to catch reruns of his beloved TV series, "The Bernie Mac Show".

A soulful comedy for all tastes

[DunnDeeDaGreat · 10/10 · 7 November 2008]

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.

Regular....

[RosanaBotafogo · 6/10 · 21 May 2020]

It is not my thing, despite the charismatic duo, the jokes didn't work, forced, the drama got even more interesting, the cool musical, but the film did not infect me...

Bernie Mac Deserved A Better Send Off . . .

[zardoz-13 · 4/10 · 18 November 2008]

Samuel L. Jackson and the late comedian Bernie Mac team up as blues singers in "Undercover Brother" director Malcolm D. Lee's new movie "Soul Men" (** out of ****), a raunchy, R-rated, musical comedy that co-stars late rhythm & blues legend Isaac Hayes. The camaraderie between the cantankerous Jackson and the comedic Mac surpasses their half-witted shenanigans as they embark on a cross-country trip to pay tribute to a dead lead singer with whom they once shared the limelight. Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone's episodic script trots out all the obligatory jokes about Viagra, rectal exams, and infidelity. Our heroes emerge from obscurity and find redemption and success where they least expected. Ironically, "Soul Men" fares better as a drama about two washed-up blues brothers struggling to make a comeback than as a comedy of errors. Although neither Jackson nor Mac can tote a tune in a bucket, they conjure up more than enough charisma to compensate for their lack of vocal talent. Basically, "Soul Men" boils down to an African-American spin on "The Sunshine Boys" meet "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" with a hefty part of the plot taking place in Memphis, Tennessee.

"Soul Men" unfolds like a VH-1 music documentary as we learn about the soul trio Marcus Hooks and the Real Deal. These fellas start out warbling on Memphis street corners and wind up in the big time. Eventually, Marcus (Johnny Legend, a.k.a. John Stephens) abandons his back-up singers, Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson of "Pulp Fiction") and Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac of "Transformers"), to pursue a solo career. Marcus finds fame, but our heroes—the Real Deal—burn out as one-hit wonders. Creative differences drive them apart in 1979 and they go their separate ways. Floyd reaps greater monetary fame promoting an L.A. car wash with bikini-clad babes soaping up bumpers, while Louis botches a bank robbery and serves time in prison.

"Soul Men" shifts from the past to the present. Floyd finds himself put out to pasture in a luxurious retirement village by his goofy son Duane (Mike Epps of "Next Friday") who has taken over his father's business. Predictably, Floyd gets bored playing golf and has to gobble Viagra galore to keep up with a voluptuous neighbor who wants his body more than his soul. Floyd suffers from insomnia. One night while watching television, he learns that Marcus has died during a concert performance in Stockholm. No sooner does Floyd hear about this tragedy than record label owner Danny Epstein (Sean Hayes of "The Bucket List") rings him up. Epstein wants Floyd and Louis to perform at Marcus' tribute at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Naturally, Floyd leaps at the offer and looks up Louis.

Louis, on the other hand, doesn't jump at the offer. Out on parole, Louis toils as a mechanic and lives in hopeless squalor. After a tough day at the garage, Louis comes home to his depressing apartment to find Floyd rummaging through his things. Before Floyd can say something, Louis decks him with a right cross to the jaw that crumples Floyd to the floor. When he recovers, Floyd tries to reason with Louis and begs him to appear at the Apollo so that he can reboot their blues singing career. Louis flatly refuses until Floyd tells him that they can pick up an easy twenty grand. Shrewd, cynical Louis reluctantly agrees to join Floyd, but only if Floyd gives Louis sixty per cent of the split and they drive across country rather than fly.

A frustrated Floyd caves in to Louis' demands. They hit the road in a lime-green Cadillac and do a series of one-night performances at motel lounges across Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma. Things get complicated along the way when they try to visit an old girlfriend, discover that she is dead, and meet her beautiful daughter, Cleo (Sharon Leal of "Dreamgirls"), who contends with an abusive boyfriend. Louis and Floyd rescue her from the boyfriend, Lester (Affion Crockett of "Compton Cowboy"), and she accompanies them. She finds her voice as a blues singer on the road. When our heroes chill in Memphis, local sensation Isaac Hayes offers Cleo a contract. While things soar from Cleo, everything goes south for our protagonists. Louis and Floyd get into trouble, end up in jail, and then Floyd pulls a real boner. The Memphis Police release Floyd, but they hold Louis since he has violated his parole. Floyd realizes he cannot sing solo at the Apollo, so he breaks his old partner out of jail. The surveillance camera footage makes the news. Now, our heroes are the object of a nation-wide manhunt, so when they arrive in Harlem, they have to dodge the N.Y.P.D.

Predictably, everything works out. "Soul Men" qualifies as neither a great movie nor a good movie, more like a minor movie. However, you cannot take your eyes off either Samuel L. Jackson or Bernie Mac when they do their routines. They spend most of the film's 100 minute running time hurling hardcore expletives at each other. Depending on your sense of humor, you'll either hurt yourself laughing when they badmouth each other or you will hang your head in despair. Jackson and Mac are fun to watch, especially when they don their flashy outfits and perform choreographed dance numbers. Isaac Hayes pretty much plays himself in a subplot. Bernie Mac deserved a better film than "Soul Men" to conclude his career. Spike Lee's younger brother director Malcolm D. Lee wraps up the film with a tribute to Mac's career.

