Review: ‘Soul Men’

Travis:

‘Soul Men’ isn’t just a buddy comedy about two former soul singers who reunite for a tribute concert to their former lead singer, but it’s also an extremely entertaining and dignified final film for Bernie Mac, who dies on August 9, 2008 due to complications from pneumonia. ‘Soul Men’ is very funny and Mac had great chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Louis Hinds. Bernie Mac plays Floyd Henderson, the other half of The Real Deal, the former backup singers for legendary [and fictitious] soul singer Marcus Hooks (John Legend). Hooks dies of a heart attack on stage and the former backup singers are asked to perform at a tribute concert in New York at the Apollo Theater. Naturally, the movie is enhanced by a great soundtrack that helps to strengthen the impact of the story on it’s audience.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for both men, but Henderson soon finds that his former partner will not be easily convinced. The two men split years ago due to some “personal” quarrels that have left them far from friends. For Henderson, this is his opportunity to come out of his miserable retirement from the car sales business in The Valley and make a comeback. For Hinds, making any kind of comeback from his alcoholic, ex-convict laden post-stardom career is the last thing he wants. Henderson manages to finally convince Hinds to join him by telling a little white lie, even if Hinds is unfair with his terms of agreement.

‘Soul Men’ spends most of its screen time focused on the journey taken by the two men on their way to perform at The Apollo, learning to tolerate each, which gradually becomes an effort to rekindle their old friendship and ultimately learn a lot about each other and where they went wrong. Along the way, Henderson and Hines pick up Cleo (Sharon Leal), the daughter of Henderson’s first wife Odette who happens to have an extraordinary singing voice and joins The Real Deal on their trip to The Apollo. Some special bonds develop along this leg of the journey that add an additional touching element to the story, making it more than just a comedy. ‘Soul Men’ is a movie about reconnecting to the people most important to us and both characters, Henderson and Hinds, are able to accomplish this in the movie.

To say that ‘Soul Men’ is a poor final film to remember Bernie Mac by is a ridiculous statement. Mac was a comedian. That’s what he did and he loved it, as is clearly apparent in the behind-the-scenes interview footage of Mac that is played during the end credits in the movie. Mac gives great comedic performance that exemplifies his style of comedy. ‘Soul Men’ also features appearances by Mike Epps, Vanessa del Rio, Ken Davitian, Jennifer Coolidge and the recently deceased legendary singer Isaac Hayes. Both BernieMac and Isaac Hayes are honored at the head of the end credits with a dedication of the film two these two great artists that will be missed. [Overall: 4 Stars]

Jeremy:

There’s a moment about 20 minutes into ‘Soul Men’ that pretty well sums up the entire film. Â  Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) is knocking on the apartment door to his former singing partner, Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson). Â  The two used to be in a trio of soul-singing legends. Â  They now cannot stand one another. Â  The leader of the trio, played by John Legend, who left them high and dry to start his own, singles career has passed on, and the two are called in to do a tribute show. Â  Now, Floyd is trying to convince Louis to perform with him.

Floyd is banging on the door and Louis stomps towards the door. Â  While he is approaching the door, he begins barking loudly. Â  He swings the door open, turns around, and yells at an imaginary dog to “SHUT UP”. Â  He swings himself back around to face Floyd, and…

Bernie Mac begins cracking up. Â  He cannot keep a straight face at what Samuel L. Jackson has just done. Â  It takes him a second to compose himself, and the scene goes on. Â  Now, what makes this scene so brilliant is the mere fact that it was left in the film.

Knowing that the people involved in a film are having a good time making it will help you get through the worst films. Â  ‘Soul Men’ is not a bad film to begin with, but it is witnessing the genuine enjoyment that comes off of Mac and Jackson as they play these two characters that makes it a really good movie. Â

‘Soul Men’ is a no frills, lay everything out on the table comedy that hits you in the gut from the beginning. Â  The comedy laid out in the film is edgy, but it’s never rude as is the case with most comedies that try to push the envelope. Â  There’s a tenderness about the film that comes from the heart and soul the film’s two lead performers put into it. Â

The music is great, too.   The soundtrack features  new music by John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Me’shell Ndegocello, and The Real Deal (the name given to the group Floyd and Louis make).   Mac isn’t the best singer in the world, but his charisma covers that up.   Jackson proved in ‘Black Snake Moan’ that he could carry a tune, and he proves it again here.

As far as structure goes, however, there really isn’t anything new. Â  In fact, it’s almost downright hackneyed. Â  It’s a road trip movie where Floyd and Louis have four days to travel across the country. Â  They can’t stand each other, and, along the way, they meet some outrageous characters. Â  They get into absurd situations. Â  Somewhere along the way, the two characters grow to once again be friends.

There really isn’t much originality in the plot details, either. Â  I won’t give away any spoilers, but there are some unanswered questions that take way too long to reveal themselves. Â  They take way too long, because the answers are so blaringly obvious from the getgo.

