Movie Review: Cast delivers entertaining show in Soul Men
Tyler Gilliam
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Features
In Soul Men, Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac star as Louis Hinds and Floyd Henderson, two washed-up backup singers for lead singer Marcus Hooks (played by John Legend).
Once upon a time, they were soul music superstars. Years after their fame has passed into oblivion, Marcus dies. VH1 puts together a special tribute concert featuring a reunited Henderson and Hinds, better known as "The Real Deal."
Louis Hinds, played by Jackson (Lakeview Terrace, Jumper), has done time in prison since his days as a soul singer.
He's working as mechanic and living in the slums. He studies the Tao and leads a much more centered life.
Floyd Henderson, played by Mac (Oceans Trilogy, The Bernie Mac Show), made a small fortune running car washes after the band broke up. He left his business to his nephew and moved out to a nice suburban retirement community.
When news of Marcus' death reaches Floyd, he's eager to do the concert. It's up to him to convince Louis to get on board. The problem, as it always seems to be in these situations, is that the two had a bit of a falling out over the woman they loved.
It's no easy task, but after a few lies, some bribery, and a fist fight, The Real Deal is back together and on the road from Los Angeles to the Apollo Theater in New York City.
The road trip turns into a mini tour across the country. They play in several small clubs to get back into the groove of their music, and to an extent into the rhythm of their old lives. They also happen to visit the woman who split them up.
They find her daughter Cleo, played by Sharon Leal (Dreamgirls). She doesn't know either of them, but is quite familiar with their work and her mom's stories about them.
Leal's character gives the movie some real depth as she deals with an abusive deadbeat boyfriend and the father she never knew.
Truth be told, this movie relied a lot on slapstick humor and Viagra jokes. But I honestly don't mind. It was a formula film, but what makes the difference between mediocrity and entertainment is delivery.
There's no better cast than Samuel Jackson and Bernie Mac. Add to them Sean Hayes (Jack in Will & Grace) and Jennifer Coolidge (Stifler's mom in American Pie) and you've got a real show on your hands.
In addition to some good dialogue, Soul Men also serves up a great soundtrack voiced by the cast, and some fancy footwork in the form of dance moves from The Real Deal.
The movie showed Bernie Mac at his best, and it really makes you miss him.
He died after the movie wrapped in August, a day before the death of Isaac Hayes, who also appears in the film.
All sentiments aside, putting Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac in a movie together was more than enough to get me to come to the cinema-and if you're a fan of either of them, it's a must-see.
Once upon a time, they were soul music superstars. Years after their fame has passed into oblivion, Marcus dies. VH1 puts together a special tribute concert featuring a reunited Henderson and Hinds, better known as "The Real Deal."
Louis Hinds, played by Jackson (Lakeview Terrace, Jumper), has done time in prison since his days as a soul singer.
He's working as mechanic and living in the slums. He studies the Tao and leads a much more centered life.
Floyd Henderson, played by Mac (Oceans Trilogy, The Bernie Mac Show), made a small fortune running car washes after the band broke up. He left his business to his nephew and moved out to a nice suburban retirement community.
When news of Marcus' death reaches Floyd, he's eager to do the concert. It's up to him to convince Louis to get on board. The problem, as it always seems to be in these situations, is that the two had a bit of a falling out over the woman they loved.
It's no easy task, but after a few lies, some bribery, and a fist fight, The Real Deal is back together and on the road from Los Angeles to the Apollo Theater in New York City.
The road trip turns into a mini tour across the country. They play in several small clubs to get back into the groove of their music, and to an extent into the rhythm of their old lives. They also happen to visit the woman who split them up.
They find her daughter Cleo, played by Sharon Leal (Dreamgirls). She doesn't know either of them, but is quite familiar with their work and her mom's stories about them.
Leal's character gives the movie some real depth as she deals with an abusive deadbeat boyfriend and the father she never knew.
Truth be told, this movie relied a lot on slapstick humor and Viagra jokes. But I honestly don't mind. It was a formula film, but what makes the difference between mediocrity and entertainment is delivery.
There's no better cast than Samuel Jackson and Bernie Mac. Add to them Sean Hayes (Jack in Will & Grace) and Jennifer Coolidge (Stifler's mom in American Pie) and you've got a real show on your hands.
In addition to some good dialogue, Soul Men also serves up a great soundtrack voiced by the cast, and some fancy footwork in the form of dance moves from The Real Deal.
The movie showed Bernie Mac at his best, and it really makes you miss him.
He died after the movie wrapped in August, a day before the death of Isaac Hayes, who also appears in the film.
All sentiments aside, putting Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac in a movie together was more than enough to get me to come to the cinema-and if you're a fan of either of them, it's a must-see.
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