Excellent Movie

[redmms5 · 10/10 · 7 November 2008]

I just returned from seeing "Soul Men". I laughed so hard. Samuel L Jackson is such a versatile actor. I love him in so many movies. Sam and Bernie played well off each other. And please stay for the credits because there is some scenes of Bernie being interviewed and doing his comedy act. He uses the f word in his act.

It was very funny seeing Sam in corn rows and with the gray in them. That alone is worth seeing.

It was very nice that they dedicated the movie to Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes who died one day apart from each other. They will both be missed.

Samuel keep on making these wonderful movies.

Too crude and filthy for most audiences, but it does have some funny moments.

[TxMike · 13 April 2009]

The premise is, a trio from the 1970s had broken up years ago, but the lead singer just died at age 63. As a tribute to him his two back-up singers are asked to travel to the Apollo in NYC to be part of this tribute. They had not spoken in years, no longer were in any kind of shape to perform, but on the promise of a $40,000 payday they head east in a car.

Samuel L. Jackson is Louis Hinds, one of the two men. The late Bernie Mac is Floyd Henderson, the other man. They are clearly hostile towards each other and we soon find out it is because of a woman, a former back-up singer, that both of them had romanced, but she is now deceased.

On their trip with was anything but "uneventful" they make a stop to beg money from the former lover, not knowing she had died. There they meet Sharon Leal as Cleo, the woman's daughter. And, she happens to be an age where one of the men may be her dad.

A funny side man is curly-haired Adam Herschman as Phillip, an entertainment intern who is given the task of seeing that the men get to NYC. The entertainment boss is deftly played by Sean Hayes as Danny Epstein.

The movie has some funny moments but has far too much crude and filthy language for most mainstream audiences. My wife refused to watch it, but I did because I like the actors.

SPOILERS: First off there was no $40,000 payday, that was just what Floyd told Louis to get him to make the trip. Second, it turns out that Cleo is Louis' daughter and he is indigent because he had arranged years ago to have all his royalties from past recordings to go to her for her welfare. But all three of them make it to the Apollo and perform, with Cleo making her singing debut.

Disappointing

[mrc5555 · 4/10 · 5 March 2009]

This movie could have been really good. This movie should have been really good. Instead, it was a waste of the considerable talents of both Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac.

This movie has the same premise as The Sunshine Boys and did start off very promising. The problem with it comes in the almost non-stop crude comedy bits that really don't add anything to the story.

I will say that the pay-off are the parts where the two leads perform as their characters. They did an excellent job in that part of the role, but the writing of the rest of the movie just didn't bring out any of their talents.

I did get a kick out of the homage to The Blues Brothers near the end of the movie.

Pretty decent comedy

[mbaughman-3 · 8/10 · 8 November 2008]

I was not expecting a very good movie, but this turned out to be pretty well done. The plot was an old story, but they did a very good job keeping it fresh and not distractingly predictable. This would have been awful in the hands of anybody other than Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson. Mac's expressions and his earnestness in selling a gag are irrepressible and Jackson knows when to be a straight man and when to deliver something special. Another re-write and some stronger direction would have made this a classic.

During credits they run extended outtakes and an interview with Mac and it is handled with love and respect and it took the potentially creepy feeling of "their last appearance" away.

Soul Men is comedy gold.

[DarkVulcan29 · 9/10 · 17 November 2008]

It's not just a comedy, it's a tribute to our favorite soul men, Issac Hayes and Bernie Mac. Bernie Mac for his in your face style of comedy. And Hayes for his soulful singing voice, and his best remembered as the Duke in Escape From New York(1981), and has the voice of the chief on South Park. It a real sadness that there not with us anymore. But we'll always remember you Issac Hayes 1942-2008, and Bernie Mac 1957-2008.

The story begins when two former singers Named Floyd Henderson(Bernie Mac), and Louis Hinds(Samuel L. Jackson) in the seventies where in a group called The Real Deal. Now thirty years later, after learning about one of there partners named Marcus Hooks(John Legend), died of a heart attack. Despite a little old grudges with each other, Floyd and Louis decide to re-team anyway. But during a trip that might encounter misadventure. will they make it without killing each other first.

This was funny as ever, Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac are like the perfect comedy team, they had great comic chemistry, it's a real sadness they won't team up again. It had funny slapstick, and great music also. Please don't miss it. Sure it drops a lot of F bombs, and it has some raunchy humor, but it never gets boring or stupid for a second.

Familiar although enjoyable comedy of redemption and friendship.

[hu675 · 8/10 · 16 March 2009]

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 *****).

Mac and Jackson Were a Fantastic Duo

[view_and_review · 8/10 · 30 June 2021]

Wow. Who knew that before the release of this film we would lose both Isaac Hayes and Bernie Mac in August of the same year, one day apart! Bernie on August 9, 2008 and Isaac on August 10, 2008.