But, seriously, none of that matters if you allow yourself to have as much fun with the film as those who made it did. Â  That scene where Mac begins laughing is a good thing coming from director Malcom D. Lee. Â  His previous films include ‘Undercover Brother’, ‘The Best Man’, and ‘Roll Bounce’. Â  Leaving something that is essentially an outtake in the film is generally considered a filmmaking no-no, but it works just fine here. Â  In fact, it shows how mature Lee has become as a director that he can leave something like that in and still keep control of the scene.

All of this is even more bitter sweet in the times throughout the film where it hits you that Bernie Mac is no longer with us. Â  Due to his death, and Isaac Hayes, who also makes an appearance in ‘Soul Men’, the film was evidently re-edited to give it a softer tone. Â  It needed it. Â  ‘Soul Men’ would have been hurt badly if the comedy and tone of the film were any harder or edgier.

And about Hayes being in the film, just his mere presence sends a jolt through the audience. Â  Even 27 years after ‘Escape from New York’, he is still the Duke of New York. Â  He’s still A-number 1.

Sean Hayes, Mike Epps, and Jennifer Coolidge all give decent supporting performances, but they are ultimately just sidebars for the main two to play off of. Â  However, two other performers hold their own just fine. Â  Sharon Leal gives a terrific performance as a girl who may or may not be Floyd’s long-lost daughter. Â  She even offers her beautiful voice to a song where she joins Mac and Jackson. Â  Affion Crockettis also great. Â  He plays Lester, a wannabe rap star who is really a vile character. Â  It’s a pretty thankless role, even one that you would generally despise. Â  However, Crockett plays it with such conviction that you can’t help but laugh at him.

‘Soul Men’ is a really good comedy. Â  It’s not always the most original film. Â  At times the screenplay seems to be going through the motions, but it’s the window dressing that really makes ‘Soul Men’ a success. Â  Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson are great together, and it makes me want to see Jackson in more comedies. Â  Add to that the incredible music that plays throughout, and you’ve got a much better than average comedy.

And stick around through the end credits for an excellent tribute to Mr. Mac. [Overall: 3.5 Stars]

Ram Man:

All Comedians say “Always Leave Them Laughing”.   The new movie ‘Soul Men’ gives the late great Bernie Mac the chance to do just that with his audience. ‘Soul Men’ the new comedy from Malcolm D. Lee (Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins) was quickly being referred to as the cursed film of Hollywood.   First, out of the blue, Bernie Mac dies (way too young) from complications from pneumonia on August 9th, 2008. The very next day, black moses himself, Issac Hayes dies from a heart attack. If I’m Samuel L. Jackson on August 11th, I would be hiring a security squad. Luckily the movie was finished and we are treated one last time to performances by a comic genius and a soul legend.

‘Soul Men’ is the story of three lifelong friends that become icons in soul music, Marcus Hooks and the real Deal. Marcus hooks (John Legend) is the lead singer and true talent in the band. he soon realizes this and leaves for a solo career. This leaves his back up singers Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) a.k.a. “The Real Deal” to go it alone. After one album with little sales and a women that comes between them, Henderson & Hinds go their separate ways. Henderson’s path leads him to a successful car wash franchise that should have a side of hot wings with it(can you say Hooters!). He makes a load of cash and 20 years after gracing the stage he is popping Viagra, hooking up with elderly ladies (cameo by porn legend Vanessa Del Rio)Â  at his new senior living complex. Hinds paths was a little more predictable. It involved drugs booze and bars, the confining steel ones. Twenty years after Louis exited stage left he is singer turned grease monkey.

After a successful solo career, Marcus Hooks dies. The record company (Sean Hayes) has the great idea to have a tribute concert to “say Goodbye” to Marcus at the legendary Apollo Theater  and to have the Real Deal   headline the show. This is just what the doctor ordered for Floyd, but Louis is past that time in his life. Louis, who’s living just above the poverty line and recently unemployed from his job at the garage, is easily convinced when cash is waved his way. This begins the   Real deal warm up tour as the boys drive (Louis is afraid of flying) cross country stopping to practice in bars along the route.

After a few comedic mishaps they are out of money and forced to look up the old flame that originally burned down the Real Deal, Odetta. Louis and Floyd learn Odetta had passed and left a beautiful daughter, Cleo (Sharon Leal) behind. They discover Cleo has her mother’s voice and Floyd puts 1+1 and gets 11, believing he is actually Cleo’s father.   The boys convince her to leave her rapping, drug dealing boyfriend Lester and hit the road to the Apollo with them.   The journey of laughter continues to the Big Apple ending with a show stopping number that would impress the likes of Jake and Elwood Blues.

Not only is the new film ‘Sole Men’ jam packed with laughs from Jackson and Mac but the soundtrack features original songs and some covers that will blow you away. John Legend teams with Jackson and Mac for a rendition of “I’m Your Puppet” and the ‘Shaft’ man himself Issac Hayes covers “Never can Say Goodbye” that will bring a tear to your eye. After your done tapping your toes and wipe the tears from your eyes (from laughing), stick around for the credits. you will be treated to a few out-takes and then a behind the scenes look at Bernie Mac and how he felt to be an entertainer and how precious he knew his gift was. you also get to see a shot of Hayes and Mac together on set. ‘Soul Men is the perfect Eulogy for two legends in their respective fields.

[Overall:4 Stars]