Soul Men [Blu-ray]

Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Blue Ray Movie Reviews

Genius Prod. Soul Men (Blu-ray) Superstars Samuel L. Jacksonand Bernie Mac are “Soul Men” - the hilarious story of Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac), a popular singing duo back in the day, who went their separate ways and never spoke again. When the death of their former group leader (John Legend) reunites them and sends them driving cross country for a tribute concert at the legendary Apollo Theatre, they will have only five days to bury the hatchet on a twenty-year-old grudge.Sure, there’s a plot, but the real pleasure of Soul Men is watching the most gloriously bad-tempered men in movies face off: Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac. The best scenes consist of nothing more than these two scowling and ranting at each in top form. Louis Hinds (Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Mac) were the Real Deal, the backup duo to a soul singer who ditched them for a hugely successful solo career. When he dies, Louis and Floyd get invited to perform in a memorial concert at the Apollo in New York. The squabbling pair reluctantly agree and head out from Los Angeles in a green convertible, performing hastily-booked gigs along the way and, of course, learning lessons about life and friendship. But even if the ending is inevitable and sugar-sweet, these two give it some bile and bite along the way. The movie’s loose and feisty tone keeps the formulaic elements from feeling stale or stock. Soul Men doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s pleasantly entertaining. Also featuring eclectic appearances by soul music legend Isaac Hayes (both he and Mac died before the movie came out), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Ken Davitian (Borat), Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde), and porn legend Vanessa del Rio. –Bret Fetzer

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars very good
this movie was very good, funny, and well written. it actually gets a four star but the blu ray quality on here gives it a five star. this is one of the best movies on blu ray as far as quality and sound. some movies look better on blu ray than others and this is def one of the best next to max payne, dark night, aliens vs predator, incredible hulk, and iron man.

4 Stars Charismatic Leads Bring A Lot to The Movie
“Soul Men,” a 2008 release, is a musical comedy road picture, with a template of sadness behind it. It stars more frequent action hero, Samuel L. Jackson, and the late Bernie Mac. It was written by Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone, and directed by Malcolm Lee, noted American filmmaker Spike Lee’s kid brother. Jackson plays Louis Hinds; Mac, Floyd Henderson. Together, they were once “The Real Deal,” popular soul singers, and released a single record album. But it’s been decades since they were together. Then the death of the supposedly legendary Marcus Hooks (John Legend), once their lead singer, gives them a very good reason to reunite: there’s to be a memorial concert at New York’s famous Apollo Theater, at which they’ve been invited to sing. It might just jump start their fallow singing careers.

So, quick as you can say Jackie Robinson, it becomes a road picture, as the quarreling ex-colleagues jump into a Cadillac in California, with four days to reach New York. There is lots of grumbling and fighting, and, be warned if it bothers you, a great deal of obscene language: with m—–f—– in almost every scene. Along the road, they will bump up against Rosalee, played by Jennifer Coolidge, in a distasteful sexist interlude that I could have done without. Also Cleo (Sharon Leal, Dreamgirls ), who is supposedly the daughter of one of the leads; they’re initially not sure which; Lester (Affion Crockett), Cleo’s none too bright, abusive boyfriend; Danny Epstein (Sean Hayes), their new manager, and Philip, (Adam Herschman), Epstein’s gofer. Towards the end of the picture we meet the late great funk/soul musician Isaac Hayes, playing himself.

Hayes is very visibly ill and weak - he is used to do little more than walk across the screen. And I wish the producers had spent more money on the actors playing Philip (Herschman) and Cleo (Leal): they appear in many scenes, and granted, Leal is certainly pretty enough and sings very well; but they don’t bring much to the screen.

However, the charismatic leads do bring a lot to their parts. Their comic timing is spot-on; Jackson’s a good straight man, yet he can both pitch and catch: go know. The singing is fine, and the movie boasts a nice sound track of 1970’s funk/soul hits. All in all, it’s an enjoyable film. And, while it is the last film appearance of Mac and Hayes, I can recommend it as worth seeing for more than curiosity. Nevertheless, at film’s post script, as the final credits roll, the interviews with Mac and Hayes are likely to bring tears to your eyes: they did to mine.

4 Stars Jackson and Mac were a great pair, too bad it didn’t last longer…
When I think of 60’s soul, I think of the black and white, pre-hippy, squeaky clean TV era. Well, this movie is anything but squeaky clean, but it’s probably a more accurate portrayal of how things really were back then (in the heydey of the “Real Deal”). Bernie Mac and Samuel Jackson actually make a great pair–the chemistry between them really shines onscreen.

The ending was a little crazy and tacky, I must say (in the coffin? OK, that’s a little out there). But the music is good, even though there’s not much of a market for that old-time soul music out there today. Perhaps this movie will revive it a little?–that would be cool. So, not a GREAT movie, but entertaining.

5 Stars Great tribute to Bernie Mac’s talents
This movie will be a lasting legacy for Bernie Mac! Whether you appreciate his sense of humor, or not, his facial expressions, when dealing with each episode that is thrown at him, is hysterical. I saw this at the theater and decided it was well worth the $ to buy the DVD, as it’s certainly one that I will watch again somewhere down the road. I laughed out loud through most of the movie.. as well as the rest of the crowd, and regret I didn’t bring tissues to wipe my eyes, as it was needed. Great music.. funny story and great writing. Just enjoy being entertained!

5 Stars A Funny Road Movie With Laughs At Every Exit!!
This movie is so funny that it had me and my family crying

from laughter, holding onto our sides and rocking

back & forth in our chairs!

This is a fitting tribute to the comic genius of the

late great Bernie Mac, who had such chrisma and that good ol’

down home humor like a crazy uncle who always comes to the

family reunions and lights it up!

He’s in great form here and it seems to me, a bit reflective,

as if he knew that this would be his last statement to the world!

If you watch the special features, you’ll see what I mean.

Samuel Jackson plays the grizzled world-weary sidekick with finesse!

He and Mac shared a great chemistry and comraderie and boy, it shows!

The supporting cast all pulled their weight too and delivered

funny moments as well. Also, this movie was the swan song for

one of the latter 20th Century’s great musical minds…

The Black Moses…Issac Hayes!!

In the late 60’s thru early 70’s, he was a musical & cultural

force to be reckoned with!–Later he proved himself to be

a good actor, and of course the younger generations knew him

as the voice of “Chef” from the now iconic “Southpark”.

It’s uncanny that both he and Bernie Mac passed away right

after this movie was finished, on the exact same weekend!

Well, if ever there was a time capsule for these two..here it is!

Hayes’ music is featured throughout as well.

This is definitely one to add to your collection.