Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2944 in DVD
• Brand: GENIUS PRODUCTS INC
• Released on: 2009-02-10
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Formats: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 100 minutes

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

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.

" It aint over till its over"
I was kind of skeptical about seeing this movie because usually when an actor or comic passes on their last movie is questionable but Soul Men is one of the few exceptions.

The story chronicles Lewis Hinds(Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd Henderson(Bernie Mac)two members of the group "Real Deal". Floyd pays a visit to Lewis after the death of a soul singer legend Marcus Hooks(played by John Legend) to perform at an event at the Apollo because they believe they can get paid. Lewis is still bitter with Floyd about an incident involving his former wife. They reluctantly team up and go performing state to state before they reach the Apollo.

I wont say that I always laughed but there are plenty of times where I laughed especially with the interaction between Bernie Mac's character and Samuel Jackson's character. Cleo's bumbling, abusive boyfriend Lester(Affion Crockett) had some funny moments too. Both Floyd and Lewis's misadventures are humorous also. There are times when i laughed and times where I smiled. Lewis's interaction with Cleo(played by the attractive Sharon Leal who somewhat resembles Kerry Washington) was sweet. The songs Lewis and Floyd sung were cool and they seem to have a ball performing them and not phoning in their performances(like some entertainers tend to do). Its a shame that Bernie Mac passed before the release of this film. He would have been proud of the final product because the movie was pretty good.

REST IN PEACE BERNIE MAC, ISAAC HAYES and RUDY RAY MOORE!!!

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!