Soul Men (2008)

Director:

Malcolm D. Lee

Writers (WGA):

Robert Ramsey (written by) &
Matthew Stone (written by)

Release Date:

7 November 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Music

Tagline:

Out of sync. Never out of style.

Plot:

Though it's been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.

Plot Keywords:

Band | Reunion | Reunion Concert | Rapper | Box Office Flop

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson	...	Louis Hinds
Bernie Mac	...	Floyd Henderson
Sharon Leal	...	Cleo
Adam Herschman	...	Phillip
Sean Hayes	...	Danny Epstein
Affion Crockett	...	Lester
Fatso-Fasano	...	Pay-Pay
Jackie Long	...	Zig-Zag
Mike Epps	...	Duane Henderson
John Legend	...	Marcus Hooks
Isaac Hayes	...	Himself
Vanessa del Rio	...	Full-Figured Neighbor
P.J. Byrne	...	Floyd's Doctor
Ken Davitian	...	Ardesh Kezian
Jennifer Coolidge	...	Rosalee

MPAA:

Rated R for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

USA:R | Finland:K-13 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:M18 | Australia:MA | Netherlands:12 | New Zealand:R16

Filming Locations:

Louisiana, USA

Company:

Dimension Films

Trivia:

Two of the film's co-stars, Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, passed away within one day of each other. Bernie Mac passed away on August 9, 2008 and Isaac Hayes died one day later on August 10, 2008.

Goofs:

Continuity: (At approx 18-20 min) Louis is in the Eldorado with Floyd and they flash a silver .38 pistol. Then after they almost crash the .38 is now a black .22 pistol

Movie Connections:

References "Soul Train" (1971)

Soundtrack:

Private Number

A soulful comedy for all tastes

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.