'Soul Men': One Last Laugh

Soul Men: Opened in Theaters November 7th. (Courtesy Dimension Films/MGM)

“Soul Men” is the same estranged buddy, road-trip movie we've seen hundreds of times before, but the energy that stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac bring to it makes this comedy a must-see. And if that doesn't convince you, just think: Bernie Mac offers his last laughs.

The extremely predictable, profane and crude movie easily earns an R-rating. The chemistry between Mac and Jackson, though, combined with their road trip shenanigans, more than make up for the lack of originality.

Floyd Henderson (Mac) and Louis Hinds (Jackson) are former R&B legends that sang backup in a chart-topping trio in the ‘70s. When the lead singer, Marcus Hooks (John Legend), chooses a solo career, Floyd and Louis form the "Real Deal" and tour as a duo. The "Real Deal" split real fast after a love triangle with a woman named Odetta (Monyetta Shaw) comes between the duo.

Fast forward to the present: Floyd lives a dull retiree lifestyle, while Louis, who is now an ex-convict, works in an auto shop. When Floyd learns of Marcus' death and subsequent plans to salute him and his career at the Apollo Theater, he seeks to take advantage of the moment to stage a comeback.

However, when Floyd shows up unannounced to Louis' home, he is met with much hostility. Ulterior motives abound as one of them seeks to escape a meaningless existence while the other wants the “almighty dollar.” After much bickering, the duo agrees to drive cross-country from Los Angles to New York in five days, where the real misadventures begin.

In preparation for their big performance at the Apollo, Floyd lines-up several gigs in various cities. While on the road, the two encounter your average slapstick, road trip scenarios including fast women, a wannabe thug, rapper “Lester the Court Jester,” and Floyd or Louis’ possible love child Cleo (Odetta’s daughter).

Bottom Line: The movie lacks originality and sometimes borders on being raunchy. However, the chemistry between Mac and Jackson (who even display their vocal and dancing skills) makes you throw your criticisms of the storyline to the wind. An added bonus to the movie is the ending credits, which showcase Mac in a montage of bloopers and interviews. The movie is dedicated to Mac who died Aug. 9 of complications from pneumonia and Isaac Hayes (playing himself) who died one day later on Aug. 10, affectionately calling them "Real Soul Men." This is truly Mac doing what he did best—making people laugh. My grade: B.

Check out the movie trailer below: