Soul Men poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac, Sharon Leal, Adam Herschman, Sean Hayes ... see more see more... , Affion Crockett , John Legend , Isaac Hayes , Jennifer Coolidge , Fatso-Fasano , Jackie Long

In 1965, Marcus Hooks (John Legend), Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac), and Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) were just three kids singing doo-wop harmonies around a fire barrel when legendary record produce... read more read more...r Willie Mitchell caught an earful of their infectious harmonizing. Two short years later, Marcus Hooks and the Real Deal had signed to Hi Records, and they quickly became one of the most popular soul acts in America. But success can't last forever, and it wasn't long before Hooks decided to strike out on his own. Though Floyd and Lewis did their best to keep the Real Deal going, scoring one breakout hit with "Walk in the Park," clashing egos and "creative differences" would eventually break the duo apart. Flash-forward to the new millennium, when Hooks has won a staggering total of 19 Grammy awards while Floyd and Lewis languish in obscurity. Then, one day, while considering suicide with a mouthful of pills and a bottle of liquor, Floyd is shocked to see a news report that Hooks has suddenly dropped dead just before he was slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In order to celebrate Hooks' career, Hi Records has organized a lavish tribute concert at the Apollo Theater. Will Floyd and Lewis be able to put aside their differences long enough to drive cross-country and perform together on-stage one last time, or will lingering grudges ultimately cause the pair's already-tenuous relationship to implode long before they reach New York City? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

60% liked it

53,160 ratings

Critics

44% liked it

99 critics

R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee

Release Date: November 7, 2008

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: February 10, 2009

Stats: 1,438 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Soul Men Soul Men soul men Real Soul Men Soul Men Soul Men
Upload a Photo | View All Soul Men Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (1,438)

  • itsjustme2004
    October 14, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Funny, funny, funny. I nice tribute to serve as Bernie Macs last film. Highly enjoyable. My husband and I really got a kick out of this movie. It had some really fun songs, too.
  • paulsandberg
    April 13, 2010
    paulsandberg
    both a buddy film and a road film, this comedy has its moments, but all too often it seems to forget how to be witty, so relies on funny looks and MF's by Bernie Mac way too often.

    So much of this film seems pasted together and you feel that, in spite of this being Bernie's la... read morest film, this was pretty much paint by the numbers, and just about everyone's hearts weren't in it.

    Sloppy is a good way to describe the direction - flashbacks of "previous" scenes, that were actually on the cutting room floor parred with a "just keep the camera rolling and something magical will happen" feel, keep this film tethered to the ground, where it could have soared.

    There are some nifty period soul tunes by Stanley Clark, and a nice premise, but oddly for "soul men" no soul.

    I truly question how a film about a soul singing act, and with such talented musicians involved (the aforementioned Clark as well as Issak Hayes), can be lazy enough to suggest that in 3 different towns a back up band shows up from out of nowhere, instantly knowing all the dudes' material and performing flawlessly. Uh, don't think so Sparky. Using the rehearsing of various backup bands could have been mined for humor as well as giving the film a more authentic feel.

    This film reminded me of The Blues Brothers, in the road trip aspect, and many a Lemon/Matheau comedy (Grumpy Old Men, Out To Sea, etc), only not done as well. What a waste of two very talented actors.
  • Chiefilms
    March 15, 2009
    Chiefilms
    Good plot/storyline, good duo, music, and a cameo from the late Isaac Hayes. Bad, bad script, empty. Expletives can only carry movie so far. Its weird how this was the last thing both Mac and Hayes worked with, soul is dangerous.
  • rayman0071
    November 20, 2008
    rayman0071
    Having seen this movie,I rated it higher on the laughter scale. Not since the great Richard Pryor or to an lesser extent the late great Rudy Ray Moore has their been a comedian like Bernie Mac that can take a vulgarity into a great conversation. Soul Men works on both levels,beca... read moreuse for one,it has the ability to take any random series of insults and off the chain vulgar words and quickly shape them into a beautiful sculpture of apoplectic hatred,a rare skill that is fading fast from the film industry. It is riveting funny as hell to just watch people like this argue. The other is this....this movie shines simply because Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac are two of the best cussers in Hollywood and not since the days of Richard Pryor has there ever been anything like it since. However,the performances between Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac are brilliant in every detail. Since this will be the only movie where you'll get to see two of the greatest actors/comedians of their time. Also to mention here is the appearance of another great who is a legend himself in R&B..the late Issac Hayes who passed away in August of this year(along with one of the greatest comedians ever Bernie Mac). R&B soul king John Legend has a role here as well along with Pamela Anderson in a cameo appearance.
  • moonrivers
    November 12, 2008
    moonrivers
    bernie mac's swan song is capably assisted by colleague samuel l. jackson in what could be a grandchild of the hope and crosby road movies of yore and kissin' cousin to "the blues brothers". it's a road movie. character driven. and these guys have some fun on the way. you wil... read morel too. bye senor mister bernie...and thank you.
  • DrZeek
    November 8, 2008
    DrZeek
    Louis: I got a life style to maintain her.
    Floyd: What kind of life style? You got a pantry full of dog food, and you aint got no dog.
    Louis: The dog's under the bed and you lucky he aint attack yo ass when you came in!

