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 [United States]

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

(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

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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 Three the Hard Way (1974)

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Soundtracks

"Born under a Bad Sign"
Written by Booker T. Jones (as Booker T. Jones Jr.), William Bell
Performed by Albert King
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Soul Men Has Plenty Of Laughter And Warmth For The Soul

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.