Review of Soul Men (2008) by Betsy B — 04 Jun 2009

Two former back-up singers, Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac), and Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) were in a group called The Real Deal during the early seventies. Fast forward to thirty years later, Bernie is watching television and learns that the lead singer Marcus Hooks played by John Legend has died of a heart attack during a concert performance.

Record label owner Danny Epstein(Sean Hayes of "Will and Grace") rings up Bernie. Epstein wants Floyd and Louis to perform at Marcus' tribute at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Naturally, Floyd leaps at the offer and looks up Louis. Despite old grudges with each other, Floyd and Louis decide to team up anyway.

The movie has some sex scenes, very brief nudity, raunchy humor, lots of F-Bombs and some hilarious Viagra scenes . Leave the kids, the prudes, and the self-righteous at home. If you enjoy the funny slapstick comedic styling of Bernie Mac, and you enjoy performers like Samuel L. Jackson, then you are going to have a great time. Bernie Mac was absolutely electrifying in Soul Men. Samuel L. Jackson and Mac are fun to watch, especially when they don their flashy outfits and perform their choreographed dance numbers. Jennifer Coolidge (Best known as Stifler's Mom in the "American Pie" series) also has a genuinely funny and memorable supporting part with Bernie. Soul Men is a film filled with plenty of soul.