Soul Men (2008)

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.

Director:

Malcolm D. Lee

Writers:

Robert Ramsey, Matthew Stone

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sharon Leal

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 (as Fatso Fasano)
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

Storyline

When R&B legend Marcus Hooks dies suddenly, VH-1 invites his original back up duo, Floyd Henderson and Louis Hinds, "The Real Deal," to appear at a memorial tribute at the Apollo Theater. Floyd, who's bored in retirement, wants this more than anything; Louis, a philosophical ex-con, does not. Plus, there's bad blood between them (Louis's wife Odetta left him to marry Floyd - then left Floyd). Floyd begs, Louis consents but won't fly, so they leave L.A. in Floyd's flashy Cadillac with five days to get to New York. On the road, they must get back their vocal chops, renew their friendship, and sort out the past. With Floyd's bad hip and Louis's bad kidneys, will they even make it?

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Plot Keywords:

band | reunion | tribute | box office flop | concert | 

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Taglines:

Out of sync. Never out of style.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 November 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cool Men

Filming Locations:

Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$5,401,605 (USA) (7 November 2008)

Gross:

$12,081,447 (USA) (30 January 2009)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dimension Films, Friendly Films (II)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both this film and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa are dedicated to Bernie Mac.

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Goofs

When they first put on their old suits to perform, Floyd's jacket rips up the back. When they appear on stage there is no rip in the jacket.

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Quotes

Louis Hinds: [opens the door for Floyd to leave] get the fuck out.
Floyd Henderson: Well, I guess you don't give a fuck about the money then, huh?
Louis Hinds: What money? It's a funeral! Don't nobody get paid to sing at no damn funeral!
[suddenly looks at Louis and raises his eyebrows]
Louis Hinds: How much?
Floyd Henderson: Forty grand.
Louis Hinds: [closes the door] Apiece?
Floyd Henderson: No, down the middle.
Louis Hinds: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO. That ain't even enough.
Floyd Henderson: The fuck you mean "that's not enough", man?
[...]

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Connections

References In the Heat of the Night (1967)

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Soundtracks

"Irish Skies"
Written by Eric Gemsa, Emmanuel Binet
Performed by Studio Musicians
Courtesy of 5 Alarm Music

User Reviews

A nice film : R.I.P Bernie Mac

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