Soul Men

Synopsis

Over 20 years ago two former back up singers Louis (Samuel L. Jackson, Lakeview Terrace) and Floyd (Bernie Mac, Transformers) went their separate ways feuding after their band separated. When their band’s former front man dies, they reluctantly agree to travel cross-country to perform and pay tribute at a concert in honor of him. The show promises to be a big hit if Louis and Floyd can act right, mend fences and not beat each other down.

Review

Soul Men is Bernie Mac’s last movie along with Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa before his untimely perishing. Ahhh Bernie. This role was right up his ally with the old Mac acting, cursing and flashing his pearly white Chiclet teeth. The brotha’s teeth were soooo white in this flick after seeing them I was tempted to run out and get me some Crest White Strips and baking soda toothpaste!

I also want to stop here and thank the late great Isaac Hayes for all of his soulful sounds and that deep, alluring voice.

I couldn’t wait to see Soul Men. It’s funny, but the singing…whew, is okay. Bernie and Samuel L. Jackson surely aren’t the Temptations. New Kids on the Block sound like they have more soul than these guys do. However, these old dudes worked it out in the 50s and 60s as two backup singers, with their smooth sixty style dance moves. Bernie plays Floyd Henderson and Samuel plays Louis Hinds, a couple of washed up soul-singers from an old group called The Real Deal. These men haven’t spoken in decades because of the classic tune You Stole My Woman, Maa F******. Floyd spends his boring days as a successful, but retired car wash owner, while Louis is a grease monkey at a car shop.

I was impressed as the songs were catchy, had a great vibe and good hooks like, “I GOT, the boogie for YOU. I GOT the boogie for YOU.”" I’m singing the song now as I seat dance. It’s catchy. And the film does a great job of showing how these two old crooners slowly get back their groove, and its pretty amazing how these two actors make a believable duo.

These estranged men are brought back together because of their lead singer Marcus Hook’s (John Legend, music artist) passing. They’re asked to perform at the Apollo as a tribute to Marcus. Louis, however, isn’t feeling the reunion at all, but he reluctantly agrees to perform after some encouragement by Floyd. He doesn’t fly, so he and Floyd have to travel cross-country to the Apollo. Ready for a cross country adventure??!! Sigh.

How many of these cross-country types of movies have been made? I think I’m going to Google it. It has to be a lot. Shoot, even Oprah and Gayle did a cross-country trip. I know you all have to remember it. Gayle was so up beat and positive while Oprah came off as cranky and a killjoy. All Gayle wanted to do was play some games while they drove. Come on O. Have yourself a little fun with those stacks you’ve been making.

Anyhoo, despite the recycled situational comedy, Soul Men will actually have you cracking up and interested from beginning to end. Think about it: Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson. These two guys have proven that in films they can make great facial expressions, sting others brutally with insults and curse up a hilarious storm. Just know the profanity flows like the Monongahela River from their mouths. Rated R, folks.

There's a nice chemistry among the cast. Sharon Leal (Dreamgirls, This Christmas) plays Cleo, the daughter of the woman that came between

Soul Men is a good film. It is somewhat predictable and some parts go a little overboard and will leave you saying “Come on now!” I guess that’s the comedy in the flick. I’ll let it ride. Also, please stay for the credits. Don’t leave. Did you hear me? Don’t leave.

I GOT, the boogie for YOU!

My Rating ~ 3 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)