    In the last film role for late comedian Bernie Mac, he gets... read more to trade lines with Samuel L Jackson in a foul and profanity laden comedy about to 60s backup singers going on a road trip, hoping to start a comeback at the funeral of their late former frontman. There are various issues with this movie, but it is has enough good moments between Mac and Jackson that it works.

    Rosalee: You ever had a velveteen rub?
    Floyd: Aint no cheese involved is their? Cause I'm lactose intolerant.
    [takes out her teeth]

    As stated, the two take the road for a concert, having not been together in years, with grudes still held because of an affair with the wife of another. The trip is reluctantly agreed upon due to money, and during the trip, they stop in a number of spots for some warm up gigs, as well as finding an estranged daughter, played by Sharon Leal.

    There are a number of problems involving pacing and some sub plots, but once again, as stated, Mac and Jackson make a good team, and the fact that this movie is very R-rated, gives it the kind of boost it needs to make it more effective as a buddy comedy.

    Philip: They say motherfucker a lot, but I'm okay.
  • Fascade518
    November 9, 2008
    Fascade518
    Definitely out of tune on this flick...Saw it but was disappointed in the way it turned out. Alot of old school cameos Millie Jackson...Issac Hayes...pretty good but not breathtaking. It's was okay.
  • EbertsLittleApprentice
    November 4, 2009
    EbertsLittleApprentice
    It was funny, Bu it was sometimes very boirng and a big dissapointment.
  • xxdebxx
    June 5, 2009
    xxdebxx
    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 ... read moreJohn 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.
  • fb1025970122
    February 20, 2009
    fb1025970122
    The late, great Bernie Mac he is! Mac and Mr. Sam Jackson make a great pair in this R-rated romp that takes on the great musical stylings of the motown and funk eras. It is great to see Issac Hayes here as well and John Legends extended cameo is simply greatness.

View All Soul Men Reviews

Critic Reviews

Peter Howell
November 13, 2008
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Soul Men could have been so much more. Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards
November 10, 2008
Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com

Considering the canvas the story provides, and the richness of the tradition it taps into, the amount and quality of the music is pretty disappointing. Full Review

Michael Phillips
November 10, 2008
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

This one's only fair, but it has its low-down wiles and its moments. Full Review

Ben Mankiewicz
November 10, 2008
Ben Mankiewicz, At the Movies

It is not a perfect film but it is a nice, solid reminder of how great Bernie Mac was. Full Review

Ben Lyons
November 10, 2008
Ben Lyons, At the Movies

It really is bittersweet to watch Mac in one of his final performances. He makes the most of pretty average material here. Full Review

Christy Lemire
November 7, 2008
Christy Lemire, Associated Press

The movie crams in myriad needless subplots -- ostensibly to provide padding, which only draws attention to how thin the original story really is. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
November 7, 2008
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Unfortunately, [it's] not good enough to make up for the unnecessary proliferation of Viagra humor, rectal-exam jokes and comedy at the expense of women. Full Review

Mick LaSalle
November 7, 2008
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Soul Men has a lot to overcome in its effort to be funny. The pall over it can be ignored only intermittently, at least for the time being. Full Review

Stephanie Zacharek
November 7, 2008
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

The only good reason to see the otherwise dismal comedy Soul Men is to have a look at the late actor and comedian Bernie Mac in one of his final screen roles. Full Review

David Hiltbrand
November 7, 2008
David Hiltbrand, Philadelphia Inquirer

So why is this film worth seeing? Because it's an ideal showcase for Mac's peerless comic chops. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • The Love Guru
    The Love Guru (38%)
  • Blades of Glory
    Blades of Glory (50%)
  • Blues Brothers 2000
    Blues Brothers 2000 (67%)
  • Hitch
    Hitch (55%)

More Movies like Soul Men

Facts

No facts approved yet. Be the first

Soul Men : Watch Free on TV

Soul Men Trivia

  • Missing word: Soul ____ (08)  Answer »
  • Samuel L. Jackson Movie? Soul Men  Answer »
  • In the comedy Soul Men, what popular neo-soul singer portrayed the lead singer of Marcus Hooks and the Real Deal?  Answer »
  • The original name of Marcus's group in Soul Men ?  Answer »
More Soul Men Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All Soul Men Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add Soul Men to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View Soul Men News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

No skins yet. Interested in creating one?