Tss5078 Soul Men was a film that was racked with problems right from the start. Originally the film kept getting pushed back because of a law suit by the R&B group, Sam & David, which claimed it to be a farce on their life story. The group also accused the producers of copyright infringement for using their style and the title of one of their songs, "Soul Man". The law suit was finally settled and the movie was released in 2008. Then, days before the films release, two of it's stars, Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes, died on back to back days, a tragedy that created a public relations nightmare. For those reasons, this film wasn't widely distributed or advertised, which is a shame because it was one terrific film. The story starts 30 years after a legendary R&B group, Marcus Hooks & The Real Deal, broke up. We see the remaining members, Samuel L. Jackson in trouble with the law, and Bernie Mac, living in a retirement community, when they learn about the sudden death of Hooks. Record executives, quick to capitalize on his death, organize a tribute show at the Apollo in New York, and invite the Real Deal to participate. This means that two men who hate each other and haven't performed in almost 30 years, need to get their act together in a hurry if they want the big pay day and a chance at a come back. The film is an absolute riot, with Mac as the old lonely man and Jackson as the bitter forgotten convict. Their chemistry was nothing short of amazing and the big surprise was that both men can actually sing and dance! Even though they must have said mother f'er about a thousand times, I found the film to be very clever, funny, and original. If it wasn't for all the problems it had, this movie would have done much better than it did and it is without a doubt, worth watching.

elshikh4 Sit back and relax, because you're in for a ride. I think I didn't say these corny terms in a review before, but you know what, it's the time to say it, while meaning a good thing too.This is a good old odd-couple comedy, written as a kind of musical road movie. I loved the script. It made good riot along the way, with nice games too (the matter of your daughter, my daughter. I'm so sick, you're so sick, etc). The comic lines were many and slick. However you have to feel that the comedy was lesser than the potential of the story and the cast. For instance it didn't need to bare some actor to make laughs, what it did need was less easy, less poor handling than that !(Bernie Mac) and (Samuel L. Jackson) are perfect. And maybe more perfect with each other. I wasn't a (Bernie Mac) fan until this movie by the way (very late I know !). Everything about him here is adorable, and I'm not talking out of nostalgia caused by his death. Look at the way he laughs that sarcastic, extremely idiot, laugh, or look at his crying over canceling his performance; OK, that moment was historical; I mean his only competitor would be (James Dean) in East of Eden (1955) through another crying scene. (Mac) portrayed pain there as it should be. The selection of songs did wonderfully. And the 2 leads' singing performance wasn't less wonderful. I have never imagined that (Mac) and (Jackson) could sing this catchy. The climax of this movie's fun remains in the scene inside the coffin; that was both hilarious and sentimental.Now, to the problems. Hmmm, not many though. Sure the ocean of the F words. I don't think that black people, out of Hollywood movies, swear in this superabundant way, and I don't think that it serves any comedy or drama, and I don't think that our ears are supposed to be trash boxes for that matter ! The F words with its derivatives run boringly and nastily while consuming them non-stop. The back projections, with the desert image, seemed too fake. Then, (Mac) was 50 year old, which makes him at least 10 years younger than his character. That was clear from the start, especially with the presence of someone older and fitter for his character like (Jackson) who was 60 year old. It was called with names like "having unoriginal script", lacking more comic situations, and ending pretty fast, but despite this or that, it worked, managing eventually to be delightful and colorful time on screen. And although (Soul Men) is 2 men show, but (Mac) was the one who stole it meritoriously.

zhivkot When I first saw the movie, I was completely blown away from this movie! It is absolutely hilarious! This is one of the most funny movies I have ever watched. Bernie Mac was absolutely terrific in the movie. I haven't seen this kind of performance for years. I Can't even fully describe him...he is electrifying in Soul Men. For me he is one of the best comedians ever. I love it when he makes that crazy eye look.The movie is by far the best comedy of 2008! It's full of the that typical humor in the "black" comedies. I have not been laughing as this for a long, long time! I Wanted to see this movie again and again, i can't stop watching it! If you look for a superb comedy - THIS IS THE MOVIE! Forget Burn after reading and all other so called comedies!

dbborroughs Bernie Mac and Samuel L Jackson star as two legendary singers who reunite when the man they backed up dies. Getting together to travel across the country they are forced to confront the past and themselves.Nominally a comedy I found this to be a very bitter sweet film with a few laughs and a great deal of sadness. This is a film about the road not taken, the detours forced upon us and the effort we sometimes we have to make to get back on track.I found it more a drama then a comedy with both Jackson and Mac in fine form. It is so good to watch Jackson at work when he has someone to work with and not devour the screen alone (Jumpers anyone?). I don't know why I found this so sad. I don't think its because of the death of Bernie Mac, rather I think its just the way things are handled with the concerns fears and predicaments of the two ex-partners ringing abnormally true to life. Its a good film and I liked it, but as I keep saying I found it rather sad.And that was before the double whammy of the end credits where we see Bernie talking about his life and career intercut with him clowning on the set. Its clear that he death was a great loss. Additionally when the Mac segment is over we hear Isaac Hayes singing "Never Can Say Goodbye", the effect coupled with the dedication of the film to Mac and Hayes is likely to bring a tear to your eyes.A good film worth a look at some point.