Soul Men (DVD Review)

Before his untimely death, comedian Bernie Mac teamed up with long time friend and action-movie star Samuel L. Jackson in “Soul Men.”

“Soul Men” is the story of Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac), two background singers who get reunited after their former lead singer (played by John Legend) dies. The duo has fallen out of touch since they last performed and a twenty-year grudge has made the two bitter rivals.

At first, “Soul Men” appears to be your typical road trip tale about washed up singers trying to relive their glory days, one dive bar at a time. Fortunately, Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac are anything but your typical performers. The two actors are friends off camera and have a great chemistry performing together. Bernie plays off of the straight man Sam Jackson creating a uproarious adventure filled with enough expletives to make your ears quiver. Jackson and Mac also sing each song they perform on camera giving this movie an air of realism amidst the comedic backdrop. Isaac Hayes, who also passed away before this movie made it to theaters, joins them.

“Soul Men” gets off to a slow start. It begins with some humorous moments, with singer John Legend that slowly falls flat. About thirty-percent of the way through the comedy comes back into the pictures as Bernie and Sam begin to settle their quarter century feud.

A Family drama lies beneath the comedy as Floyd and Louis meat up with their old friend’s daughter Cleo, played by Sharon Leal.

Director Malcolm Lee does a great job bringing out the comedic relationship between the two singers. Although there were a few extra-raunchy scenes that seemed like something from “I’m Gonna Git you Sucka,” this movie will definitely make even the dullest person laugh out loud.

Bonus Features Include:
Commentary By Director Malcolm Lee

The Soul Men: Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson – Bernie and Sam talk about wanting to work together on a project. They are joined by the writers who discuss hwo they created the concept.

The Cast Of Soul Men – Join the cast of “Soul Men” as they talk about working with one another.

Director: Malcolm Lee – cast and production talk about working with Malcolm. Malcom shares his reflections on the movie.

A Tribute To Bernie Mac – cast and production pay tribute to Bernie

A Tribute To Isaac Hayes – cast and production pay tribute to Isaac

Boogie Ain’t Nothin’: Behind-The-Scenes – Bernie and Sam take vocal lessons and scenes from the duo working together in the studio.

Bernie Mac At The Apollo - Bernie performs comedy at the Apollo while production sets up.