"Soul Men" didn't feature Isaac Hayes but a little, it was truly about Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac), two old school legends who lit up the charts back in the 60's and 70's with a group called The Real Deal. Sometime in the early 70's they broke up and went separate ways. The lead singer of the group, Marcus Hooks (John Legend), went on to be a solo star, Floyd went on to open a successful car wash business, and Louis went on to be hooked on drugs and alcohol and rob a bank.

When Marcus (Legend) died and VH1 wanted to do a tribute to him, they called upon the surviving two members of The Real Deal. Floyd (Mac) was ready and willing whereas Louis (SLJ) wanted no part of it. Through coaxing, cajoling, and pretty much bribery, Floyd got Louis to agree to go to New York's Apollo Theater for the tribute.

If it wasn't already a funny movie, it certainly got funnier when Mac and Jackson got together MF'ing their way through a road trip. No one can MF like SLJ, but Mac certainly gave him a run for his money. This movie was genuinely entertaining and funny, I'm just saddened that I won't be able to see Mac and Jackson together again.

Soul Men Has Plenty Of Laughter And Warmth For The Soul

[rhodescabbin · 10/10 · 11 February 2009]

What a Brilliant way for Bernie Mac to, ever so sadly, leave us to early...Samuel L Jackson and Bernie Mac team up for a hilarious duo on a road trip to pay final respects for their friend who was once the lead singer in their soul trio singing group and went solo leaving Bernie and Samuel in the dust to live off royalties the next 30 years. Its a heart ache to have lost Bernie at such a young age and at the height of his career. His talent shines in this movie brighter than ever before and to see Bernie and Samuel as a comedy team, how easily there would have been a Soul Men II as this movie will no doubt be a classic. Does contain plenty of harsh language and some sex scenes very brief nudity and some hilarious Viagra scenes. The movie wraps up at the famous Apollo theater with Isaac Hayes and Bernie on stage side by side. I give this film a 10 for having all the elements of a masterpiece film.

A very good enjoyable movie all the way through

[robertallenandersonjr · 9/10 · 15 November 2008]

Soul Men was surprisingly very funny. The movie did look funny but turned out to be funny all they way through the movie. It started out funny and got funnier and funnier. I had a fun time laughing and was refreshing laughs and original jokes. The language in the movie was terrible that they used but made the movie funnier in ways. This was definitely not a good movie for kids to see because of all the adult humor in the movie. I enjoyed myself for the most part. The acting was very good. Bernie Mac was good in it and it was nice to see him in his last movie. Samuel L. Jackson was just as funny and was more serious. They were two friends that were singers in the same band that always fought. They had two completely different personalities which made the movie enjoyable. The music was very good as well. The story was a little boring but turned out good enough. Overall I would recommend this movie to many adults that have great humor because this movie has lots of it.

Sweet Memories

[imaginary-life · 8/10 · 17 June 2010]

It was a straightforward almost Blue Brothers film, but who cares? It has music, honesty, and is truly a reminder of the sad loss of Bernie Mac.

Many of the so called clichés are actually representative of so much that truly happens in life. This may not be the most important film in the world, but it's heart is in the right place. And it sings a certain song of life, friendship and forgiveness.

That's all that it needs to provide. I am surprised that it received so much negativity on some pages. Just sit back and enjoy. If only the music business had so much respect for past legends. Sometimes it happens, and this also goes to show that some musicians really live from retaining their audience, as it is all they have that sustains them.

Great Chemistry - Great Movie

[BlackshirtJM · 9/10 · 20 February 2009]

"Soul Men" is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. The chemistry between Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson could not have been planned better. I was left wondering if they had indeed known each other in real life for thirty-plus years. Admittedly, I am a Bernie fan; his TV show was the best sitcom on the air. Mac's habit of addressing "America" was fresh and highly entertaining.

There are some elements of "Soul Men" that reminded me of the older movie, "The Blues Brothers". Aging musicians, one an ex-con, looking to put the old band back together and taking a cross-country road trip in the process all conspired to make the analogy inevitable. But Soul Men has a very different pathos and a richer theme. The language at times is uncomfortably rough, but hey; these are two guys, and the roughness is never gratuitous.

There are many moments that were so uproariously funny, I can't recall the last time I have laughed so hard. There are comedians, very successful ones, that can become somewhat grating after a very short time. Not so Bernie Mac. Bernie is so easy to relate to, he makes the commonplace seem like a new adventure. A new, very funny adventure. Toothless barflies, AARP, a crooked nephew, the entertainment industry, aging, paternity confusion, and an interesting portrayal of gangster rap are all fair targets in this unexpectedly great movie. The pacing is fast and steady, and while the plot is a little derivative, Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson make it work wonderfully.

The only faults I found in this movie mainly had to do with continuity. Nit pickers will have a field day. But for people like me, people who like decent movies and like Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson, these puny things matter not.

This is not family entertainment. Leave the kids, the prudes, and the self-righteous at home. If you enjoy the comedy styling of Bernie Mac, and you enjoy A-list performers like Samuel L. Jackson, you are going to have a great time.