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

Final film for Isaac Hayes. Also final film for Bernie Mac, although Old Dogs, featuring Bernie Mac, was released later, Mac's scenes in that movie were shot before Soul Men.

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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 Flavor of Love (2006)

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Soundtracks

"I'm Your Puppet"
Written by Lindon Oldham, Dan Penn
Produced and arranged by Raymond Jones
Performed by John Legend, Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac
John Legend appears courtesy of Columbia Records

User Reviews

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.